STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1422-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 3011

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 3011, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to allow residents of public housing and state low-income housing projects to keep pets, subject to applicable laws and reasonable conditions; and

(2) Appropriate funds for site modifications and positions for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiian Humane Society; Maui Humane Society; Hawaii Island Humane Society; Animal Interfaith Alliance in Britain; Fur‑Angel Foundation; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

Your Committee finds that existing restrictions on pet ownership in public housing and state low‑income housing projects can create barriers to housing stability and negatively affect the well‑being of residents, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families. Research has shown that responsible pet ownership can provide significant emotional and mental health benefits, while reasonable regulations can effectively address concerns related to safety, sanitation, and property damage. This measure will promote resident stability, humane housing practices, and safer living environments in public housing communities statewide.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Prohibiting any pet animal from being at-large on public housing premises and defining "at-large";

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; 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 Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3011, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3011, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

LUKE A. EVSLIN, Chair