Bill > HB980

This bill amends Hawaii state law to permit the killing of feral chickens on private land with the landowner's written permission, in response to concerns about nuisance behavior and potential health risks associated with avian influenza (bird flu). The legislation updates existing statutes to explicitly allow property owners to remove feral chickens using methods that comply with veterinary euthanasia guidelines, while specifically prohibiting cruel practices like animal fighting, torture, starvation, or beating. The bill defines "feral chickens" as a subset of wild birds and clarifies that "private land" excludes government-owned property. The legislative findings highlight the problems caused by feral chickens, including noise disturbances, property damage, road hazards, and potential disease transmission, with specific reference to rising H5N1 avian influenza cases. Additionally, the bill modifies related sections of Hawaii's legal code to ensure consistency with the new provisions, such as adjusting animal cruelty statutes to exempt actions performed in accordance with the new feral chicken removal guidelines, while maintaining protections against inhumane treatment of animals.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=980&year=2026