STAND. COM. REP. NO. 788-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2561

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 Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2561, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FERAL ANIMALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) In a city with a population of three hundred thousand or more, declare feral chickens on public lands as a public nuisance and controllable pest, prohibit supporting feral chickens on public lands, and prohibit the abandonment of chickens on public lands or private property without consent; and

(2) Appropriate funds for the receipt, handling, and humane disposition of feral chickens that have already been caught.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; and six individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Animal Law Section of the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association; Animal Rights Hawaiʻi; Aloha Animal Sanctuary; Rubber Boots Rescue; Trooper's Chicken Rescue; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that although this measure seeks to address community concerns related to feral animal overpopulation, testimony raised significant issues regarding humane treatment, cultural sensitivity, and the capacity of agencies and community partners to implement the proposed requirements. Your Committee notes that questions remain regarding enforcement practicality, the need for comprehensive and coordinated population management strategies, and the potential for unintended consequences such as increased safety risks and community conflict.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2561, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair