HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0786.038 2022-2024From: KristenMdCardel
Sent: Monday, August S'2O24 11:51 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bee Bill 144 Testimony
Aloha,
Please consider passing County Bitt 144 to enabte the keeping of bees on smaller properties. I own a
small farm in the Eden Roc Estates subdivision, in Mountain View. Lot sizes here are 1 acre, and are
approximately 135 feet wide and 330 feet deep. We are zoned Ag-1. Unfortunately, under the current
ordinance, beekeeping is essentially Rlegal in our agricultural lots because there is nowhere on our
properties that could meet the distance requirements for hives to be ptaced 75-feet from property
boundaries, because the tots are simply too narrow. This same issue exists in atl. rural areas with narrow
spaghetti tots of less than 150 feet. As a small farmer who is registered with the state as an agricuLturat
producer, I can attest that honey bees are essential pottinators for fruit trees and vegetables, and the
honey they produce is an essential food for increasing our istand's food sovereignty and community