Kauai County Council Meeting – May 20, 2026

The Kauai County Council convened on May 20, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Lihue. The agenda included public hearings on four budget and tax bills (Bill 2993–2996), approval of consent calendar items, first reading and public testimony on Bill 2997 (amending beekeeping regulations), and two executive sessions. All public hearings were closed with no registered speakers or written testimony. The council approved routine items on the consent calendar and voted unanimously (7–0) to advance Bill 2997 to first reading and refer it to the Planning Commission.

Consent Calendar

• C2026-119: Receipt of item (recorded for information).
• C2026-109: Communication from the Executive on Aging requesting approval to receive and expend state funds ($55,280) for Aging and Disability Resource Center services; later amended to $71,607 (item C2026-125). Approved.
• C2026-120: Communication from Councilmembers Bulasan and Holland transmitting a bill on beekeeping (later Bill 2997). Received.
• C2026-121: Communication from the Director of Parks and Recreation requesting indemnification for use of Kapaa High School Gymnasium. Approved.
• C2026-122–124: Three communications from the Prosecuting Attorney requesting approval to receive recurring federal grants for impaired driving prosecution, Byrne JAG grant, and domestic violence prosecution. All approved.
• C2026-126–127: Two claims against the county (vehicle/property damage) referred to the County Attorney.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Bill 2997 (Beekeeping Ordinance):

• Max Richardson expressed strong support, noting that one in three bites of food is affected by pollinators and that bees can forage within a six-mile diameter, benefiting nearby agriculture. He argued responsible beekeeping minimally impacts neighbors.
• Ariel Bishop (homeowner, educator, beekeeper) supported the bill, stating that restricting beekeeping to ag zones leaves much of the island off-limits. She emphasized that Kauai's bees are free of the Varroa mite and that the current permitting process is costly. She later provided a technical definition of a flyover barrier (minimum 6 ft tall, 5 ft from hive, extending 2 ft sideways).
• Michaela Widener read UN data on bees' critical role in pollination and food security, noting 70–95% of global food crops depend on pollinators.
• Tommy Pastorello mentioned that hosting bees can qualify property for tax reductions in other regions and suggested planting native flowers for native bees.
• Doug Gates (20-year beekeeper, “bee rescuer”) supported the bill, predicting only 50–100 new beekeepers, not thousands, and argued flyover barriers (solid wall/fence/vegetation) force bees to fly upward.
• Stephanie Stauber Craig (organic farmer) supported expanding beekeeping to support local food systems and said she has never been stung while working around bees.
• Yelena Oakman highlighted additional bee products (propolis, royal jelly, bee venom) and their health benefits.
• Nelson Mukai spoke from childhood experience with beekeeping, expressing support.

On Executive Session item ES1166 (Coco Palms):

• Judy Matola urged converting the Coco Palms site into a cultural center or park rather than a hotel, citing nostalgia and lack of beach.
• Michaela Widener argued the land (“Valley of the Kings”) should be returned to Native Hawaiians for cultural rejuvenation, referencing constitutional protections and projected $67 billion global indigenous tourism economy.
• Lani Sykos warned the public about unintended consequences of past council decisions and urged lawful resolution.
• Tommy Pastorello called for eminent domain to reclaim the land, suggesting it not be developed into a 350-room hotel.
• Anna Mercer advised fixing septic and bridge issues before deciding on the property’s future.

Discussion Items

Bill 2997 – Beekeeping Ordinance (First Reading): Councilmember Bulasan (co-sponsor) explained the bill promotes beekeeping by establishing accepted apiary management practices and adding apiaries to permissible uses in all zoning districts, modeled after Big Island’s ordinance. Councilmember Holland (co-sponsor) emphasized economic and agricultural benefits.

Concerns were raised by Councilmember Cowden about allowing hives in dense R-20 zones (up to 20 units/acre) – she questioned whether property-line setbacks (25 ft) and a flyover barrier would suffice. Councilmember Bulasan noted the bill includes a 25-ft setback and a flyover barrier definition (“solid wall, fence, or dense vegetation that encourages honeybees to fly over”). Councilmember Sykos argued the definition is inadequate and needs specific height requirements; he stressed the need to protect neighbors’ right to quiet enjoyment. Ariel Bishop provided a technical definition (min. 6 ft tall, 5 ft from hive). Councilmember Cowden suggested an 8-ft barrier in residential areas.

Councilmember Carvalho and others shared their positive experience visiting KCC’s apiary, noting bees were docile. Council Chair Pozzo acknowledged that while no opposition testified, he expects future opposition from residential communities. The council voted unanimously (7–0) to advance the bill to first reading and refer it to the Planning Commission.

Executive Sessions: The council held two executive sessions (ES1165 and ES1166) pursuant to HRS §92-4 and §92-5(a)(4) for consultation on pending litigation and property conveyances (Haena Beach Park / Maniniholo Dry Cave and Coco Palms litigation). Public testimony was heard on ES1166. The County Attorney announced the executive sessions concluded and discussions must remain confidential.

Key Outcomes

• Bill 2993–2996: Public hearings closed with no testimony or written submissions.
• Consent Calendar items: All approved as moved.
• Bill 2997 (Beekeeping): Passed first reading (7–0) and referred to the Planning Commission for further review and public hearings. Council expects the commission to refine definitions (especially flyover barrier) and address property-line/setback concerns.
• Executive Sessions: Held; no action taken in open session.
• Next meeting: Not specified in transcript.