Civil action not precluded

COMMENTARY ON §§711-1140 TO 711-1148 Act 224, Session Laws 2024, added this part to: (1) define what constitutes a dangerous dog; and (2) establish requirements and penalties for owners of dangerous dogs. The legislature found that the State struggled with the problem of loose dogs that behave aggressively. Despite the passage of ordinance no. 36 by the county of Hawaii in 2022 to establish fines, penalties, and other regulations for individuals who own dangerous dogs, dog attacks continued to occur, demonstrating the need for stronger laws and enforcement. The legislature also found that existing state law preempted the enactment of felony offenses through county ordinance. Accordingly, the legislature noted that Act 224 would protect the public by addressing dangerous conditions caused by dogs and their owners in local communities and imposing appropriate penalties. Senate Standing Committee Report No. 3641, Conference Committee Report No. 3-24. Act 21, Session Laws 2025, amended §§711-1141, 711-1142, 711-1143, 711-1144, and 711-1145 by making technical nonsubstantive amendments.