Requesting The Hawaiian Humane Society To Develop A Program To Assist Low-income Pet Owners Afford Emergency Care For Their Pets.
Impact
If implemented, the program requested by SR151 would encompass various financial assistance options for pet owners, such as no or low-interest payment plans and the absence of credit checks. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on financially insecure families, allowing them greater access to necessary veterinary services without having to make difficult decisions about their pets' health. The overarching objective is to foster a supportive environment for pet ownership among low-income families, promoting better health for both pets and their owners.
Summary
Senate Resolution 151 (SR151) requests the Hawaiian Humane Society to develop a program aimed at assisting low-income pet owners in affording emergency veterinary care for their pets. The resolution highlights the numerous health benefits that pets provide to their owners, including companionship, which can alleviate issues such as loneliness and depression. However, the cost of veterinary care can be prohibitively expensive for low-income families, leading them to delay necessary treatments or incur significant debt to pay for emergency procedures. The resolution underscores the necessity for addressing these financial barriers to ensure pets receive timely medical care.
Contention
While the bill is positioned as a means to improve animal welfare, potential points of contention may arise around the sustainability and funding of such a program. Concerns could be raised regarding how the Hawaiian Humane Society will implement the program effectively and whether there will be enough resources to meet the demands of low-income pet owners seeking emergency care. Additionally, some stakeholders might question whether state involvement in such financial assistance programs is warranted or if it should be managed by private organizations or charities.
Voting_history
SR151 was passed unanimously by the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee on March 29, 2023, receiving five votes in favor and none against. This strong support indicates a recognition of the importance of the issues addressed in the resolution. However, further discussions will be necessary to address the program's logistics and ensure its successful implementation.
Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.
Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.
Requesting The Hawaii Public Housing Authority To Utilize The State's Rental Supplement Program To Provide Homeowners Insurance Premium Assistance To Housing Owners Who Rent Or Lease To Qualified Kupuna A Mortgage Property Within Designated Lava Zones.
Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, Fire Departments And Police Departments Of Each County, Humane Societies In Each County, And Media Organizations Throughout The State To Collaborate To Create And Disseminate Public Service Announcements To Highlight The Dangers Of, And Advocate Against The Use Of, Illegal Fireworks In Order To Protect The Health And Safety Of The Community, Pets, And Wildlife.
Requesting The University Of Hawaii Economic Research Organization To Conduct A Study Of Ways To Increase Access To Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits.
Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Amend The Priority For Which Low-income Housing Tax Credits Are Allocated And Moneys In The Rental Housing Revolving Fund Are Used And To Adopt Certain Administrative Rules That Incentivize The Development Of Affordable Housing In The State.
Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations And Workforce Development Council To Establish A Task Force To Conduct A Comprehensive Study Of The State's Current Education And Workforce Development Programs.
Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Respond To Hawaiian Electric's Request To Suspend, Deprioritize, And Delay The Commencement Of Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Through Phase 2, Tranche 2 Of The Community-based Renewable Energy Program And Order Hawaiian Electric To Continue To Deploy And Pursue Community-based Renewable Energy Projects Based Upon The Public Utilities Commission's Findings.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.
Requesting That The Department Of Health Create A Formal Plan To Implement Certain Recommendations With Respect To Oral Health Care For Native Hawaiians.
Requesting That The Department Of Health Create A Formal Plan To Implement Certain Recommendations With Respect To Oral Health Care For Native Hawaiians.