We'll be meeting w/some of our Kaua'i state legislators to discuss issues related to beekeeping (imagine that!) on Kaua'i and around the state. This was scheduled for our December meeting but with the holidaze and all.....
Here's a cut and paste agenda from an e.mail generated by Amy Luke of Rep. Tokokia's office. A big mahalo to Rep Tokioka and his staff for helping Kaua'i beekeepers have a voice in the state legislature
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Beekeeper Agenda
1/22/2011
KCC
4pm
1) 2010 HCR 203
Recognizing the efforts of the Kauai beekeepers association and other key stakeholders for their efforts to assist the department of agriculture with education and prevention of the Varroa Mite and other invasive species
Discuss potential influences in Dept. of Agriculture (DOA) and being proactive in Varroa Mite and Small Hive Beetle issue.
Working together (w/ cuts in funding and positions) on being proactive/relying on community for back up and support.
2) Pesticides- take a look back at pesticide legislation
2009 SB 463
Requires the DOA to publish an annual report on pesticide use in the State including investigations of health related complaints by the DOH; requires users of pesticides to report usage to the DOA; permits the DOA to impose a fee to recover costs.
3) Dept. of Agriculture regulations and restrictions- Interim rule in place from Big Island to Oahu on shipping has lapsed.
*Inspections are required for movements of goods and travel.
*Limited source of funding/limited inspectors
*What will it take for us to get there/ engaging- Ag side? Industry side? Fruits? Flowers?
*Look at a stakeholders list and tap into where the funds will support invasive species prevention.
*Harmful effects of unwanted pests << Grant in aid applications/ federal fund matching grants>>
4) University of Hawaii and their bee program - CTAHR or DOA –Support for a Queen rearing program-
5) Future Forward
Registration program-beekeepers registrations-Getting active on education
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On another note and will post more about this later, a HUGE mahalo to Oliver Shagnasty for his generous donation of 6 hives( boxes and all!) to the KCC apiary program. KBee members were able to assist in the packaging and transporting of the colonies last week under the supervision of Francis Takahashi from KCC and Oliver himself. This donation will help to develop an apiary program at KCC to enhance beekeeping activities and support the related industries that benefit from honeybee management on Kaua'i.
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