If enacted, the bill would allocate funds for the feral chicken program and the education campaign. This includes financial resources granted to the city and county of Honolulu, which would be administered by its department of customer services for the program's expansion. Furthermore, the campaign aimed at educating the public on feral animal management signifies a proactive approach to wildlife control and environmental management within the state. The bill also acknowledges the necessity of exceeding the state general fund expenditure ceiling to accommodate these needed initiatives, indicating a commitment to addressing the issue despite budgetary constraints.
Summary
House Bill 2191 aims to address the growing issue of feral chickens and roosters on Oahu by appropriating funds for specific initiatives. This Act proposes to expand the existing feral chicken program by the city and county of Honolulu and establish a statewide education campaign to inform the public about the responsible feeding of feral animals. The bill stems from recommendations made by a working group convened in response to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 92, H.D. 1 (2023), which highlighted the need for action regarding the feral animal population on the island.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 2191 appears to be practical, with legislative members recognizing the importance of managing feral animal populations for ecological and community welfare. The support for this bill reflects a growing acknowledgment of the feral animal problem on Oahu and a willingness to invest in solutions that balance public interests and environmental stewardship. However, as with any bill concerning wildlife and resource allocation, there may be concerns about the effective implementation of these financial appropriations and the potential impact on local communities.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 2191 could arise from the specifics of the appropriated funding and whether it sufficiently addresses the scale of the feral chicken problem. There is an underlying concern that merely expanding the rooster program and launching an educational campaign may not be enough to alleviate the challenges posed by feral animals, as these issues may require more comprehensive, long-term strategies. The effectiveness of the education campaign in truly altering community behavior regarding feral feeding may also be questioned, making the implementation and monitoring phases critical to the bill's overall success.
Making An Emergency Appropriation To Fund A Grant To The Board Of Water Supply For Emergency Operations, Future Planning, And Ground Water Remediation.