HB1162 Summary

• Establishes regulatory framework for pet boarding facilities in Hawaii, defining them as premises housing four or more pets for compensation and excluding animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and county animal control agencies

• Requires operators to maintain structurally sound facilities with proper sanitation, pest control, heating/cooling, lighting, and fire safety systems including fire alarms connected to central reporting stations or sprinkler systems

• Mandates enclosures that allow pets to turn around, stand, and lie down comfortably, with cats receiving elevated platforms; limits temporary enclosure confinement to four hours during day and twelve hours at night

• Requires twice-daily pet observations for signs of illness or injury, provision of potable water and nutritious food, daily enrichment activities, and immediate veterinary care when needed

• Authorizes Department of Agriculture to inspect facilities and issue notices to correct violations, with civil fines up to $250 for first violations and $1,000 for subsequent violations; classifies harm to animals as misdemeanor