Report Title:

Emergency Shelter; Animal Shelter

Description:

Requires the department of defense to conduct a cost benefit analysis of providing accommodations for pets at public shelters and report to the governor and legislature. Requires that analysis include private sector initiatives to provide pet shelters for compensation.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2252

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to emergency shelters.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a category five hurricane that hit New Orleans on August 31, 2005, serious concerns were raised over the adequacy and availability of emergency shelters and the ability of these shelters to accommodate the needs of evacuees. In addition to the problems encountered by evacuees, however, there were the challenges faced by some residents who remained in their homes before, during, and after the hurricane. Many of those who refused to evacuate indicated they chose to remain at home because pets were not allowed at public shelters. Still others, despite facing life, health, and safety issues after the hurricane, would not evacuate until they located their missing pets. As a result, rescue workers had to expend considerable time, energy, and resources to rescue people and their pets at a later date.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of defense to conduct a cost benefit analysis of providing accommodations for pets at public shelter facilities.

SECTION 2. The department of defense shall conduct a cost benefit analysis of providing accommodations for pets at public shelter facilities. The analysis shall include:

(1) Measures that could be taken to encourage private sector entities to provide pet shelter facilities for compensation;

(2) A review of infrastructure, staffing, equipment, and logistics costs relating to the housing of pets in proper cages provided by their owners; and

(3) Any other factors the department of defense deems appropriate and relevant to accommodate the needs of evacuees with pets.

SECTION 3. The department of defense shall submit a report on its findings, analysis, and recommendations to the governor and legislature no later than December 31, 2006, including any necessary proposed legislation to implement the recommendations contained in the report.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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