STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2981

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2565

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2565 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATED TO PUBLIC PARKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Prohibit counties from prohibiting leashed dogs in public parks; and

(2) Establish penalties for leaving dog excrement on public or private property.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Maui County Council, Hawaiian Humane Society, Kauaʻi Humane Society, and seventeen individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from thirteen individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General.

Your Committee finds that there are limited options where dog owners can safely walk their pets. County parks are some of the few places where bathroom facilities are available and easily accessible to the public. However, many county parks prohibit dogs, which requires owners to leave their dogs unattended while they use the public restroom and puts dogs at risk of being stolen. This measure will promote responsible dog ownership and support the health of people and pets in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Deleting language that would have established redundant penalties for leaving dog excrement on public or private property;

(2) Inserting a savings clause; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2565, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2565, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair