STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1366

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

 

RE:   S.B. No. 301

      S.D. 1

      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 S.B. No. 301, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DOGS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to establish an additional penalty for a dog owner whose dog destroys property while on land zoned for agricultural use.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Ponoholo Ranch; and six individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that the presence of uncontrolled dogs on agricultural lands poses a persistent threat to ranchers, livestock producers, and the broader agricultural industry.  Incidents involving dogs attacking livestock, including cattle, sheep, and poultry, result in significant financial losses, operational disruptions, and undue distress to the affected animals.  This measure strengthens statutory protections by imposing additional penalties on dog owners whose animals cause damage on agricultural lands, thereby enhancing deterrence, promoting responsible pet ownership, and ensuring the security and viability of agricultural operations.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

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

 

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of 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 S.B. No. 301, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 301, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair