STAND. COM. REP. NO.  726-16

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2016

RE:   H.B. No. 1668

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 1668 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE USE OF A DOG IN JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to facilitate the testimony of a vulnerable witness by authorizing the court to permit the use of a trained and credentialed facility dog that provides the witness with emotional support without causing a distraction during the court proceedings.

The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney, Kauai County Prosecuting Attorney, Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Courthouse Dogs Foundation, Pacific Pet Alliance, Hawaiian Humane Society, Humane Society of the United States – Hawaii, The Children's Alliance of Hawaii, Dogs that Help, and one concerned individual testified in support of this measure.  One concerned individual testified in opposition.

     Your Committee recognizes that testifying in court may be a very stressful situation for traumatized or vulnerable witnesses and victims of crime.  A facility dog can aid in testimony by comforting these persons.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1668 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair