Council weighs parks package; Farm Bureau backs farmers markets, some residents urge vetting

Council members and community testifiers discussed a multi‑bill parks package that would clarify allowable activities in parks, authorize fees for certain garden uses and create a parks maintenance revolving fund.

Brian Miyamoto, representing the Hawaii Farm Bureau, testified in support of Bill 30, which clarifies that farmers markets are permitted in city parks; he urged safeguards so markets prioritize food producers rather than craft fairs. Council member Kea Tupelo and others highlighted that parks and lots could support local economies and revitalize neighborhoods, while raising concerns about parking and visitor impacts in places such as Waimanalo.

Natalie Wasser raised concerns about Bill 32 (authority to charge fees for botanical gardens) and asked for assurances that any fee structure would not become a barrier to public access; she also opposed a proposed parks special fund (Bill 33) on the grounds that prior special funds had lapsed and reduced budgeting flexibility. Council members said they support vetting projects and adding guardrails so fees and special funds are transparent and equitable.

Outcome at the meeting: first reading items for the parks package advanced; committee review will consider guardrails and implementation details for fees and the proposed special fund.