HB 409 Summary

• Requires the Department of Health to contract with a nonprofit animal rescue group by January 1 to oversee and register caretakers of feral cats and mongooses in Hawaii.

• Exempts registered caretakers from state laws and county ordinances prohibiting feeding of stray animals, mandating animal confinement, and limiting the number of animals a person may own, provided they follow the program requirements.

• Establishes a trap-sterilize-return process requiring registered caretakers to capture feral cats and mongooses, have them sterilized by a licensed veterinarian, ear-tip or ear-notch them for identification, treat for fleas, vaccinate, and return them to their original location.

• Requires the contracted rescue group to register caretakers, maintain records, submit annual reports on registered caretaker numbers and sterilized animals, distribute humane traps, monitor compliance, and educate the public on feral cat and mongoose care.

• Permits exemptions from sterilization requirements if compliance is cost-prohibitive or if a licensed veterinarian determines humane euthanization is necessary due to severe injury, illness, or suffering.