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Bill Summary · SB 387

Legislative bill overview

SB 387 modifies Hawaii's legal definitions and regulations governing service animals, likely addressing standards for animal certification, handler qualifications, or public access rights. The bill has progressed through committee review with amendments and is currently carried over to the 2026 legislative session for further consideration.

Why is this important

Service animal regulations directly affect disabled individuals who rely on trained animals for mobility, medical alert, and safety functions, as well as businesses and public spaces navigating access policies. Clarifying state law on this issue helps prevent fraud (fake service animals), protects legitimate users' rights, and reduces disputes between handlers and establishments.

Potential points of contention

  • Certification standards: Disagreement over whether Hawaii should require formal certification/registration of service animals versus relying on federal ADA standards (which currently allow self-designation)
  • Access and identification: Tension between preventing fake service animals in public spaces and avoiding discriminatory barriers that exclude legitimate service animals lacking visible credentials
  • Business liability and enforcement: Uncertainty about which entities are responsible for verifying service animal legitimacy and potential exposure to legal challenges under disability rights law

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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