Urging This Body To Introduce And Pass Legislation To Establish Strict Liability For Individuals Who Keep, Harbor, Or Feed Certain Animals In A Manner That Results In Damage To Property.
Impact
The resolution indicates that current state law does not adequately address the issues caused by feral chickens and other ungulates, such as goats and pigs, which can lead to property damage. By establishing strict liability, individuals who choose to feed or shelter these animals could be held accountable when they cause harm, thus protecting homeowners' rights and enhancing their quality of life. Additionally, the resolution requests the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to conduct a study on whether feral chickens should be classified as an invasive species due to their detrimental effects on the ecosystem.
Summary
SCR71 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the introduction and passage of legislation that would establish strict liability for individuals who keep, harbor, or feed certain animals that cause damage to property. The resolution highlights the ongoing problem of feral and free-ranging chickens in urban and residential areas of Hawaii. It points out that unchecked feeding and harboring of these chickens has resulted in significant property damage, disputes among neighbors, and adverse effects on community health and safety.
Contention
While the resolution seeks to address a pressing issue for many residents concerning property damage and community disruption, it may generate contention around wildlife management and the implications of labeling certain animals as invasive. Critics might argue that establishing strict liability could lead to disproportionate punishments for residents trying to care for animals while supporters will likely advocate for it as a necessity to maintain community standards and safety.
Same As
Urging This Body To Introduce And Pass Legislation To Establish Strict Liability For Individuals Who Keep, Harbor, Or Feed Certain Animals In A Manner That Results In Damage To Property.
Urging The Legislature To Advance Legislation And Support Policies That Safeguard Individuals In The Agricultural Community, Their Families, Their Livestock And Other Property, And Other Individuals Under Their Employment Or Care By Amending The State's Selfdefense Laws To Deprioritize The Duty To Retreat In Certain Circumstances.
Urging The Legislature To Advance Legislation And Support Policies That Safeguard Individuals In The Agricultural Community, Their Families, Their Livestock And Other Property, And Other Individuals Under Their Employment Or Care By Amending The State's Selfdefense Laws To Deprioritize The Duty To Retreat In Certain Circumstances.
Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Identify Existing Departmental Lands That Are Unsuitable For Agricultural Use But May Be Utilized As Pet Animal Sanctuaries.
Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Repeal, Revoke, Or Buy Out The Remainder Of The Lease Of The Prince Kuhio Plaza And Resell That Lease At Fair Market Value To A New Entity That Agrees To Properly Maintain The Property.