HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0786.033 2022-2024From: Bird and Bee
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Sent: Monday, August 5,2O241O:40AK4
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Kierkiamicz, Ashley; Quintal, |vory;Jeong, Kuuhiapo K.V.
Subject: Testimony supporting Bee Bill 144
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Ainh8,
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|onowriting tosupport Bee Bill 144.
As a beekeeper and beekeeping educator, I am dedicated to hetping beekeepers in Hawaii raise bees
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Why this bill imimportant:
Envlmommnemtat Benefits - Honey bees play a crucial rote in pollinating plants. By allowing beekeeping on
smatter properties, we increase the population of pollinators, which heLps sustain local. ecosystems and
agricultural. production.
Biodivemmity- Bees contribute to on area's biodivarehv by helping maintain various plants. Plant diversity
supports abroader range ofnative wildlife, promoting ahgafthiarand more balanced ecosystem.
Educationat Opportunities - Beekeeping can be an excellent too[ for children and adults. It provides
honds-on|aemningexperionoaauboutbio\ogy'ecoiogy,andtheirnportonneofpoiUnotora.Sohooio'
community groups, and families can use beekeeping to foster a deeper understanding of the natural
world and environmental stewardship.
Health and Wetiness - Beekeeping aLlows for the production of Local honey, which has many health
benefits, such oohe\pingwith aKe[giea'providing anatural sweetener, and containing ontioxidante.
Access to fresh, local honey can contribute to the community's well-being.
Therapeutic Acti^ity-It can beotherapeutic and stress -relieving hobby. Engaging vvhhbeaoandnoture
has reduced stress ieveiaand promoted mental health.
Economic Benefits - Beekeeping can become a source of supplemental. income through the sale of
honey, beeswax, and other bee -related products. This can be beneficial for families looking to diversify
their income streams.
Support LocaKAgrcmKtume-BeasimmprovenropyieidathroughpoNUnedon,enhancingkzoeiu 'oubunai
productivity. This benefits individual. gardeners, local farmers, and the broader community by ensuring a
more extensive food supply.
Community and Sociat Benefits - Foster a sense of community as neighbors and locat groups come
together to support and learn from each other. Sharing honey and knowtedge about beekeeping can
strengthen social. ties and asense ofcornrnunoiachievement.
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, Ref. Date AUG 6 2=2`
Urban Greening - Encouraging beekeeping in smatter properties can lead to more urban green spaces.
People may plant more flowers, trees, and gardens to support their bees, contributing to urban
beautification and green initiatives.
ReguKation and Safety - With proper guidelines and education, beekeeping on smatter properties can be
safe and manageable. Beekeepers can learn best practices to ensure their hives are healthy and non -
disruptive to neighbors. Many cities have successfully integrated urban beekeeping with minimal issues,
demonstrating that itcan bedone responsibly.
Support for Smatt-Scate Beekeepers - Allowing beekeeping on smatter properties supports hobbyists
and small-scale beekeepers who might need access to more extensive tracts of land. This inctusivity
ensures that beekeeping is notjust a privilege for those with extensive properties but is accessible to a
broader range ofpeople.
Permitting beekeeping on 20,000 square feet or fewer properties offers many benefits, from
environmental and economic advantages to educational and community -building opportunities. By
supporting urban and suburban beekeeping, we can enhance biodiversity, promote sustainability, and
foster a greater citizen appreciation for nature. Proper regulation and education can mitigate potential
risks, making this eworthwhile and beneficial practice for all.
_
Susan Collins,
Bird and Bee Hawaii
4G-3991Old y4ornniohoaHwy
Hnnukum'H| 88727
808-938-6019