Food truck companies operating on agricultural land now have more options thanks to a recently passed Maui County regulation. The new rule removes a major barrier to entrance by allowing mobile food trucks and trailers to operate in agricultural zones without the need for an expensive special permit.

By formally acknowledging mobile food trucks and trailers as an ancillary use on farm-producer properties, the policy, which was approved by the Maui County Council and then signed into law, seeks to assist small enterprises. Many food truck owners who were previously forced to close their businesses owing to zoning issues, while providing locally produced, value-added products like coffee and fruit smoothies, are anticipated to gain from this shift.

The new regulations are intended to provide food truck companies greater direct access to local markets by assisting them in selling goods prepared from materials that are grown, raised, or caught in Hawaii. On Maui, there are no restrictions except of the Hana district, where there is a limited of 25 mobile operations. Molokai and Lanai, however, are exempt from the rule.

The state Department of Health’s guidelines for food safety and preparation must be followed by all mobile food businesses. The shift is being hailed as a big step in diversifying Maui’s economy and encouraging local business.

Be sure to verify all information directly ­­­­­­­­­­­ before moving forward with Food Truck Business/purchases