THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1126

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to animals.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that elephants in their native environment of savannas or forests range for ten miles a day.  African elephants roam marshes, lakeshores, and open grasslands in savannas of the Sahara desert or in dense rain forests.  Asian elephants live in wooded habitats and grasslands from India to Indonesia.  Female elephants live throughout their lives in close family groups consisting of five to fifteen adult females and juvenile males and females.  Even if a group breaks apart to maintain a smaller herd size, females retain the knowledge of which groups bear a relation to them.  Adult males lead solitary lives on the edges of herds because of their aggressive nature.

     The legislature also finds that zoos are a valuable asset to promote awareness and appreciation of wildlife.  Zoos give people the opportunity to observe and enjoy animals that inhabit the wild.  However, the husbandry of wild animals places particular responsibilities upon a zoo for the proper treatment of housed animals.

     The legislature further finds that the Honolulu zoo has had a difficult history in the humane treatment of elephants.  Zoos need to give elephants enough space to walk and exercise, among other things.

     The purpose of this Act is to require any zoo in the State that has elephants in its collection to provide a humane living space for elephants.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 142, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§142-    Zoos; humane treatment of elephants.  Any zoo in the State that includes elephants in its exhibits shall practice the humane treatment of elephants by providing suitable space for each elephant to live and roam within its enclosure.  For purposes of this section, "suitable space" means an enclosed living area of not less than one acre for each elephant."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.


     SECTION 4.  This Act, upon its approval, shall take effect on January 1, 2014.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Animals; Elephants; Zoos

 

Description:

Requires zoos in the State to house elephants in an area that is sufficient to live and roam.  Takes effect 1/1/2014.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.