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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
203 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
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.
WHEREAS, the varroa mite is a tiny external parasite that feeds off the blood of adult honey bees, larvae, and pupae and is one of the most destructive pests of honey bees; and
WHEREAS, infestation of the varroa mite has led to a decline in the numbers of bee colonies around the world, causing reductions in the pollination necessary for the production of tropical fruits and vegetables, including coffee, macadamia nuts, citrus, avocado, mango, and guava; and
WHEREAS, until 2007, with the exception of Hawaii, the varroa mite infestation was worldwide; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, the State suffered a major revenue shortfall, causing state departments to cut staff and services; and
WHEREAS, as a result of staff and service cuts, the Department of Agriculture does not have the resources to provide education and prevention services; and
WHEREAS, in January of 2009, Kauai's beekeepers united to form the Kauai Beekeepers Association to address the spread of the varroa mite; and
WHEREAS, the Kauai Bee Keepers Association is made up of professional beekeepers, volunteers, and beekeeping hobbyists, with many members receiving little or no compensation for their beekeeping activities; and
WHEREAS, the Kauai Bee Keepers Association and the Department of Agriculture have collaborated to address the spread of the varroa mite in the State by meeting with researchers with the University of Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, the Kauai Bee Keepers Association and its members are an example of the business sector and the community partnering in the State to address the largest threat to the beekeeping and honey industry; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2010, the Senate concurring, that the Legislature recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the Kauai Beekeepers Association and other key stakeholders to assist the Department of Agriculture with education and prevention of the varroa mite and other invasive species; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, the Mayor and Chairperson of the Council of the County of Kauai, and the President of the Kauai Bee Keepers Association.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Kauai Bee Keepers Association