HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2765
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the preservation of honey bee colonies.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that pollination by honey bees is a vital part of agricultural production.  One-third of the food produced in North America and nearly ninety-five varieties of fruits and other foods rely on pollination by honey bees.

     The legislature further finds that since Hawaii cannot import honey bees, the State must protect the existing honey bee population by preventing the intentional extermination of honey bee colonies.

     The purpose of this Act is to prohibit pest control operators from exterminating honey bee colonies that can be safely removed and transported to a different location.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 460J, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§460J-    Honey bee extermination. (a)  Prior to eliminating or terminating any honey bee colony, a pest control operator shall contact an apiologist, a melittologist, an entomologist, or a beekeeper to determine whether the honey bee colony can be safely removed and transported to a new location.

(b)  If the apiologist, melittologist, entomologist, or beekeeper determines that the honey bee colony can be safely removed and transported, the pest control operator shall make arrangements to safely remove and transport the bee colony to an appropriate location.

(c)  If the apiologist, melittologist, entomologist, or beekeeper determines that the honey bee colony cannot be safely removed and transported, the pest control operator may eliminate or terminate the honey bee colony as provided in this chapter."

     SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Pest Control Operators; Honey Bees; Extermination

Description:

Requires pest control operators to contact an expert prior to terminating a honey bee colony to determine whether the colony can be safely removed and transported.

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