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 Recognizing the need to address outdated regulations and exclusions concerning bees and 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