Committee advances bill to add parks for farmers markets, sets $10 vendor fee limit

The committee voted unanimously to send Bill 175 to the full Hawaii County Council with a favorable recommendation. The proposed ordinance amends the county code to expand the list of park facilities eligible to host county-supported farmers markets across regions including Hilo/Hamakua, Kau, Kohala, Kona and an updated park name in Puna (William Bibi Kinoy District Park).

Maurice Messina, director of parks and recreation, described the policy as part of the department’s goal to have "at least one farmer's market in every district" and said the county would rely on nonprofit partners to run markets under memoranda of understanding. "This is finally hitting our our vision of having a farmer's market, at least one farmer's market in every district," Messina said. He added that nonprofits will be evaluated on capacity and supported directly by parks staff when needed.

Messina outlined operational details: a $10-per-day maximum vendor charge is intended to keep markets accessible to small-scale growers; vendors must generally sell products "made or produced on our island;" permits will identify vendors to allow traceability if public-health issues arise; and site selection will consider water, electricity and parking availability. "The biggest difference for our farmers markets is there is a maximum that vendors can be charged, and that is $10 a day," he said.

Council members asked about program management, selection of nonprofits and scheduling. Council member Kerkowitz asked whether nonprofits are selected competitively; Messina said nonprofits have approached the department and are evaluated on strengths and weaknesses and provided a generalized MOU that addresses insurance and other requirements. On scheduling, Messina said site-dependent calendars would be used (examples given: Kamehameha Park once a month, Pahoa Park twice a month; Waimea proposed Sunday scheduling to avoid conflicts).

Council member Leroy supported the proposal but warned that successful markets could lead to roadside "pop ups" that would "poach" vendors and suggested the department consider ordinances limiting competing roadside vending near markets. Other members raised parking and site logistics for Kailua Park and Waimea Park; Messina said vendors are expected to provide their own shade and that parks maintenance will handle trash.

The committee recorded nine ayes; the bill will move to the full council for further consideration.