STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2042-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.C.R. No. 196

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 196 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE COUNTIES TO MORE EFFECTIVELY AND MEANINGFULLY COORDINATE THEIR POLICE ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC AWARENESS EFFORTS WITH THE STATE AND WITH HUMANE SOCIETIES AND OTHER ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS CONCERNING THE DANGERS POSED BY UNLEASHED DOGS TO HUMANS AND TO OTHER ANIMALS IN PUBLIC AREAS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the counties to strengthen their efforts to meaningfully enforce all laws, ordinances, and administrative rules regarding off-leash animals in public spaces to better protect the public and pet animals, including coordinating with county police departments, Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of State Parks enforcement officers, and authorized humane societies or animal welfare organizations to enforce animal control in state parks and other public spaces.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that all counties require dogs to be on a leash in public areas, except in certain enclosed public off—leash dog parks. Your Committee further finds that a majority of state and county parks and recreation areas prohibit all pet animals generally; however, despite clearly posted signs prohibiting animals, many persons bring dogs to such areas, creating a potentially dangerous situation for park users who have a reasonable expectation that lawful prohibitions on animals will be enforced. Your Committee also finds that humane societies or other animal welfare organizations in each county are authorized to provide animal control, impoundment, and destruction services under certain circumstances, in coordination with county police departments for incidents involving dog attacks. However, the delineation of roles and enforcement authority among county police departments, state park enforcement authorities, and animal welfare organizations can be unclear and confusing.

Your Committee finds that increased education of the public concerning leash laws, sanctions for violations of prohibitions on animals in certain parks and recreation areas, possible civil and criminal penalties in the event of dog attacks, and the roles of county or state law enforcement authorities and humane society or other animal welfare organization control officers would increase public confidence in enforcement and make public areas safer. This measure urges the counties to strengthen their efforts to enforce laws, ordinances, and rules regarding off-leash animals in public spaces and coordinate animal control services, thereby safeguarding the public's health and safety.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 196 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair