Lemon Meringue Pie Anyone?
Editor’s Note: Referenced in this letter is Ka‘aina Hull, Kauai County planning director and Kaua‘i Council Bill No. 2804, unanimously passed on March 24, 2021.
With the passage of Ag use Bill No. 2804, amending the county’s zoning ordinance, described in TGI March 25 issue, I think it is very shortsighted with the comments by a Council Member and a person named Hull, (not identified as to their position with the county). Apparently, a constituent complained that this bill would allow a pancake house in an Ag zone and the article implied NO.
Since when, with this Bill having passed the Council, would it not be O.K. for me to grow corn on my Ag property and turn it into corn cakes (they are easy to make and delicious by the way) and primarily serve them with lilikoi jam and syrup which I have made for years ? Or primarily serve lemon meringue pies, from my lemon trees and chicken eggs, and honey from my bees, with a macadamia pie crust from my mac nut trees.? Or an egg custard pie if I have a cow or goat ? Or wine from lilikoi and my star fruit tree with whatever extra permits that would be required for that product ?
And, what does “associated farms” mean? If I have a lease on a Koke‘e cabin that has apples, peaches and Koke‘e plums growing on that property, could I also sell that fruit and pies, and jam and syrup at my Ag zone farm with the aforementioned ingredients? Or could anyone import fresh produce from a farm on another Island to sell on their Ag farm?
I am totally in favor of this bill and for it to help promote Ag Tourism, plus offering wonderful products, but I think Council and Planning Commission / Department members have not considered all the possible ramifications and actual costs.
These could include but not be limited to a large staff to monitor each Farmer’s property year round with a huge necessary budget. Plus the additional local and tourist vehicles traveling the many narrow, twisty roads to get to these farms, would probably affect the safety of the residents living near the farms.
The big advantage to this type of farm stand and business is that it hopefully will encourage neighbors to meet each other at different farms with musical instruments in hand, for Saturday night jamborees, with sensible hours of course. This could bring neighbors together, rather than those feeling isolated and not knowing anyone living nearby. This might bring back a truly treasured Hawaii custom, that is seemingly vanishing too quickly.
Marj Dente, Kapa‘a
