The Hawaii County Council has approved a proposal that would allow roadside vendors to legally operate on county streets. Under Bill 184, vendors can obtain special-activity permits for a $50 fee, allowing them to sell goods or conduct business for up to one year at specified locations on county roads. The bill does not specify valid locations for permits, leaving that decision to be made by the Council with input from public officials.
Vendors without permits could face a $250 fine. However, some commercial activities conducted by nonprofits or educational institutions are exempt from the permit requirement if funds go towards supporting a specific cause or program. The bill will now go to Mayor Mitch Roth for his signature.
Supporters of the bill, including Council member Holeka Inaba and policy researcher Jonathan Helton from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, believe it will help local families and entrepreneurs benefit from the tourism industry. Helton praised the inclusion of the $250 fine, which replaced a previous proposal for a $1,000 fine.
Despite some concerns about enforcement and safety, the bill received majority support from the Council. Kona Council member Rebecca Villegas was the sole vote against the bill, arguing that it may do more harm than good. However, the majority of Council members believe the bill will provide much-needed assistance to small-scale vendors who rely on roadside sales for their livelihoods.
Source
Photo credit www.thegardenisland.com