Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2058 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 224).

This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on July 8, 2024, establishes new rules for managing dangerous dogs in Hawaii to address issues with aggressive, feral, and abandoned animals. It defines a dangerous dog as any animal that bites a person or another animal without provocation, explicitly stating that a dog's breed will not be used to determine its status. The law also sets specific requirements for containment, such as using escape-proof kennels with secure fencing and gates, and clarifies when a dog is considered provoked, including situations where it defends its owner or is responding to abuse. Owners of dogs that bite without provocation face penalties, while the legislation also clarifies who is legally responsible for a dog, including parents or guardians of minors.