Committee approves tougher penalties for dogs that damage agricultural property; creates House Draft 1

The House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems on March 14 voted to pass SB 301 SD1 and directed staff to create a House Draft 1. The bill would establish an additional penalty for a dog owner whose dog destroys property while on land used for agricultural purposes; testimony clarified the change applies only to dogs on agricultural land and builds on existing statute (chapter 142).

Brian Miyamoto testified for the Hawaii Farm Bureau that the measure "strengthen[s] our ag crimes laws" and noted the proposed additional fine could be "up to a thousand dollars" for damage to personal and business property of farmers and ranchers. Nicole Galassi of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council said loose dogs on pasture have caused physical attacks and stress to livestock; the council stood on its written testimony in support.

At decision making the committee directed technical amendments for clarity and consistency and recorded the measure as passed with amendments.