RELATING TO ANIMAL IMPORTATION.

HB1594

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1594

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to animal importation
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION 1.
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The legislature finds that Hawaii's
geographic isolation and rabies-free status necessitate stringent regulation of
animal importation to protect public health and safety.
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At the same time, the State continues to
experience significant challenges associated with pet overpopulation and the
adverse impacts of free-roaming animals on animal welfare, community
well-being, and native ecosystems.

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The legislature further finds that
the State's animal quarantine program serves as the primary gateway for dogs
and cats entering Hawaii and provides an efficient administrative mechanism to
promote responsible pet ownership without imposing additional burdens on
existing veterinary resources.

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The purpose of this Act is to
decrease the number of fertile, unaltered dogs and cats imported into the State
by requiring proof of sterilization prior to embarkation, subject to reasonable
exemptions for medical necessity, temporary stays, and registered breeders.

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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 142, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to
read as follows:

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"
�142-
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Proof
of sterilization required for importation of dogs and cats.
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(a)
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As a condition of entry into
the State under this part, the department of agriculture and biosecurity shall
require submission of documentation verifying that any dog or cat imported into
the State has been surgically sterilized, except as provided in subsection (b).

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(b)
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The requirements pursuant to subsection (a)
shall not apply if:

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(1)
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The animal is
being imported for a period of less than ninety days and will not be sold or
transferred, or otherwise remain in the State, beyond the ninety day period;

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(2)
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A licensed veterinarian certifies that sterilization would jeopardize the
animal's health or life; or

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(3)
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The owner or importer is registered with the
department as a breeder pursuant to subsection (c).

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(c)
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The
department shall establish and maintain a breeder registry for individuals or
entities importing intact dogs or cats.
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The
registry shall include, at a minimum, the breeder's name, business address, and
species or breeds maintained.

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(d)
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The
department may assess reasonable fees to offset the costs of administering this
section, including expenses related to verifying documentation and maintaining
the breeder registry.

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(e)
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The
department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section.
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The rules shall address, at a minimum,
documentation requirements, acceptable forms of proof of sterilization, and
verification procedures in coordination with airlines and other carriers.

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(f)
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For
the purposes of this section, "sterilization" means surgical spaying
or neutering performed by a licensed veterinarian.
"

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SECTION 3.
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New statutory material is underscored.

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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Animal
Importation; Proof of Sterilization; Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity;
Documentation; Breeder Registry

Description:

Requires,
as a condition of entry into the State, documentation verifying that any dog or
cat imported into the State has been surgically sterilized, subject to certain
exemptions.
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Requires the Department of
Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish a breeder registry and adopt rules.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.