URGING THIS BODY TO INTRODUCE AND PASS LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH STRICT LIABILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO KEEP, HARBOR, OR FEED CERTAIN ANIMALS IN A MANNER THAT RESULTS IN DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

This Senate Resolution urges the Hawaii Legislature to create strict liability laws for individuals who keep, harbor, or feed chickens, ungulates, and felids when these animals cause property damage. The bill aims to address the growing problem of feral and free-ranging chickens in residential areas, which are currently not covered by existing animal liability statutes. It also requests the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to study whether feral chickens should be classified as invasive species and submit recommendations by early 2027. The resolution directly affects property owners and residents dealing with nuisance animal populations while seeking to establish clearer legal accountability for animal damage.