Guzman Proposes Streamlining Agricultural Regulations

Council Member Don Guzman. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

A resolution urging the county administration to adopt a unified definition of agriculture and a single process to verify a property’s use, will surface for discussion on Tuesday, March 11, 2014.

Councilmember Don Guzman who is introducing the resolution issued a press release statement saying, “the definition of agriculture is inconsistent depending upon the area of responsibility and jurisdiction of the administering department, creating confusion and unnecessary complexity for Maui County’s agriculture industry.”

“Additionally, the process used to verify a property’s agricultural use often involves redundant applications and conflicting directives,” he said.

In announcing his planned action, Guzman said, “Agricultural workers shouldn’t have to sacrifice their time and resources trying to figure out which set of regulations to abide by.  Smarter government requires greater simplicity and efficiency in its rules.”

The item is on the agenda for the regular meeting of the Maui County Council that is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in the Council Camber.