The act proposes to appropriate funds from the State's general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, enabling the Department of Health to establish and maintain a complaint hotline. This hotline is intended for the public to report feral chicken-related nuisances and health threats. The bill also allows the Department to contract with eligible nonprofit or for-profit entities to manage the removal of these feral chickens, thereby formalizing the control measures against the growing population.
Summary
House Bill 227 addresses the growing concerns related to the feral chicken population in Hawaii, which has reportedly reached unacceptable levels. The bill recognizes the nuisances and health hazards that feral chickens pose, particularly in urban and suburban settings where they trespass in yards, damage food crops, and create noise complaints. The proliferation of these chickens raises concerns about public health, as they are known to carry diseases that can affect both native Hawaiian birds and domestic fowl.
Contention
Whilst the bill aims to address a significant issue affecting residents and the environment, it may also raise discussions regarding animal welfare and the best methods for managing wildlife populations. Stakeholders may express concerns regarding the effectiveness and ethical implications of the proposed control measures, as well as the potential costs associated with implementing such a program. Additionally, the effectiveness of a hotline and contracted entities may be debated in the legislative discussions, as lawmakers evaluate the best strategies to deal with the feral chicken problem.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.