2024-06-24 Testimony David Thomas

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COH PLANNING DEPT JUN 26 2024 HH 10:37 June 24, 2024 Testimony: Bill 144 (Bee Bill) REC'D BY MAIL David P. Thomas Dear Planning Committee Members, I support Bill 144, an ordinance amending Chapter 4(Animals) and Chapter 25(Zoning) of Hawaii County Code 1983, relating to apiaries and beekeeping, as it is written. I am David P. Thomas, general manager of Paradise Queen Hawai'i. As a commercial operation, one of the most important aspects of this bill to amend Hawai'l County Code, Ch. 25 Zoning is to permit beekeeping in all districts and remove requirement that apiaries be set back 1000 feet from major roadways. We have mutually beneficial agreements with most of the larger macadamia and tropical fruit farms on the Hilo side of the Island, as well as in the Pahala area. It is to our advantage and the benefit of these farms to be able to place the apiaries where they are needed. We work with the farm managers and always try to place the apiaries where they will not interfere with normal farming practices. We also produce mite resistant queens which are sold on Island but mainly to many beekeeping companies on the Mainland for pollination and honey production purposes. I wish to reiterate that I support Bill 144. It is good for the entire beekeeping community from the hobbyist to the largest commercial companies. It is in our best interest to follow best management practices and to have good relations with our neighbors. Thank you for the opportunity to give testimony in favor of Bill 144. Le2,7L4 David P. Thomas General Manager Paradise Queen Hawai'i