Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Journal Written Remarks, 3rd Reading
House Bill No. 2724, House Draft 1
Relating to Offenses Against Public Order
Monday, March 02, 2010
I rise in support.
House Bill 2724, House Draft 1 will help protect dogs from cruelty, yet it is flexible enough to allow the training of working dogs in various industries in the state of Hawaii. Specifically, the bill further defines the offense of cruelty to animals in the second degree by requiring that tethering, fastening, tying, or restraining a dog to a doghouse, tree, fence, or any other stationary object or to a cable trolley system cannot be done in a cruel or inhumane manner. It requires that a tether or chain cannot weigh more than ten per cent of the weight of the dog tethered, and the tether or chain must have a swivel on at least one end. Further, one cannot tether, fasten, tie, or restrain a dog younger than two months old. Finally, in addition to the misdemeanor penalty currently in law, this bill mandates fines of $50 for a first offense and $200 for any subsequent offense.
Thank you.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 