Bill > HB634

This bill amends Hawaii's existing law regarding dangerous dogs by significantly expanding and escalating penalties for dog owners whose negligence results in bodily injuries to humans. The bill creates a tiered penalty system based on the severity of injury, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. For less severe injuries (bodily injury), owners would face misdemeanor charges with potential fines between $1,000-$2,000, up to six months imprisonment, and mandatory restitution payments. More serious injuries now trigger increased felony charges: a class C felony for substantial bodily injury with potential fines up to $10,000 and one to five years imprisonment, a class B felony for serious bodily injury with potential fines up to $25,000 and five to ten years imprisonment, and a class A felony for injuries resulting in death with potential fines up to $50,000 and ten to twenty years imprisonment. In all cases involving serious injuries or death, the dangerous dog would be euthanized, and no sentences would be suspended. Additionally, dog owners would be required to obtain liability insurance of at least $50,000, meet specific conditions for dangerous dog ownership, and comply with court-imposed control measures. The bill aims to create stronger legal consequences for dog owners who fail to properly control dangerous animals.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=634&year=2026