STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2741

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3011

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 Ways and Means, 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 and intent of this measure is to allow residents of public and state low-income housing projects to keep pets, subject to applicable laws and reasonable conditions.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaiian Humane Society, Animal Interfaith Alliance in Britain, Maui Humane Society, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

Your Committee finds that the limited supply of pet-friendly housing exacerbates the challenge of finding appropriate housing in the State, which already faces an affordable housing shortage. A 2024 survey of Oahu households found that thirty percent of families had surrendered a pet in the past five years because pet-friendly housing was unavailable.

Allowing pets in public housing projects and low-income housing will help vulnerable residents find homes while keeping pets.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3011, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair