STAND. COM. REP. NO. 448

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 220

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 220 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SPAYING AND NEUTERING OF ANIMALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a Spay and Neuter Special Fund and allow funds from an income tax check-off to be deposited into the Special Fund.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Animal Rights Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Humane Society, Kaua‘i Humane Society, Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service, Pōpoki Place O‘ahu Cat Sanctuary, Poi Dogs & Popoki, Animal Interfaith Alliance in Britain, Alley Cat Allies, Save Maui Cats, Kitty Charm Farm, Cat People of Oahu, The Humane Society of the United States, and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance, Friends of Kaua‘i Wildlife Refugees, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, American Bird Conservancy, Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Taxation and one individual.

Your Committee finds that animal and free-roaming cat overpopulation are persistent issues in Hawaii. Spaying and neutering pets are proven ways to reduce pet overpopulation and euthanasia rates. Currently, the State does not contribute funds to address the spaying or neutering of free-roaming cats, which is primarily done through veterinarians or animal organizations.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Specifying that the Advisory Committee members be selected by the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture;

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

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider increasing the appropriation amount above the $50,000 provided in this measure.

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. 220, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 220, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair