STAND. COM. REP. NO. 291

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 239

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 239 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Prohibit manufacturers and contract testing facilities in Hawaii from using animal test methods for the purpose of testing cosmetics or household products for which an alternative test method is available; and

(2) Impose a civil fine and authorize the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief for violations of the prohibition.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, West Hawaii Humane Society, Cruelty Free International, National Anti-Vivisection Society, Animal Rights Hawai‘i, Humane Society of the United States, Down to Earth Organic and Natural, O‘ahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Wipeout Crew, and twenty-two individuals.

Your Committees find that there are no federal laws in the United States that prohibit the use of animals for cosmetic or household products testing or require companies to first look for alternative testing methods. Your Committees further find that several other states require alternative testing methods, if available, to be used for cosmetic and household product testing. Your Committees additionally find that by setting forth a clear regulatory mandate to utilize non-animal testing methods whenever available, Hawaii can prevent animal suffering and ensure that the best available scientific tests are used for products developed and manufactured in the State.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 239 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

________________________________ ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair