HI SB346

Creates new chapter establishing confinement standards for egg-laying hens (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl) used in commercial egg production in Hawaii.

Effective June 30, 2027, prohibits farm owners/operators from confining egg-laying hens in a cruel manner, defined as less than 1 square foot of usable floor space per hen in multi-tiered aviaries or partially-slatted systems, or less than 1.5 square feet in single-level all-litter floor systems.

Effective June 30, 2027, prohibits businesses from knowingly selling shell eggs or egg products produced by hens confined in a cruel manner; violation constitutes unfair/deceptive trade practice under chapter 481A.

Exempts farms with 10,000 or fewer egg-laying hens exclusively producing shell eggs from confinement standards if they maintain minimum 1 square foot of usable floor space per hen and comply with conditions.

Establishes penalties of $500 to $1,000 per violation; allows business defense of good faith reliance on written supplier certification; excludes medical research, veterinary treatment, transportation, fair exhibitions, slaughter, and temporary husbandry periods under 6 hours from application.