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COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII <br /> BILL NO. 144 <br /> ORDINANCE NO. <br /> AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4 AND CHAPTER 25 OF THE HAWAII <br /> COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO APIARIES <br /> .AND BEEKEEPING. <br /> BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII: <br /> SECTION 1. Findings and purpose. Bees play a vital role in supporting mankind, <br /> agriculture, and native ecosystems by pollinating food crops. In addition,they provide useful <br /> products, such as honey and wax and queen bees, because Hawai`i's tropical weather, climate, <br /> and diverse plant life provide optimal conditions for year-round breeding of queen bees. Queen <br /> bees are exported to assist with ensuring a more genetically diverse, adaptive and resilient global <br /> bee stock. <br /> The purpose of this ordinance is to promote beekeeping in Hawaii County by <br /> establishing generally accepted apiary management practices for sound and sustainable <br /> beekeeping practice, and adding apiaries to the list of allowable uses in various zoning districts. <br /> SECTION 2. Chapter 4, article 1, section 4-1-1, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 <br /> Edition, as amended),is amended by amending the definition of"animals"to read as follows: <br /> ""Animals,"unless provided otherwise,include but are not limited to those animals that are <br /> customary and usual pets such as dogs, cats,rabbits, birds, [hone}-bees] and other beasts which <br /> are maintained on the premises of a dwelling unit and kept by the resident of a dwelling unit <br /> solely for personal enjoyment and companionship, such as,without limitation,for a hobby, for <br /> legal sporting activities and for guarding of property. Animals shall also include honey bees and <br /> exclude aviary game birds and fish as defined in Hawaii Revised Statutes." <br /> SECTION 3. Chapter 4 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (20 16 Edition, as amended),is <br /> amended by adding a new article to read as follows,. <br /> "Article 5. Management of Aviaries and Beekeeping. <br /> Section 4-5-I. Findingrss and purpose. <br /> The council recognizes the critical role bees play in agriculture,pollinating food crops and <br /> furnishing useful agricultural products, such as honey, wax,and queen bees. The purpose of this <br />