Hawaii House Bill HCR78

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/14/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services, In Coordination With The Department Of Agriculture, To Implement Birth Control Strategies To Curtail The Pigeon Population At The State Capitol And Surrounding Areas.

Impact

The resolution advocates for the use of nicarbazin, a nonhazardous drug that has proven effective in controlling bird populations. Specifically, it endorses the application of OvoControl P, a form of birth control for pigeons that has been utilized successfully in various locations, including commercial venues in Waikiki. By adopting OvoControl P, the resolution aims to provide a humane and nonlethal means to manage the pigeon population, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and safety for individuals visiting and working at the State Capitol.

Summary

HCR78 is a House Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii that requests the Department of Accounting and General Services, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, to implement birth control strategies aimed at curtailing the growing pigeon population around the State Capitol. This measure is prompted by the decline in conditions due to excessive pigeons and their droppings, particularly as the State Capitol prepares to reopen to the public after closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution highlights the urgency of addressing the pigeon problem, which has escalated despite existing control methods like trapping and poisoning.

Contention

One of the key points of discussion surrounding HCR78 is the shift towards utilizing birth control as a strategy for animal population control, moving away from traditional lethal methods. This resolution raises considerations regarding environmental safety, as poisons pose risks to non-target species, including pets. Proponents advocate that OvoControl P provides a more sustainable and responsible alternative to handling the pigeon issue, yet the implementation of such strategies requires careful oversight and collaboration with federal environmental agencies to ensure compliance with safety regulations.