STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3222

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2152

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 2152, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DOG ATTACKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify owner liability and increase penalties and enforcement mechanisms for dog attacks on livestock occurring on land or premises within the agricultural district.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiian Humane Society; Hawaiʻi Sheep and Goat Association; Kealia Ranch LLC; and seven individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United.

Your Committee finds that livestock production is a critical contributor to the State's food security, rural economy, and land stewardship. Uncontrolled dogs, however, continue to pose a serious and ongoing threat to livestock producers across the State. Your Committee further finds that strengthening accountability and increasing penalties for owners of dogs responsible for livestock attacks can promote more responsible pet ownership and decrease threats to agricultural operations. Therefore, this measure represents a legislative commitment to supporting local food production and agricultural sustainability.

Your Committee acknowledges the concerns raised in testimony by the Hawaiian Humane Society regarding the necessity for ethical standards for treatment of dogs who have attacked livestock and finds that there is no reason to use any method other than humane euthanasia for a dog who has been surrendered to animal control services. Therefore, amendments to this measure are necessary to address this concern.

Your Committee has amended this measure by specifying that humane euthanasia shall be the sole authorized method to dispatch a dog who has been surrendered to an animal control officer upon an order from a judge.

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 H.B. No. 2152, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2152, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair