H.C.R. 206 Summary

• Requests the Board of Agriculture Chairperson to convene an Agricultural Tourism Task Force to examine obstacles to agricultural tourism in Hawaii.

• Task force directed to study feasibility of authorizing agricultural tourism activities on agricultural lands and exempting farmers and cattlemen from county building/construction regulations related to these activities.

• Exemptions to apply only to farmers and cattlemen who have operated an agricultural business and paid general excise taxes for at least five consecutive years.

• Task force membership includes the Board of Agriculture Chairperson as chair, directors from state and county economic development agencies, and representatives from agricultural and tourism stakeholder organizations.

• Task force required to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2014 Regular Session convenes.