HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 108 2024/02/06 (2022-2024) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: February 6, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 712/Res. No. 430-24
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Resolution No. 430-24, reports as follows:
Resolution 430-24, transmitted by Council Member Jennifer Kagiwada via Communication
No. 712, dated January 29, 2024, urges the State Legislature to amend Chapter 142, Hawai`i
Revised Statutes, to provide for greater public safety against the risk of damage, injury, and
death posed by dangerous dogs by increasing enforcement and penalties against owners of such
dogs.
This resolution requests the State Legislature to align State law with County law to provide
clarity for County enforcement efforts, with an emphasis on requirements and penalties for dog
owners that allow their dogs to injure or kill other animals or people.
Testimony was provided by members of the family of Mr. Bob Northrup who was killed by a
pack of dogs.
Each member asked in-depth questions of Administrator Matthew Runneils of the Animal
Control and Protection Agency, Deputy Corporation Counsel Suzanna Tiapula, and Managing
Director Deanna Sako, regarding regulations, staffing, response, and community outreach.
Committee Members discussed Hawai`i State regulations and authority given to counties to
regulate dangerous dogs and potential amendments to the resolution.
All Committee Members present voted unanimously to forward this resolution to the Council
with a favorable recommendation.
GOEAC Report No. 108
GOEAC-108 Page 2 February 6,2024
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 430-24, and recommends its adoption.
ja
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
EVANS X
GALIMBA x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
INABA x OPERATIONS AND
KAGIWADA X EXT RNAL AFFAIRS
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X CINDY S, CHAIR
LEE LOY x GOEAC REPORT NO.: 108
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: FEB 2 1 2024