Honolulu City Council moves to strengthen oversight of agritourism

Proposed amendments aim to prevent abuse of permitting process for large-scale agritourism projects on Oahu's agricultural lands

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Honolulu City Council has voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 17, which proposes amendments to the city's land use ordinance to require a major conditional use permit, rather than a minor permit, for large-scale agritourism businesses operating on agricultural lands. The resolution is connected to a forthcoming bill that aims to provide a more comprehensive review process and greater public input to assess the impacts of agritourism activities on agricultural operations, infrastructure, and surrounding communities.

Why it matters

The move comes as Kaukonahua Ranch LLP's planned Kamananui agribusiness in Waialua seeks to run a gondola lift up Mount Kaala, the highest mountain on Oahu. Critics argue that such large-scale projects negatively affect agricultural lands, and the current minor conditional use permit process has been improperly used to approve these types of developments.

The details

The proposed amendments would require a major conditional use permit for agritourism uses in agricultural zoning districts, providing a more comprehensive review process and greater public input. Agritourism activities would be limited to 10% of the zone lot area, with at least 51% of the zoning lot remaining in active agricultural production. Entertainment-based activities like luaus and performance-related shows would be expressly excluded.

  • In 2018, Kaukonahua Ranch LLP first sought its planned Kamananui agribusiness and gondola project.
  • By 2019, the city Department of Planning and Permitting approved a minor conditional-use permit for Kaukonahua Ranch's more than 2,300-acre agritourism project.
  • In November 2025, the City Council moved to revoke Kaukonahua Ranch's minor conditional use permit for its gondola project under Resolution 305.
  • On November 29, 2025, the Department of Planning and Permitting issued a Notice of Reconsideration on Kaukonahua Ranch's minor conditional use permit.
  • On February 20, 2026, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 17, which proposes the amendments to the city's land use ordinance.

The players

Honolulu City Council

The legislative body of the City and County of Honolulu, responsible for passing laws and overseeing city operations.

Kaukonahua Ranch LLP

A ranch in Waialua, Oahu that is seeking to operate a large-scale agritourism business, including a gondola lift up Mount Kaala.

Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP)

The city agency responsible for land use planning, zoning, and issuing permits for development projects in Honolulu.

Tommy Waters

The Chair of the Honolulu City Council, who introduced Resolution 17 along with Council member Esther Kia'aina.

Esther Kia'aina

A Honolulu City Council member who introduced Resolution 17 along with Council Chair Tommy Waters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have continued to coordinate with DPP to expand and refine Kaukonahua Ranch's agricultural operations, and satisfy the extensive list of permit conditions in consultation with relevant agencies.”

— Mark 'Skip' Taylor, General Manager, Kaukonahua Ranch (Prior statement)

“This legislation 'reinforces that agritourism must remain truly accessory to farming, strengthens Council oversight in instances where that is not the case, and ensures that the public has a meaningful role when proposals raise legitimate concerns.'”

— Tommy Waters, Chair, Honolulu City Council (Prior statement)

“Our local agricultural industry struggles with fiscal solvency and finding ways for producers to diversify their income streams will be paramount in the state's goal of doubling food production. Taking careful consideration not to impose an undue burden on legitimate producers who desire to use agritourism for the purpose of economic sustainability, will be a crucial step both now and moving forward for these types of policy considerations.”

— Taylor Kellerman, Director of Diversified Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Kualoa Ranch (Written testimony)

What’s next

The Department of Planning and Permitting will offer options on how Resolution 17 and its accompanying bill will proceed toward amending agritourism permits. A report will then be sent to the Honolulu Planning Commission, which will include the draft bill attached to Resolution 17 and likely a DPP proposal that takes into account the discussion and any other information collected.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between promoting sustainable agriculture and allowing large-scale commercial agritourism activities on Oahu's limited agricultural lands. The City Council's move to strengthen oversight aims to ensure that agritourism remains truly accessory to farming and does not negatively impact the long-term agricultural potential of these lands.