Committee defers resolution that would impose strict liability on keepers or feeders of certain animals

The Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems on April 17 deferred SCR 71, a resolution urging the legislature to establish strict liability for individuals who keep, harbor, or feed certain animals in a manner that causes property damage.

The decision followed extensive public testimony opposing the resolution. Stephanie Kendrick of the Hawaii Humane Society said the measure ‘‘punishes compassion’’ and would not address the root causes of abandoned animals. Brian Burns, president of Troopers Chicken Rescue, urged lawmakers to build infrastructure and partnerships, saying the resolution ‘‘risks criminalizing compassion while doing nothing to stop cruelty.’’ Johnny Kennag, a public defender who testified in a personal capacity, told the committee that ‘‘strict liability in civil cases [is] very problematic’’ and warned of broad, unintended consequences for farmers and others.

Supporters of strict liability were far outnumbered at the hearing: staff summarized five supporting statements, one comment, and 142 in opposition during the public‑testimony period. Several witnesses suggested regulatory or programmatic alternatives; Brett Mosman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources recommended adding feral chickens to the department’s injurious‑species list so landowners could address populations through department rule rather than a statutory strict‑liability scheme.

The committee deferred the measure, citing overwhelming opposition and technical concerns raised during testimony. No date was set in the hearing transcript for further action on SCR 71.