The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Maui County Council, Agriculture, Diversification, Environment and Public Transportation Committee on Oct. 10, 2024.
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Oct. 10, 2024, 1:30 p.m.
Council Chamber, Kalana O Maui Building
To: Maui County Council Agriculture, Diversification, Environment and Public Transportation Committee
Gabe Johnson, Chair
Shane Sinenci, Vice-Chair
From: Jonathan Helton, Policy Researcher
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
RE: COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT MAUI COUNTY FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY PLAN (ADEPT-1(26))
Aloha Chair Johnson, Vice-Chair Sinenci and other members of the Committee,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii would like to offer its comments on the draft of the Maui County Food and Nutrition Security Plan.
Specifically, we suggest the final version of the plan address Maui’s zoning rules for beekeeping. This recommendation could fit under the objective labeled “Support producers in navigating regulations and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.”
Maui County should look to revise its rules about where beekeeping is permitted. Currently, beekeeping is included in the definitions of “Animal and livestock raising” and “Agriculture” in the code.[1]
These uses are only allowed in the Agricultural and Rural zoning districts. Beekeeping is also a permitted use in the Maui Research & Technology Park District and in Interim districts and certain project districts.
Section 19.04.020 provides that, in general, “Any use that is not expressly listed as a permitted principal, accessory, or special use is prohibited.”[2] A reasonable inference is that beekeeping is not permitted in any county residential or commercial districts, absent a variance or other type of special approval.
Grassroot has been involved in two pieces of beekeeping-related legislation this year, and these bills have highlighted the importance that beekeepers and honeybees play in Hawaii’s ecosystems, economic diversification and even the world’s food system.
First, Hawai‘i County lawmakers passed a sweeping bill that removed outdated permits and legalized beekeeping in all zones, subject to reasonable setback limits and health and safety rules.[3] Second, the Honolulu City Council decided against proposed limits on beekeeping that would have denied many Oahu homeowners the ability they now have to keep a few hives in their backyards.[4]
The Big Island Beekeepers Association has testified that Hawai‘i Island alone supplies 75% of Canada’s queen bees and 30% to 35% of the mainland’s queens. Queen sales, in addition to hobbyists selling honey and wax, make beekeeping a $20 million industry on the island.[5] Because certain mainland crops, nuts and fruits depend on commercial pollination, it’s no understatement to say that Hawaii’s bees help feed the world.
Oahu, Maui and Kauai counties do not have as many beekeepers or hives, but their bees play an important role in pollinating flowers and crops and providing alternative income sources for beekeepers.
Maui’s beekeepers and prospective beekeepers could further contribute to the economic and ecological sustainability of the county if current zoning rules were relaxed as they are in other counties.
We would welcome dialogue about this important topic.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Jonathan Helton
Policy Researcher
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
[1] “19.04.040 – Definitions.,” Maui County Code, accessed Oct. 8, 2024.
[2] “19.04.020 – Compliance.,” Maui County Code, accessed Oct. 8, 2024. The Cooperative Extension of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa has a similar understanding of Maui zoning code. See: “Compliance with Beekeeping Laws in Hawaii,” accessed Oct. 8, 2024.
[3] “Hawaii Island beekeepers rejoice at Council’s passage of Bill 144,” Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Sep. 8, 2024.
[4] Keli’i Akina, “To bee or not to bee?” Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Oct. 7, 2024.
[5] June 20, 2024 meeting of the Leeward Planning Commission. See the 5:29:20 mark.
