BIL 144 Draft 02 2022-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I JMgYF0 H,�1 • STATE OF HAWAI`I qTE p•F•N p� BILL NO. 144 (DRAFT' 2 ) ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4 AND CHAPTER 25 OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO APIARIES AND BEEKEEPING. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I: SECTION 1. Findings and purpose. Bees play a vital role in supporting mankind, agriculture, and native ecosystems by pollinating food crops. In addition, they provide useful products, such as honey and wax and queen bees, because Hawai`i's tropical weather, climate, and diverse plant life provide optimal conditions for year-round breeding of queen bees. Queen bees are exported to assist with ensuring a more genetically diverse, adaptive and resilient global bee stock. The purpose of this ordinance is to promote beekeeping in Hawaii County by establishing generally accepted apiary management practices for sound and sustainable beekeeping practice, and adding apiaries to the list of allowable uses in various zoning districts. SECTION 2. Chapter 4, article 1, section 4-1-1, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), is amended by amending the definition of "animals" to read as follows: ""Animals," unless provided otherwise, include but are not limited to those animals that are customary and usual pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, [honey bees] and other beasts which are maintained on the premises of a dwelling unit and kept by the resident of a dwelling unit solely for personal enjoyment and companionship, such as, without limitation, for a hobby, for legal sporting activities and for guarding of property. Animals shall also include honey bees and exclude aviary game birds and fish as defined in Hawaii Revised Statutes." SECTION 3. Chapter 4 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), is amended by adding a new article to read as follows: "Article 5. Management of Apiaries and Beekeeping. Section 4-5-1. Findings and purpose. The council recognizes the critical role bees plate agriculture, pollinating food crops and furnishing useful agricultural products, such as honey, wax, and queen bees. The purpose of this A .r