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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL <br /> OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br /> DATE: February 6, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 712/Res. No. 430-24 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 9:30 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br /> Resolution No. 430-24, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution 430-24, transmitted by Council Member Jennifer Kagiwada via Communication <br /> No. 712, dated January 29, 2024, urges the State Legislature to amend Chapter 142, Hawai`i <br /> Revised Statutes, to provide for greater public safety against the risk of damage, injury, and <br /> death posed by dangerous dogs by increasing enforcement and penalties against owners of such <br /> dogs. <br /> This resolution requests the State Legislature to align State law with County law to provide <br /> clarity for County enforcement efforts, with an emphasis on requirements and penalties for dog <br /> owners that allow their dogs to injure or kill other animals or people. <br /> Testimony was provided by members of the family of Mr. Bob Northrup who was killed by a <br /> pack of dogs. <br /> Each member asked in-depth questions of Administrator Matthew Runneils of the Animal <br /> Control and Protection Agency, Deputy Corporation Counsel Suzanna Tiapula, and Managing <br /> Director Deanna Sako, regarding regulations, staffing, response, and community outreach. <br /> Committee Members discussed Hawai`i State regulations and authority given to counties to <br /> regulate dangerous dogs and potential amendments to the resolution. <br /> All Committee Members present voted unanimously to forward this resolution to the Council <br /> with a favorable recommendation. <br /> GOEAC Report No. 108 <br />