SB2892 appropriates $50,000 from Hawaii’s general revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the City and County of Honolulu. The money is intended to help with the receipt, handling, and humane disposition of feral chickens that have already been captured. The bill is narrowly focused on post-capture management rather than broader feral animal control or eradication measures.
The measure takes effect on July 1, 2026, and functions as a targeted state grant to support local government operations in Honolulu. It does not create a new regulatory framework or amend existing animal control statutes; instead, it provides a specific appropriation for a defined purpose. The bill was enacted as Act 169 on June 26, 2026.
Impact
SB2892 affects state spending by directing $50,000 in general funds to the City and County of Honolulu for feral chicken handling and humane disposition services. Its legal impact is limited to a one-time appropriation for fiscal year 2026-2027, with the funds to be used by Honolulu for the stated purpose. The bill does not appear to alter enforcement authority, animal welfare standards, or county responsibilities beyond supporting the handling of already-caught birds.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have enjoyed broad, bipartisan support throughout the legislative process. Committee and conference votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, with no recorded opposition in the available vote history. The absence of committee transcripts limits insight into detailed debate, but the voting pattern suggests general agreement that the appropriation addressed a practical local issue for Honolulu.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The main policy question appears to be whether state general funds should be used to support a local feral chicken program, and if so, at what level. Because the bill is limited to humane disposition of chickens already caught, any disagreement likely centered on funding priority, local versus state responsibility, and the scope of the appropriation rather than on the underlying goal.