THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

632

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to Feral chickens.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that feral chickens and roosters are a persistent nuisance in urban and suburban communities throughout the State.  Feral chickens and roosters trespass into yards and gardens, dig up plants, damage food crops, and jeopardize native plants.  Feral roosters are also a noise nuisance, as they crow at all times of the day and night, which has led to numerous complaints throughout the State.  These feral chickens also create road hazards for drivers who must suddenly stop or swerve to avoid them on roadways.

     The legislature further finds that unsanitary droppings and aviary parasites from these birds are also a health concern.  Feral chickens carry diseases that threaten or kill native birds.  There is also a risk that feral chickens will spread disease to fowl and other wild birds.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a five-year feral chicken eradication pilot program to eradicate feral chickens in the State.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the department of health a five-year feral chicken eradication pilot program.  The department of health shall collaborate with the department of agriculture to create a pilot program that shall:

     (1)  Develop humane and cost-effective methods to eradicate feral chickens in urban and suburban areas, beginning with the Pearl City and Aiea neighborhoods; and

     (2)  Collaborate with each county to eradicate feral chickens throughout the State.

     (b)  The department of agriculture shall submit a special local need registration to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the use of OvoControl for the reduction of feral chicken populations in the State.

     (c)  The department of health shall submit to the legislature an annual report, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, on the expenditure of funds for the feral chicken eradication pilot program and the pilot program's efficacy of eradicating feral chickens in the State, beginning with the Pearl City and Aiea neighborhoods of Oahu.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2029.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Feral Chickens; Animal Eradication Program; Pilot Program; Special Local Need Registration; Appropriation

 

 

Description:

Establishes a 5-year pilot program within the Department of Health to eradicate feral chickens in the State.  Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a special local need registration to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  Makes an appropriation.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.