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REPORT OF THE POLICY <br /> COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, <br /> SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING <br /> DATE: April 30, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 823/Bill No. 153 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 3:38 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being, to which was referred Bill No. 153, reports <br /> as follows: <br /> Bill No. 153, transmitted by Michelle M. Galimba, Council Member for District 6, via Communication <br /> No. 823 dated April, 10, 2024, amends Chapter 4, Article 4, Section 4-4-26 of the Hawaii County <br /> Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), relating to animals. <br /> This bill increases the penalties for a noisy dog violation from $25 to $50 for the first violation, $75 to <br /> $100 for the second violation, $100 to $200 for the third violation, and $200 to $400 for any <br /> subsequent violation. <br /> Member Galimba began by stating that this bill is a simple fix in response to numerous community <br /> member requests. She said that many parts of Chapter 4 could potentially be adjusted similarly, but <br /> she wanted to begin with this update as it may be the easiest to implement as there was already a clear <br /> process and method for how to justify citations. Member Galimba mentioned that as the process for <br /> this citation has a higher proof of justification, it should therefore have a higher penalty. <br /> Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder said that on agricultural lots it is an allowable activity <br /> to have kennels, for personal use or commercial use and that sometimes results in multiple dogs <br /> barking. He questioned if this bill includes boarding kennels or just personal pets. Corporation <br /> Counsel Elizabeth Strance responded by saying that the current legislation in our County Code is <br /> focused on people who are disturbed by barking and would research it more thoroughly before the <br /> next meeting. <br /> Committee Member Cindy Evans asked if the bill could address who should be responsible for <br /> enforcement, so that Police and Animal Control aren't in conflict on that point. She also mentioned <br /> that typically, urban areas have extensive legislation around noisy dogs and violations, but agricultural <br /> areas don't have those same regulations. She said that there are State laws on dog boarding to help <br /> with that, but not regarding those animals that people keep as personal pets. <br /> Animal Control Administrator Matt Runnells said that responding to barking dog calls depends on the <br /> time of day. Barking calls are answered by Animal Control during the day but are not considered <br /> PCHSW Report No. 12 <br />