Bill Text: HI HB2616 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Agriculture; Dog Training Program
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-27 - Referred to AGR, FIN, referral sheet 7 [HB2616 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2014-HB2616-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2616 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that invasive species is one of the greatest threats to Hawaii's economy, natural environment, and the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people. Invasive pests can cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, the spread of disease, and the quarantine of exported agricultural crops. The legislature notes that in 2009, the department of agriculture's existing dog detection program was put on hold due to loss of funding.
The legislature recognizes ongoing efforts to detect and eradicate invasive species to protect Hawaii's ecosystem, economy, and citizens' quality of life. The legislature finds that increasing detection methods available to agricultural producers will increase Hawaii's ability to detect and manage invasive species, as well as other agricultural pests, on the ground in vulnerable agricultural and rural areas. The legislature further finds that domestic dogs are a valuable asset as a companion animal, and with specialized training can provide highly effective detection and protection for law enforcement as well as for individuals. The legislature also finds that farm security is a serious concern for the eighty-five per cent of small farmers in Hawaii with few resources to protect their investment in land, equipment, and other assets from trespass, vandalism, and theft.
The legislature further finds that creating a dog training program within the department of agriculture, to provide resources, community education, expertise, and training of domestic dogs to detect alien species with special training in farm security, will help defend against invasive species by creating a supply of detection dogs for use by the department and farmers to protect and support local agriculture.
The purpose of this Act is to establish a dog training program within the department of agriculture that specifically focuses on detection of invasive species and farm security.
SECTION 2. Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§ 141-___. Dog Training Program. There is established within the department of agriculture a dog training program to develop and implement specialized trainings for dogs to detect invasive species and protect farm security interests."
SECTION 3. Section 141-3.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§141-3.5[]] Control
or eradication programs. (a) The department of agriculture shall develop
and implement a detailed control or eradication program for any pest designated
in section 141-3, using the best available technology in a manner consistent
with state and federal law [.], including a dog detection training
program to provide pest control resources to individuals.
(b) For any pest designated by emergency rule as provided in section 141-3, the department shall implement an emergency program using the best available technology in a manner consistent with state and federal law."
SECTION 4. The department of agriculture shall work with the pest control board to modify corresponding administrative rules, procedures, and contracts in conformity with the statutory amendments above, pursuant to chapter 91.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Agriculture; Dog Training Program
Description:
Establishes a dog training program within the Department of Agriculture to assist the Department and the public with training dogs for detection of alien species and farm security.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
