SB 2160 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO BEEKEEPING.

Summary

Clarifies the registration process for beekeepers with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to provide guidance and support to registered beekeepers to help beekeepers adhere to certain industry standards and best management practices. Establishes a limitation on liability for any registered beekeeper who follows industry standards and best practices. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Feb 3, 2026

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What changed between versions

SB2160 → SB2160_SD1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill modernizes Hawaii's beekeeping laws by clarifying registration requirements, establishing a new apiary program with specific staff positions, and adding a liability protection for beekeepers who follow industry standards. It also updates the definition of 'bee' to explicitly exclude aggressive subspecies and sets a future effective date of July 1, 2050.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity's role by mandating the creation of an apiary program with specific job roles (specialist, planner, and technicians) to support and monitor registered beekeepers.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish an apiary program with one apiary specialist, one apiary planner, and two apiary technicians.

Added a specific requirement that beekeepers must requeen hives only after considering genetic traits like pest resistance and hygienic behaviors.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'bee' to explicitly exclude wasps, hornets, African subspecies, and Africanized hybrids.

FISCAL

Appropriated funds from general revenues to register beekeepers, provide support, and fund the new apiary program positions.

TIMELINE

Set the effective date of the Act to July 1, 2050.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM/CPN.

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Committee

Reported from AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2106) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM/CPN.

upper

Jan 28, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, DeCoite, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Jan 23, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on AEN has scheduled a public hearing on 01-28-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 22, 2026

Committee

Referred to AEN, WAM/CPN.

upper

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

5 primary · 3 co-sponsors