HI HB1823

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes § 347-2.5 to define "service dog" as any dog individually trained to perform work or tasks for individuals with disabilities, and removes language distinguishing companion or comfort animals.

Creates new statutory definition for "emotional support animal" as any animal determined by a medical professional to provide therapeutic benefit for an individual with a disability.

Establishes new misdemeanor offense for knowingly and willfully misrepresenting oneself as disabled to receive benefits and protections afforded to service dog or emotional support animal users under federal or state law.

Addresses fraud and abuse in condominiums and homeowners associations by deterring false declarations of pets as service or emotional support animals used to circumvent pet restriction policies.

Takes effect upon approval.