Column: Beekeeping for fun and sustainability in Hawaii nei

Beekeeping in Hawaii dates to 1857, when the first hives were introduced from California. “One hundred sixty-two years later,” said Scott Nikaido of the University of Hawaii Bee Project, “beekeeping has become ‘cool.’” Nikaido says classes he teaches through the University of Hawaii Outreach College are almost always oversubscribed.

My co-writer Rob Kay recently attended Nikaido’s classes, which were held on four consecutive Saturdays on campus at Manoa and at the UH agricultural station in Waimanalo. Rob, who recently acquired a few hives, says he not only likes harvesting honey and having his bees pollinate the fruit trees in his yard, but feels like he’s doing his part for the aina.

Nikaido was kind enough to sit down with us and provide our readers with some FAQs on keeping bees on Oahu.

Question: If I’m interested in keeping bees, where can I take classes locally?

Answer: There are a few classes offered by local beekeepers. The University of Hawaii Bee Project offers beekeeping classes through the Outreach College.

Q: How much work per week is involved?

A; Figure on budgeting at least two to four hours a week — or more to maintain your hives.

Q: What kind of investment in equipment will it take to get started?

A: It depends on the size of the apiary. For most new beekeepers, an investment of at least two colonies is required. This includes boxes, tools and protective clothing. This can cost between $500 to $1,000. This does not include the bees, which can cost an additional $250 to $500.

Q: Where do I get equipment?

A: Locally you can go online to see what’s on Craigs­list. If you can’t get it here, there’s Amazon and any number of mainland vendors. Minnesota-based Mann Lake has excellent-quality products and will provide free shipping for purchases over $100 in the continental U.S.

Q: How do I obtain bees?

A: Currently, the only way to obtain bees is to either catch a swarm of bees or purchase a hive from a beekeeper. I would recommend new beekeepers to purchase a beehive. (Note that it’s illegal to buy and ship bees into the state as well as ship between islands.)

Q: How much honey does the average hive produce?

A: Currently a healthy hive should produce on average around 100 pounds of honey each year. However, this will vary by location.

Q: I do not want more than one colony of bees. Is that OK?

A: Normally we suggest having at least two colonies. It’s good to have a backup colony.

Q: Can I keep bees in a residential neighborhood such as Kaimuki?

A: Yes. The C and C (city and county) ordinance allows up to eight beehives in residential areas. However, there are some restrictions such as keeping hives properly shaded from adjacent night lighting on adjoining properties, keeping the hives behind a solid fence or hedge at least 6 feet in height and other guidelines that you’ll need to be aware of.

Help for beginners

Every beginner is going to need a mentor.

Rob’s “classmate” at the UH Outreach program, Travis Takeuchi, has helped him with hive inspections and maintenance. Takeuchi, a Realtor at Engel and Vol­kers who keeps his own bees, says beginning beekeepers should understand that you can’t simply “stash” bees in your yard and forget about them. He likens bees to livestock that need to be fed and protected from disease and predators.

Nikaido, of UH, recommends that newbies needing advice should contact the UH Bee Project, 956-2445, uhbeeproject@gmail.com. He also suggests joining a beekeeping organization such as Hawaiian Honey Bee Co-op, Hawaii Beekeepers Association or Bee Collective where they can get help and advice from more experienced beekeepers.

Rob’s bottom line on keeping bees: “They are challenging enough to keep life interesting, and the honey makes great holiday gifts.”

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Mike Meyer, formerly internet general manager at Oceanic Time Warner Cable, is now chief information officer at Honolulu Community College. Reach him at mmeyer@hawaii.edu.