Bill > HB2152

This bill, effective July 1, 3000, aims to strengthen protections for livestock against dog attacks by clarifying owner liability and increasing penalties and enforcement mechanisms, particularly for incidents occurring on land designated as an agricultural district. It expands the definition of a "habitual agricultural crime perpetrator" to include individuals with multiple prior convictions for agricultural crimes or those found liable multiple times for damages to livestock. The bill also amends existing law to allow for the immediate destruction of dogs caught in the act of injuring or destroying livestock on agricultural land not owned by the dog's owner, and establishes a process for owners to be summoned to court to show cause why their dog should not be destroyed if it causes damage. Furthermore, it increases penalties for dog owners who fail to confine or destroy a dog that has caused damage, making them liable for double the value of the destroyed or injured livestock, and potentially facing a misdemeanor charge, a minimum $1,000 fine, and court costs, with the dog subject to lawful destruction. The bill also clarifies that "livestock" includes animals raised for agricultural production or value, such as cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2152&year=2026