Bill > HB2561

This bill declares feral chickens on public lands in cities with a population of 300,000 or more as a public nuisance and a pest that can be controlled, aiming to address issues like public health, sanitation, and the safe enjoyment of public spaces. It prohibits actions that support these feral chickens, such as feeding them or placing food attractants on public land, and also forbids abandoning, dumping, relocating, or releasing chickens onto public land or private property without consent, which is intended to prevent people from evading local rules on keeping chickens. The bill establishes civil fines for violations, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses within a year, and designates the department of land and natural resources for state lands and the city's police department for city lands as the enforcing agencies, who are encouraged to coordinate with animal welfare and public health partners. Additionally, it appropriates funds for the receipt, handling, and humane disposition of feral chickens that have already been captured, and the law is set to take effect on July 1, 3000.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2561&year=2026