Welcome to the website for the Hawai`i Apiary Program!
Our program was officially established in 2011. We are here to provide services to the bees and the beekeeping industries in Hawai`i. Honey bees are not native to Hawai`i, but they have been here for over 150 years, providing a variety of excellent honey and, most importantly, pollination for many plants. Local agriculture depends heavily on honey bee pollination. Beekeeping industries in Hawai`i include honey production and queen bee rearing for export. Our website is "unofficial" because we are funded through a variety of agencies (see below) and are not using any of their "official" website services.
If you're new to beekeeping or just thinking about getting started, have a look a the "FAQ" link above. Information about bee pests and diseases can be found on the "Bee Health" page. "Current Beevents" will tell you about recent/upcoming bee-related news, including beekeeping classes in the state that we know about. "Beesources" provides links to more helpful bee information, including some instructional videos.
Apiary Program services for Hawai`i beekeepers
- A voluntary registry that provides participants with locally relevant bee information, including swarm referrals, new pest advisories, pesticide updates, etc. You can get on our email list by filling out and returning the registration form - you can download it here
- Technical assistance with all aspects of hive health
- Local input for the USDA National Honey Bee Disease Survey
- Promotion of the beekeeping industry
- Classes across the state covering a variety of beekeeping topics
- Staff who are dedicated full time to bee-related issues, including referrals to other agencies that may provide additional technical and/or financial assistance.
Apiary Program services for Hawai`i growers
- Referrals to beekeepers willing to provide pollination services on your farm
- Assistance with determining pollination requirements of specific crops
- Advice regarding bee-friendly pesticide practices
Apiary program services for Hawai`i residents
- Referrals to beekeepers for bee swarms/hives on your property
- Community outreach emphasizing the importance of bees in Hawai`i - county fairs, etc.
- Information about state and county laws pertaining to beekeeping
- Talks for your organization/event statewide
- Advice about creating a bee-friendly environment
Contact Us - who we are and where we're at
Hawai`i Department of Agriculture
16 East Lanikaula Street
Hilo, HI 96720
808-352-3010
email Danielle Downey, Apiary Specialist
email Lauren Rusert, Apiary Technician
1428 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-339-1977 (use area code 808)
email Jacquie Robson, Apiary Planner
Apiary Program History and Funding
Although our Apiary Specialist has been on the job since Decmber 2010, our program was not officially created unitl July 2011, when Governor Abercrombie signed Act 200 into law. This law created four unfunded positions and a voluntary bekeeper registry through the Hawai`i State Department of Agriculture. The program is funded until summer 2013 with assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) at the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai`i, and the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA). 