Current Laws

Laws protect animals and people in our community. Enforcement of these laws may be by the Humane Society, Honolulu Police Department or other agencies.

County Laws
Dangerous dogs (Sections 7-7.1-7, 7-7.2)
Transportation of dogs in pick-up trucks and horses in trailers (Section 15-24.22)
Dogs in public required to be leashed (Section 7-4.1)
Mandatory dog licensing ensures proof of ownership (Section 7-3.1)
Mandatory cat identification (Section 7-6.2)
Outdoor cats must be neutered (Section 7-6.6)
Noise nuisance law; dogs & roosters (Section 7-2.2)
Numbers and types of animals allowed (Section 7-2.5)
Pet waste & litter law violations (Section 29-4.4(9))
Farm animal enclosure requirements & limits on number of dogs & chickens (Section 7-2.5)

State Laws

Animal abandonment
Animal cruelty
Animal cruelty, crimes; dog fighting
Service animals; definitions; ADA and Fair Housing Act
Cruelty to animals; exception for insects, vermin, and other pests
Pet confinement law
Pets as therapy allowed in health care centers
Illegal animals in Hawaii
Lost & found law about dogs
Animals in vehicles
Emergency public shelters for pets
Animal quarantine requirements for pets entering Hawaii
Rabbit sheltering requirements
Temporary restraining orders extend to pets

Federal Laws

Animal Fighting Prohibition Act
Pets Evacuation & Transportation Standards Acts

New State Laws – 2011

Act 185 - Quarantine Facilities; Commercial Use; Special Fund
Authorizes the use or rental of division of animal industry property or facilities for commercial purposes. Establishes the animal industry special fund.

Special thanks to Ryan K. Hew, Attorney at Law, who helped us collect information about these laws.