GOVERNMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Carol Ammons and 26 co-sponsors

HB 576 allocates funds for managing feral chickens in Hawaii, aiming to improve community health and protect agriculture through coordinated state agency efforts.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0443

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 576 (HB 576) aims to address the management of feral chickens in Hawaii. The bill recognizes the growing concerns regarding the impact of feral chicken populations on local ecosystems, agriculture, and community health. By establishing a framework for feral chicken management, the bill seeks to mitigate these issues through appropriate funding and coordination among relevant state departments.

Key Provisions

Appropriation of Funds: The bill includes provisions for the appropriation of funds to support feral chicken management initiatives. Specific dollar amounts have not been detailed in the current version of the bill.

Collaboration Among Agencies: HB 576 emphasizes the role of various state agencies, including the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Department of Agriculture (DOA), in implementing management strategies.

Management Strategies: While specific strategies are not outlined in the bill text, it is expected that the bill will facilitate the development of comprehensive management plans to control feral chicken populations effectively.

Affected Parties

Local Communities: Residents in areas affected by feral chickens may experience improvements in their living conditions as the bill aims to reduce nuisances and potential health risks associated with feral chicken populations.

Agricultural Sector: Farmers and agricultural producers may benefit from reduced damage to crops and livestock, as feral chickens can pose significant threats to agricultural productivity.

State Agencies: The DLNR and DOA will be directly involved in the implementation of the bill, requiring coordination and resource allocation to manage feral chicken populations effectively.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: January 20, 2023

First Reading: January 23, 2023

Passed Third Reading: March 7, 2023

Referred to Committees: The bill has been referred to the Agriculture (AGR), Finance (FIN), and other relevant committees for further consideration.

Carried Over: As of December 11, 2023, the bill has been carried over to the 2024 Regular Session, indicating that further discussions and potential amendments will take place in the upcoming legislative session.

Conclusion

HB 576 represents a proactive approach to managing the challenges posed by feral chickens in Hawaii. By appropriating funds and facilitating inter-agency collaboration, the bill aims to create effective management strategies that benefit both local communities and the agricultural sector. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders will have opportunities to provide input and shape its final provisions.

Bill