Unlocking Opportunity: How the Commission is Empowering Food Trucks and Trailers on Farmland

Jacob Williams of Hana Harvest Farm supports a bill that would allow mobile food trucks and trailers on agricultural land in Maui County. The Maui News/Gary Kubota

The Maui Planning Commission is considering a new bill that would let food trucks and trailers operate on agricultural land. This comes after farmers shared their concerns about being shut down, even after being given initial approval.

Jacob Williams from Hana Harvest Farm shared his story. He had been running his food truck since 2017 but was told in 2024 that he was breaking the county’s agricultural laws and had to cease operations. This sudden change led to him laying off six workers and stopping purchases from around 30 local farms.

The commission voted unanimously to recommend this new bill to the Maui County Council. They decided to remove a rule that would have required food trucks to be spaced 500 feet apart, which could encourage more food options near farms.

Commissioner Ashley Lindsey expressed that every farm should have the freedom to decide if they want food trucks on their property. She believes that having more food trucks could help farmers collaborate and showcase a diverse range of products.

During the hearing, Gregory Pfost, a planning officer, stated that while the agricultural code allows food stands, it doesn’t specifically mention mobile food trucks and trailers. This oversight is part of why farmers like Gale Ashby feel frustrated. Ashby, who has a food trailer, was also told to stop his business in 2023, causing him to lose income he relied on to sustain his farm.

Supporters of the bill believe it can boost sales for farmers directly, allowing them to reach customers without extra layers. Maui Chamber of Commerce President Pamela Tumpap noted that this bill can help diversify farmers’ incomes and create connections between agriculture and tourism.

Kyle Caires from the Maui Farm Bureau added that this change would allow farmers to sell local products on their farms, which strengthens local connections and reduces middlemen. Council member Gabe Johnson also addressed fears of too many food trucks appearing. He pointed out that those concerns from the last decade didn’t come true.

As the bill moves forward, it aims to create more opportunities for small businesses and farmers to sell their products more easily. Johnson emphasized that this is about helping local growers and vendors connect directly with the community.