HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-18 Bill 144 Paul Landau From: Paul L.
To: W PCtesti mons
Subject: Beekeeping Bill 144
Date: Tuesday,June 18,2024 11:27:14 AM
Aloha,
I take this opportunity to urge you to support this beekeeping bill. It has been in the works
for years. Please review the background and highlights attached and you will see that all the
bases have been covered and all interested parties are in agreement that this is a good idea.
Please give us this final blessing!
Mahalo, Paul Landau
Beekeeper in Honoka'a
Background of Bill 144:
Recognizing the need to address outdated regulations and exclusions concerning bees and
apiaries, a dedicated effort was made to craft a new ordinance tailored specifically for these
vital aspects of our ecosystem and our bee industries. Under the leadership of Council
Member Ashley Kirkiewicz, a diverse committee was formed, comprising beekeeping
stakeholders ranging from hobbyists to commercial beekeepers and queen breeders.
Additionally, representatives from the Health Department, Planning Department, Department
of Agriculture, and Corporate Counsel lent their expertise to this collaborative endeavor.
Highlights of the Bill:
1. Permits beekeeping and siting of apiaries across all zoning districts.
2. Removes requirement that hives be setback 1,000 feet from a major roadway.
3. Establishes generally accepted Best Management Practices to encourage appropriate
apiary setups.
4. Limits number of hives to 15 on lots smaller than 20,000 sq. feet (0.46 acre).
5. Planning Director may grant exemption for lots less than 20,000 sq. feet with more than
15 hives.
6. Requires that hives be set back at least 25 feet from property line, or 15 feet with flyover
barrier.