Bill > SB1521

This bill requires the Department of Transportation and county departments to take specific steps when disposing of deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways. Under the proposed legislation, these departments must scan the animal for a microchip, record identifying information such as the microchip number, location where the animal was found, and any contact details from a collar or tag. The departments are then required to promptly notify county animal services or animal service contractors about the deceased animal, providing all recorded details. This requirement stems from a legislative finding that since January 1, 2022, all cat and dog owners in Hawaii must have their pets microchipped, but current practices do not help reunite owners with deceased pets. The bill also appropriates funds to each of Hawaii's counties (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Honolulu) to purchase microchip scanning equipment, with the specific funding amounts to be determined. These provisions aim to help pet owners learn about their animal's fate if it is killed on a public roadway and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1521&year=2026