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SB1537
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
1537
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to wildlife CONSERVATION
.
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 feral non-native
animals pose a threat to the State's native species, including the Hawaiian
monk seal, nene goose, and other native birds.
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Feral non-native animals may carry diseases, including toxoplasmosis, a
disease caused by the parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
, which is the leading
cause of Hawaiian monk seal mortality.
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T.
gondii
reproduces in the digestive system of certain non-native animals, spreading
into the environment via the feces of these animals.
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Rainwater and runoff transport the eggs of
T.
gondii
into the ocean through streams and gutters, infecting Hawaiian monk
seals that consume contaminated water or prey.
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The disease is almost always lethal for Hawaiian monk seals as there is
a lack of effective treatment options.
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The
legislature further finds that there are large and growing populations of feral
non-native animals throughout the State.
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Feeding feral non-native animals perpetuates population growth and
ultimately increases the amount of
T. gondii
eggs spread into the
environment.
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For the protection and
preservation of the State's native species, it is necessary to manage feral non-native
animal populations.
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Therefore,
the purpose of this Act is to prohibit the feeding of feral non-native animals
within one-half mile of the ocean or a stream and impose certain penalties.
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SECTION
2
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Chapter
183D
,
Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part V to be
appropriately designated and to read as follows:
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�183D-
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Feeding of feral non-native animals;
prohibited; penalty.
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(a)
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No person shall harbor, feed, or in any way care for a feral non-native
animal on state land within one-half mile of the ocean or a stream.
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(b)
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Any person who violates
subsection (a) shall be:
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(1)
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For a first offense, issued a
warning by the department;
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(2)
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For a second offense, issued a
citation and required to perform community service as directed by the
department; provided that the department may recommend an order of community
service that benefits the resource that was damaged; and
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(3)
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For a third or subsequent offense,
guilty of a misdemeanor.
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(c)
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Each county shall adopt or amend its ordinances to implement this
section no later than January 1, , as it relates to the
prohibition of harboring, feeding, or in any way caring for a feral non-native
animal on county land within one-half mile of the ocean or a stream.
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(d)
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The department shall submit a report to the legislature, no later than
twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, detailing
violations of this section.
"
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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:
_____________________________
Report Title:
DLNR;
Wildlife; Feral Non-Native Animals; Prohibition; State Land; County Land;
Penalties; Reports
Description:
Prohibits
the feeding of feral non-native animals on state land within one-half mile of
the ocean or a stream.
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Requires the
Department of Land and Natural Resources to enforce certain penalties for
violations.
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Requires the counties to
adopt or amend ordinances to prohibit the feeding of feral non-native animals
on county land within one-half mile of the ocean or a stream and impose certain
penalties for violations.
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Establishes an
annual reporting requirement to the Legislature.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.