STAND. COM. REP. NO. 161

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 682

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 682 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

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

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from The Human Society of the United States, Hawaii Island Humane Society, Kaua‘i Humane Society, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Animal Rights Hawai‘i, and thirteen individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii and Natural Fibers Alliance.

Your Committee finds that every year, more than 100,000,000 farm-raised animals, mostly foxes, mink and chinchillas, are killed for their fur. While many of these cruel and crowded factory farms exist outside of the United States, Americans and residents of other wealthy nations contribute vastly to the substantial global demand that incentivizes the industrialized mass slaughter of animals for their furs. Your Committee additionally finds that the awful conditions of these fur farms have been linked to the spread of disease and viruses, which may be transmitted to the human population. Thus, this measure prohibits the trade of certain animal fur products in the State to curtail global industry demand for these cruel and environmentally harmful products, promote community awareness of industry-animal welfare, and to enhance the reputation of the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 682 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary and Ways and Means.

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

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair