Hawaii Statewide Rule
Hawaii State Apiary and Beekeeping Regulation
Key Facts
- Statute
- HRS 142-100 (Ch. 152 repealed)
- Regulator
- Hawaii Department of Agriculture
- Imports
- Strictly restricted
- Registration
- Voluntary; one-year term
Summary
Hawaii regulates beekeeping statewide through the Department of Agriculture. Under HRS 142-100, beekeepers may register their apiaries, and the department runs an apiary program with inspection and pest-control authority to protect bees from invasive pests.
(a) Beekeepers may register with the department of agriculture and biosecurity, on forms prescribed and prepared by the department, which shall include the following information: (1) The name, address, and contact information for the beekeeper; and (2) Other information that may assist the department in compiling accurate information on Hawaii's beekeeping industry.
Full Breakdown
HRS 142-100 authorizes the Department of Agriculture to establish an apiary program and lets beekeepers register their apiaries with the department; registration is effective for one year and renewable. Importation of bees and used beekeeping equipment is tightly restricted under Department of Agriculture quarantine rules (HAR Title 4) to keep out pests such as the small hive beetle and varroa mite, and inspectors monitor colonies for disease. The former statutory apiary chapter, HRS Chapter 152, has been repealed. Counties handle local zoning and nuisance issues for hive placement but cannot override state pest-control and importation controls.
Violations & Penalties
Illegally importing bees or used equipment, or violating quarantine and pest-control rules under HRS 142-100 and HAR Title 4, can bring quarantine, destruction of infested colonies, and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import honeybees to Hawaii?
Do I need to register my beehives in Hawaii?
Sources
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