Council approves first reading of backyard hens bill with amendments to include ducks and quail

The Hawaii County Council on Oct. 22 passed Bill 52 (first reading, as amended), a measure to allow household egg‑producing poultry in residential and certain mixed‑use zones. The approved draft expands the definition of "hens" to include ducks, guinea hens and quail and keeps numerical limits tied to lot size.

Councilmember Kimball sponsored the ordinance. During committee consideration the bill was amended to add ducks, guinea hens and quail to the list of permissible backyard egg producers and to clarify that Department of Agriculture and Department of Health guidance will apply for animal care and public‑health issues. The final vote on first reading adopted communication 286.7 (adding species) and communication 286.8 (technical clarifications) before passing the bill on first reading.

Planning director Jeff Darrow and other officials indicated enforcement and health‑related complaints would follow existing county and state processes; the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture retain primary roles on animal welfare and related public‑health concerns. The bill sets per‑lot limits for poultry (for example, two hens for the first 3,000 square feet, with an additional hen per defined additional area), and the council asked staff to monitor noise and disease‑vector risks.

Supporters said the measure improves food security and self‑reliance at a household level. Detractors had raised concerns about noise, nuisance and predator exposure; the council added the departmental‑guidance language to address those issues.

Bill 52 (as amended) passed first reading by roll call and will return for a subsequent hearing, where the council will consider final adoption or further amendments.