STAND. COM. REP. NO. 191

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 719

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 719 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMAL FUR PRODUCTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit the sale, offer for sale, possession with intent to sell, display for sale, distribution, or trade of fur products in the State, with certain exceptions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Animal Rights Hawaiʻi; Animal Defenders International; Hawaiian Humane Society; FOUR PAWS USA; World Animal Protection; Aloha Animal Advocates; Animal Legal Defense Fund; ECOPEL; Farm Sanctuary; The Humane Society of the United States; In Defense of Animals; Humane Society Veterinary Medical Alliance; Animal Welfare Institute; and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Fur Commission USA; Retail Merchants of Hawaii; Northern Wisconsin Mink Association; ANAMODA, Inc.; Fur Institute of Canada; Natural Fibers Alliance; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the sale of new animal fur products contributes to animal cruelty, public health risks, and environmental harm. Eliminating these products in Hawaii will help reduce demand for inhumane practices, promote awareness of animal welfare, and further the State's sustainability policies. This measure prohibits the sale, distribution, and trade of fur products in the State, with certain exceptions, ensuring a more humane and environmentally responsible marketplace.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 719, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 719, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

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

____________________________

KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair