S.B. 301 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 142-74 to impose a minimum fine of $1,000 on dog owners found liable for property damage when the dog was on private property zoned for agricultural use.

• Clarifies existing language regarding dog owner liability for injuries or destruction of property, including livestock and other animals.

• Maintains existing provisions allowing dog owners to confine or destroy dangerous dogs, and permits any person to destroy a dog that continues to cause damage if the owner fails to act.

• Allows counties to continue enacting ordinances regulating owners of dogs that have injured or destroyed animals, provided such ordinances remain consistent with state law and do not affect civil liability.

• Takes effect July 1, 3000 (likely a drafting error).