HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0786.040 2022-2024[� o
From: Monica Pezz
cccz
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 12:20 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 144Testimony
F� r-
Ahoha'
c=
I am writing to support Bee Bill 144. As a beekeeper and beekeeping educator, I am dedicated to helping
beekeepers inHawaii raise bees successfully.
Why this bill iSimportant:
Environmental, Benefits - Honey bees play a crucial role in pottinating plants. By attowing beekeeping on
Srn8Kar properties, we increase the popu(otion Of pOKiD8tOrG'vvhich h8ipGSUSt8iD k]C8i8COoyeterno and
agricultural. production.
Biodivenaity - Bees contribute to on area's biodivenaitv by helping maintain various plants. Pbantdivenahv
supports a broader range of native wildlife, promoting a healthier and more baLanced ecosystem.
Educational Opportunities - Beekeeping can be an excettent toot for children and adults. It provides
hondo-onheerningexperiencaaaboutbioiogy,eoniogy'andthoirnportanneofpniUnotorm.Schooia,
community groups, and families can use beekeeping to foster a deeper understanding of the natural
world and environmental stewardship.
Health and WeRness - Beekeeping attows for the production of local honey, which has many health
benefits, such as helping with allergies, providing a natural sweetener, and containing antioxiclants.
Access to fresh, Local. honey can contribute to the community's well. -being.
Therapeutic Activity - It can be a therapeutic and stress-retieving hobby. Engaging with bees and nature
has reduced stress kaveiaand promoted mental haakh.
Economic Benefits - Beekeeping can become a source of supplemental income by selling honey,
beeswax, and other bee -related products. This can be beneficial for families looking to diversify their
income streams.
SupportL000\Anrioultune-Doeainnprmvaurop yieldsthrough pollination, enhancing local agricultural
productivity. This benefits individual. gardeners, local. farmers, and the broader community by ensuring a
more extensive food supply.
Community and Social Benefits - Foster a sense of community as neighbors and locat groups come
together to support and learn from each other. Sharing honey and knowledge about beekeeping can
strengthen social ties and esense ofcommunal achievement.
��
K��"��
I am
UrbonGreaning-Encouro ingbankanpinginennoUerppopertiaaoonkaodtonnornurbmngreannpecea.
People may plant more flowers, trees, and gardens to support their bees, contributing to urban
beautification and green initiatives.
Regulation and Safety - With proper guidelines and education, beekeeping on smatter properties can be
safe and manageable. Beekeepers can learn best practices toensure 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 Small -Scale Beekeepers - Allowing beekeeping on smatter properties supports hobbyists and
small-scale beekeepers who might need access to more extensive tracts of land. This inclusivity ensures
that beekeeping is not just a privilege for those with extensive properties but is accessible to a broader
range of people. Permitting beekeeping on 20,000 square feet or fewer properties offers many benefits,
from environmental and economic advantages to educational and community -building opportunities.
Supporting urban and suburban beekeeping can enhance biodiversity, promote sustainabitity, and foster
a greater citizen appreciation for nature. Proper regulation and education can mitigate potential risks,
making this aworthwhile and beneficial practice for all.
M8haio,
Monica Pezze,Arfisan Beekeeper
808-331-1369
15_566 KedaUPnhnnRd
Ste. 188 PMB 602