Hawaii House Bill HR71

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 bill proposes the use of contraceptive methods, particularly a pesticide known as OvoControl P, which contains nicarbazin—a nonhazardous drug approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for avian contraception. This approach is favored over traditional methods such as trapping and poisoning due to their potential harm to the environment and other species. The proposed method aims to provide a sustainable and humane solution for controlling the feral bird population, which has significant implications for public health and cleanliness around government facilities.

Summary

House Resolution 71 (HR71) calls for the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) and the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to implement strategies aimed at controlling the pigeon population at the State Capitol and its surrounding areas. The resolution highlights the growing issues caused by an increasing pigeon population, particularly in the rotunda of the State Capitol, which has been compounded by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic where the building was closed, resulting in the potential for more pigeon habitation.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the ethical implications of using birth control methods for pest control and potential challenges in the registration process for OvoControl P. Additionally, while supporters may view this as a humane and environmentally friendly solution, detractors might raise concerns about the effectiveness and acceptability of using contraceptives for wildlife management. There is also the expectation for cooperation between the DOA and the EPA in adapting regulations to facilitate the implementation of this strategy.