State Apiary Chief to Talk at KCC on all Things Healthy Bees

Kaua`i Community College is hosting a free community session on the role of healthy beekeeping to be presented by Danielle Downey, Apiary Chief for the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, on Monday, October 26, 2015, 6 pm – 8 pm, in the Daniel K. Inouye Technology Center building on campus. The session will include updates on best management practices for protecting crops, keeping bee colonies healthy; and apiary services for Hawai`i farmers, beekeepers, and residents.

Bee expert Downey, knows about bees and how essential they are, as major pollinators, to the success of agriculture and the production of our food. In her role since December 2011, she has travelled across the state to promote successful beekeeping and established the Hawai`i Apiary Program, which provides services to the bees and beekeeping industries.

Kaua`i CC was recently awarded grant funding to develop its Apiary Program. The project involves campus experts in science, technology, agriculture, research, business management, and beekeeping.

Downey can be reached at, Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, UH Pacific Cooperation Studies Unit, 16 E. Lanikaula St., Hilo, HI 96720, or email Danielle.L.Downey@hawaii.gov.