Bill > SB3010

This bill allows designated public officials, including animal control officers, law enforcement officers, and firefighters, as well as private citizens, to rescue pet animals from unattended vehicles when the animal's health, safety, or well-being is endangered. Public officials can enter a vehicle by any reasonable means after making an effort to find the owner, with the sole purpose of removing the animal, and are granted immunity from criminal and civil liability for their actions, except in cases of negligent, intentional, or wanton conduct. They must leave a notice and take the animal for a health screening. Private citizens can also enter a locked vehicle if they reasonably believe the animal is in imminent danger, after attempting to contact authorities, using only necessary force, and remaining with the animal until first responders arrive, and they too are granted civil immunity unless their actions are negligent or intentional. The owner can retrieve the animal only after paying for its care and impoundment. For the purposes of this bill, a "pet animal" is defined as in section 711-1100 of Hawaii Revised Statutes, and "vehicle" refers to any car, truck, camper, or similar transportation in which a pet animal can be kept.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3010&year=2026