STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1181-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2152

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2152, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

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

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaiʻi Sheep and Goat Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiian Humane Society; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Thompson Ranch; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; KiniKai Ranch LLC; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that livestock production is an important contributor to the State's economy and food security. Your Committee further finds that uncontrolled dogs often harass, injure, or kill livestock, causing serious financial harm to livestock producers. This measure seeks to deter such attacks by increasing penalties and enforcement mechanisms.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Adding language that allows a dog to be destroyed if the dog is found in the act of persistently pursuing or harassing livestock on land or premises in the agricultural district;

(2) Specifying that the destruction of a dog authorized by this measure shall be carried out or using means that are reasonable under the circumstances and not intended to cause undue suffering; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2152, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2152, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair