Broader opportunities on horizon for farmers markets on Kauai

from Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, May 22, 2025

Farmers and artisans markets might soon be legal throughout Kauai following the passage last week of a bill approved by the Kaua‘i County Council and strongly supported by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

The bill, Bill 2951, was proposed in response to a January zoning complaint that shut down the popular Princeville Farmers and Artists Market. The market was operating on privately owned land where the zoning did not allow sales-related events. 

Pending final approval by Mayor Derek Kawakami, Bill 2951 will allow such markets in all zoning districts, subject to some limits. For example, in “open” zones such as where the Princeville market was operating, neighbors will be allowed to file objections with the Planning Department so long as they comprise at least 50% of the owners who are within 300 feet of the proposed operation.

Entrepreneur Desirea Hirani, who discussed the market’s closure in February on ThinkTech Hawaii with Grassroot Executive Vice President Joe Kent, celebrated the bill’s passage. 

“This bill is more than words on paper. It’s a symbol that our work matters,” Hirani posted on Instagram shortly after the vote.

Mayor Kawakami has until May 28, 2025 to sign or veto the bill, or else it automatically becomes law.