THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	592
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to unattended animals in motor vehicles.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 143, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§143-    Leaving a dog unattended in motor vehicle.  (a)  It shall be unlawful for a person, being the operator or an adult passenger of a motor vehicle, to leave the motor vehicle for five minutes or longer when an unattended dog is inside the vehicle, regardless of whether the operator or adult passenger is the dog owner, unless at least one motor vehicle window is open at least two inches to provide for air flow.

     (b)  Any law enforcement officer, firefighter, or officer who observes a dog left unattended in a motor vehicle and determines that the unattended dog is in physical danger, or poses a danger to others, may use whatever means are reasonably necessary to protect the dog or others and remove the dog from the motor vehicle.  If the person who left the motor vehicle with an unattended dog inside cannot be located within a reasonable time, the law enforcement officer or firefighter, upon removing the dog from the motor vehicle, shall confine it in a pound or any suitable enclosure, during which time it shall be subject to redemption by its owner.

     (c)  Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and officers shall not be liable in any civil action to any party for any act performed in good faith under this section.

     (d)  Any person who violates this section shall be fined $150."

     SECTION 2.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Motor Vehicles; Unattended Dogs

 

Description:

Imposes a civil fine when a person leaves a dog unattended in a motor vehicle without at least one window open at least two inches to allow for air flow.

 

 

 

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