Hawaii House Bill HR116

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/31/23
• Refer: 3/31/23

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Invasive Species Council, In Coordination And Collaboration With The City And County Of Honolulu And County Of Hawaii, To Establish And Implement A Five-year Pilot Program To Mitigate And Control The Significant Increase In The Population Of Feral Chickens.

Impact

The resolution highlights the various negative impacts of feral chickens, including damage to gardens and food crops, health risks from unsanitary droppings, noise complaints from crowing roosters, and potential road hazards. By establishing a pilot program that utilizes public involvement through free trapping services, the resolution aims to empower residents to take an active role in managing this invasive species. Additionally, the initiative could lead to recommended legislative measures based on findings from the program's efficacy, potentially shaping future state policies regarding invasive species management.

Summary

House Resolution 116, introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature, seeks to address the growing concern of feral chicken populations which have become a nuisance in urban and suburban environments. The resolution requests the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to implement a five-year pilot program focused on mitigating and controlling these populations, especially in specific areas such as Moanalua, Kalihi, Kalaeloa, Kapolei, and Puna. This initiative reflects a coordinated effort among state and local governments to tackle what many residents have described as an escalating problem affecting their properties and local ecosystems.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HR116 appears to be supportive, recognizing the community's issues with feral chickens. Many local residents have expressed frustration at the nuisances they create, which indicates a demand for action. However, there may also be concerns regarding the methods proposed for control and the potential consequences for the chickens, which suggests a need for a balanced approach that considers humane treatment and ecological impacts alongside effective management.

Contention

While the resolution aims for a collaborative approach to control feral chicken populations, there could be points of contention regarding the implementation of trapping methods and the perceived effectiveness of the program. Critics may argue about the appropriateness of trapping as a solution and whether such measures address the root causes of the feral chicken population boom. Furthermore, discussions may arise about the allocation of resources for the pilot program and the involvement of local communities in decision-making processes.