A resolution moving forward in the state Legislature threatens to undermine county ordinances regulating vacation rentals on agricultural land, but may clarify an ambiguous state law affecting hundreds of landowners, officials said yesterday.

Critics ranging from county councils to farm bureaus submitted testimony last week strongly opposing the proposed legislation and questioning the abnormal process by which it was submitted.

They say vacation rentals raise ag land prices and the resolution is an inappropriate vehicle speeding to address a controversial issue that needs thoughtful deliberation.

Supporters, including the Kaua‘i Board of Realtors and Maui Vacation Rental Association, are pushing to pass the measure — which could carry some weight but not the full force of a law.

They say state statutes do not prohibit vacation rentals on ag land and farmers need the supplemental income to survive tough financial times in a declining industry.

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(Source: Nathan Eagle, Kauai Garden Island News)