THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3012
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ANIMAL IMPORTATION.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's geographic isolation and rabies-free status necessitate the stringent regulation of animal importation to protect public health and safety. At the same time, the State continues to experience significant challenges associated with pet overpopulation and the adverse impacts of free-roaming animals on animal welfare, community well-being, and native ecosystems.

The legislature further finds that the State's animal quarantine program serves as the primary gateway for dogs and cats entering Hawaii and provides an efficient administrative mechanism to promote responsible pet ownership without imposing additional burdens on existing veterinary resources.

The purpose of this Act is to decrease the number of fertile, unaltered dogs and cats imported into the State by requiring proof of sterilization before embarkation, subject to reasonable exemptions for medical necessity, temporary stays, and registered breeders.

SECTION 2. Chapter 142, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§142-   Proof of sterilization required for importation of dogs and cats. (a) As a condition of entry into the State under this part, the department of agriculture and biosecurity shall require submission of documentation verifying that any dog or cat imported into the State has been surgically sterilized, except as provided in subsection (b).

(b) The requirements pursuant to subsection (a) shall not apply if:

(1) The animal is being imported for a period of less than ninety days and will not be sold or transferred, or otherwise remain in the State, beyond the ninety-day period;

(2) A licensed veterinarian certifies that sterilization would jeopardize the animal's health or life; or

(3) The owner or importer declares to the department of agriculture and biosecurity the intent to import an intact animal for breeding or show purposes pursuant to subsection (c).

(c) The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall forward the declarations collected from individuals or entities importing intact dogs or cats, pursuant to subsection (b)(3), to the animal control agency or contractor in the county where the animal will be housed. The declaration shall include, at a minimum, the intact animal owner's name, residential or business address, the animal's microchip information, and species or breed of the intact animal maintained.

(d) The department of agriculture and biosecurity may assess reasonable fees to offset the costs of administering this section, including expenses related to verifying documentation.

(e) The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section. The rules shall address, at a minimum, documentation requirements, acceptable forms of proof of sterilization, and verification procedures in coordination with airlines and other carriers.

(f) For the purposes of this section, "sterilization" and "sterilized" means surgical spaying or neutering performed by a licensed veterinarian."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DAB; Counties; Animal Importation; Proof of Sterilization; Documentation

Description:

Requires, as a condition of entry into the State, documentation verifying that any dog or cat imported into the State has been surgically sterilized, subject to certain exemptions. Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to forward declarations of intact animal importation to appropriate county animal control agencies or contractors. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

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