HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0286.021 2024-2026COLIN I Y C!_Ei�K
COUNTY OF HAWAI,
To: Hawai'i County Council 205 N0111 _q All 9: 43
Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair
Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Vice Chair
From: Dana R. Dorsey
RE: Bill 52 (2025) — Relating to Household Henneries
Aloha Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Members of the Council,
My name is Dana R. Dorsey, MPH Candidate in Health Behavior and Health Promotion at
New Mexico State University and resident of. the Puna District on A-3 agricultural land. I
conduct community -based work on One Health, zoonotic disease, and rural health education
in Hawai'i County, and I care for a small flock that includes rehabilitated and rescued birds.
While I support the intent of Bill 52, 1 cannot support the bill as written because it misses the
mark on key issues of public health, community equity, and responsible poultry keeping.
Public Health Oversight and Education
Backyard poultry can support food security, but without education it may introduce disease
risk or unsafe use of medications and pesticides. The bill should include a partnership with UH
Cooperative Extension or the Department of Agriculture to provide simple, accessible
education on safe flock management, medication withdrawal times, pest control, and zoonotic
disease prevention.
Equity and Cost Barriers
Raising hens is often promoted as a path to food security, but that goal is undermined when
the cost of compliance is out of reach. Proper coops, fencing, and feed are
expensive —especially in Hawaii. If this bill truly supports self-sufficiency, it should include
guidance on affordable, humane housing options and outreach for lower -income families.
Otherwise, it risks helping only those with financial means while excluding local and Native
Hawaiian families most affected by food insecurity.
Clarify 'Non -Commercial' and 'Personal Use'
The full ban on egg sales is overly broad. Families should be allowed to offset feed costs
through limited neighbor -to -neighbor trade or gifting, while large-scale or commercial
operations remain restricted.
Rooster Prohibition
The complete ban on roosters is overly simplistic. Roosters contribute to flock health,
breeding, and cultural practices in rural Hawaii. Noise concerns can be managed through
responsible housing, education, and humane standards rather than blanket prohibition.
Comm. Q
Ref. To:
Ref. Date NO - 5 2025
Biosecurity and Animal Welfare
As household flocks increase, humane and sanitary conditions must be ensured. Without
clear biosecurity and husbandry guidance, we risk spreading disease between humans,
domestic poultry, and native birds. The bill should explicitly address feral chicken interactions
and prevention strategies.
Review and Adjustment
Include a one- to two-year review clause to evaluate community feedback, complaints, and
enforcement outcomes, allowing for refinement of the ordinance.
Bill 52 has good intentions but lacks balance between equity, public health, and humane
standards. I respectfully urge the Council to amend and strengthen this bill before passage.
With better education, clarity, and equity, it could truly benefit Hawai'i County residents and
support shared goals for sustainability and health.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Dana R. Dorsey, MPH Candidate
Master of Public Health, Health Behavior & Health Promotion
New Mexico State University
Puna District, Hawaii County
Email: ddorsey@nmsu.edu I Phone: 808-392-4928
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