HB628

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	628
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that residents of the State have historically enjoyed the shoreline and the ocean, often accompanied by their pet dogs. As our shoreline resources have to accommodate more people, the regulation of the shoreline and beach areas have increased. This has resulted in limiting the shoreline areas that residents may enjoy accompanied by their pet dogs.

The purpose of this Act is to set aside designated areas in state parks along the shoreline to allow residents to enjoy these areas with their pet dogs.

SECTION 2. Chapter 184, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§184- Dogs permitted in state parks. (a) Dogs shall be permitted in state parks, in designated areas with access to the shoreline; provided that the dog is under the control of a person by leash, cord, chain, or other similar means of physical restraint at all times; and provided further that the leash, cord, chain, or other means of restraint is not more than eight feet in length.

(b) The person in control of the dog shall be responsible for the retrieval and proper disposal of any fecal waste left by the dog in the state park.

(c) For purposes of this section, state parks shall not include any area designated as a part of the Hawaii natural area reserves system.

(d) The State shall not be liable for civil damages for any injury to person or damage to property caused by any dog in a state park, unless the injury or damage results from the gross negligence or wanton act or omission by a state official or employee.

(e) Subject to chapter 91, the department may adopt, amend, or repeal rules to effectuate this section."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________