STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1384-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.C.R. No. 171

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 171 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES TO NOTIFY ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS OF DECEASED CATS AND DOGS THAT ARE PICKED UP ALONG STATE AND COUNTY ROADWAYS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request:

(1) State and county agencies to check and scan the microchip of a deceased dog or cat found on a public roadway; and

(2) Any information found to be timely passed along to county animal services.

Your Committee has received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiian Humane Society; Kauai Humane Society; Popoki Place Oahu Cat Sanctuary; Animal Interfaith Alliance in Britain; and twenty-five individuals.

Your Committee finds that the loss of pet cats and dogs in creates a significant emotional impact, and that closure for such losses can help mitigate the impact. Your Committee notes that many pets are killed on state or county roadways and disposed of without any effort to identify their owners. Your committee further finds that since January 1, 2022, pet owners have been required to microchip their pets, facilitating easier identification. Accordingly, this measure urges state and county agencies to scan deceased pets for microchips and record relevant information, enabling the notification of owners and facilitating reunions.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 171 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair