The Proposal

Big Island has already passed this ordinance.

We are proposing to use it for Kaua'i.

See their original Bill below:

IMPACT UPON ADOPTION:

This ordinance helps ensure that beekeeping is recognized, protected, and practiced responsibly across Kaua‘i County — supporting food security, pollinator health, and sustainable agriculture.

See how this effects your neighborhood

Go to map*

*Map shows the minimum 15 foot setback w/flyover barrier required

Summary

Purpose

This ordinance would update Kaua‘i County law to support and promote beekeeping by:

Legalizing apiaries (bee yards) in all zoning districts
Establishing best practices for beekeeping

Key Provisions

This ordinance would allow beekeeping more broadly:

Adds apiaries to the list of permitted agricultural activities in all zones
Protects responsible beekeepers from unreasonable restrictions
Lots less than 20,000sq feet shall be limited to no more than fifteen honeybee hives, unless granted an exemption
Apiaries shall be located at least 25 feet from a property line unless using a flyover barrier, then 15 feet from a property line must be maintained

Creates Beekeeping Standards

All beekeepers must follow generally accepted apiary management practices, including:

Regular hive inspections
Providing fresh water with landing spots
Proactively manage colonies to prevent swarming
Protect hives from bright lights at night
Using removable-frame hives
Managing pests (like mites, beetles, wax moths)
Maintain and properly store equipment to prevent pest invasions
Requeening aggressive hives
Being considerate of neighbors (placement, response to concerns)
Planting non-invasive, bee-friendly flowers
Practicing fire safety when using smokers

Other Key Points

Nuisance complaints (e.g., aggressive bees) go to the Hawai‘i Dept. of Health
Africanized bees must be reported to the State Dept. of Agriculture
Encourages new beekeepers to consult with local experts and agencies

"Proven Worldwide — Now It’s Kaua‘i’s Turn"

Here is a brief overview of highly populated areas that currently allow urban beekeeping, organized by location:

HAWAI'I:

Honolulu (Oʻahu) allows non-commercial beekeeping in all zoning areas, with sensible restrictions—such as a maximum of eight hives per lot, hive placement guidelines (setbacks or protective barriers), and hive registration requirements. CTAHU Website

Mainland U.S. Cities

Boston, MA: As of February 2024, residents may keep up to three hives anywhere in the city by registering and paying a small fee. Setback and height rules apply. Boston.gov
Chicago, IL: Permits up to five honeybee colonies per residential lot as an accessory use. Sustainable City Code Reddit
Milwaukee, WI: Beekeeping permitted via ordinance; local initiatives help support urban hive care. Sustainable City CodeReddit
Los Angeles, CA: Legal since 2015—with restrictions on hive density and placement. HoneyLove
San Francisco, CA: Urban beekeeping is legal across the city, even in its dense neighborhoods. Hives thrive on rooftops, in backyards, and in community gardens, helping pollinate parks and urban farms. SF Beekeepers Association
New York City, NY: The ban was lifted around 2010; urban beekeeping is now legal with species restrictions (Apis mellifera only) and registered hives on rooftops and properties like the Waldorf Astoria. Discover the benefits of honey Wikipedia
Philadelphia, PA: Urban hives are thriving—managed in buildings, community gardens, and abandoned lots. PBS
Sacramento, CA: Allows up to two hives per parcel (depending on zoning), with guidelines to reduce neighbor conflicts via hive placement and barriers. City of Sacramento

Global Examples

London, UK: Urban beekeeping has surged—over 3,200 apiaries reported between 1999 and 2012. Supported by local associations and city programs. Wikipedia
Seoul, South Korea: Rooftop hives began in 2012 (e.g., City Hall); the city has since banned neonicotinoid pesticides in parks and expanded educational programs. Wikipedia
Johannesburg, South Africa: The urban forest environment supports thriving beekeeping; all beekeepers must register with the national agriculture department. Wikipedia
Toronto: No city-specific bylaws, but general setbacks apply; urban beekeeping is common in community gardens. Wikipedia
Vancouver: Active community initiatives supply urban gardens with hive resources and education. Wikipedia
Australia: A robust beekeeping industry, with over 670,000 registered hives (2018 data). State-level regulation ensures strong biosecurity and industry growth. Wikipedia