STAND. COM. REP. NO. 40

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 593

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 593 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require research facilities to make suitable cats and dogs that are no longer required for research available for adoption; and

     (2)  Allow research facilities to contract with animal rescue organizations to facilitate the adoptions.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Humane Society of the United States, Hawaiian Humane Society, National Anti-Vivisection Society, West Hawaii Humane Society, Poi Dogs & Popoki, Animal Rights Hawaii, and thirteen individuals.

     Your Committee finds that thousands of cats and dogs are used in research each year.  Although many of these animals are healthy and suitable for adoption after they are used for research purposes, most of them are euthanized.  Your Committee finds that encouraging working relationships between research facilities and animal rescue organizations will save the lives of many adoptable animals.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 593 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair