>> THEY'RE MAN'S BEST FRIEND, BUT IN RECENT YEARS, INCIDENTS OF SEVERE, EVEN FATAL DOG ATTACKS HAVE RAISED ALARM.

THERE ARE LAWS TO ADDRESS DANGEROUS DOGS, BUT ARE OWNERS HELD RESPONSIBLE WHEN DOGS ATTACK?

CRITICS SAY NO AND ARE PUSHING FOR STRONGER PUNISHMENT.

BUT IS THE LAW CLEAR ENOUGH TO DETERMINE WHAT MAKES A DOG DANGEROUS AND WHAT MAKES A DOG OWNER TRULY NEGLIGENT?

TONIGHT'S LIVE BROADCAST AND LIVE STREAM OF INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII START NOW.

∂ ∂ >> Lauren: ALOHA AND WELCOME TO INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII...I'M LAUREN DAY.

DEADLY DOG ATTACKS.

IT MAY SOUND LIKE STEPHEN KING'S CUJO, BUT FOR MANY RESIDENTS ON HAWAII ISLAND IT'S A HUGE CONCERN.

LAST YEAR, A 71-YEAR-OLD MAN DIED AFTER POLICE SAY 4 DOGS ATTACKED HIM WHILE HE WAS WALKING IN HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES.

IN 2021, AN 85-YEAR-OLD WOMAN DIED AFTER BEING ATTACKED BY DOGS IN HAWAIIAN PARADISE PARK.

SO WHAT'S BEING DONE TO CURB THIS DANGEROUS DOG PROBLEM AND ARE DOG OWNERS BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE?

WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR PARTICIPATION IN TONIGHT'S SHOW.

YOU CAN EMAIL OR CALL IN YOUR QUESTIONS.

AND YOU'LL FIND A LIVE STREAM OF THIS PROGRAM AT PBSHAWAII.ORG AND THE PBS HAWAII FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE PAGES.

NOW, TO OUR GUESTS IN STUDIO.

CHRIS TODD IS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR PARTS OF HILO, KURTISTOWN AND KEAAU.

HE GRADUATED OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I AT HILO WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE.

HE HAS SERVED IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE SINCE 2017.

MATTHEW RUNNELLS IS THE ADMINISTRATOR OF HAWAII COUNTY'S ANIMAL CONTROL AND PROTECTION AGENCY.

HE HAS OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH ANIMALS RANGING FROM DOMESTIC PETS TO ZOO ANIMALS.

PRIOR TO TAKING THE JOB LAST SEPTEMBER, HE WORKED IN THE VETERINARY DEPARTMENT AT DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA.

ASHLEY KIERKIEWICZ IS A MEMBER OF THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL.

BORN AND RAISED ON HAWAII ISLAND, SHE HAS REPRESENTED PUNA AT THE COUNCIL SINCE 2018.

SHE INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE AIMED AT ADDRESSING DANGEROUS DOG ATTACKS.

THESE DOGS ATTACKS THEY'RE NOT UNHEARD OF.

THEY'RE NOT SUPER COMMON BUT NOT UNHEARD OF.

THERE SEEMS TO BE THIS NUMBER OF SERIOUS AND EVEN FATAL DOG ATTACKS THAT HAVE HAPPENED.

SPECIFICALLY, ON THE BIG ISLAND, CHRIS, WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS A HAWAI'I ISLAND ISSUE?

>> YEAH, I THINK TO YOUR POINT, IT'S A STATEWIDE ISSUE, BUT I THINK THE RURAL NATURE OF MUCH OF THE BIG ISLAND, WE HAVE SO MUCH LANDMASS WITH ONLY ABOUT 200,000 PEOPLE.

AND OUR LOT SIZES ARE LARGER.

PARTICULARLY IN THE PUNA AREA.

WHERE ONE TO THREE ACRE LOTS ARE VERY NORMAL.

WHEREAS ON OAHU AND MUCH OF THE STATE, THAT'S MORE UNCOMMON.

THE COMBINATION OF THAT, A STRONG HUNTING CULTURE MEANS MORE DOGS WITH MORE LAND TO ROAM.

AND A LOT OF THESE AREAS ARE NOT NECESSARILY FENCED IN, SO IT KIND OF CREATES A NATURAL SITUATION WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO RUN INTO MORE OF THESE.

>> Lauren: ASHLEY, YOU'RE ON HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL.

FROM PUNA.

ANYTHING YOU WOULD ADD TO THAT?

WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS A PROBLEM ON THE BIG ISLAND?

>> I KAKOU EVERYTHING THAT CHRIS HAS SAID.

I LIVE IN HAWAIIAN PARADISE PARK, WHERE THE KUPUNA, DOLORES, WAS TRAGICALLY MAULED TO DEATH BY DOGS.

SO THERE'S CERTAINLY A SITUATION WHERE FOLKS HAVE ANIMALS BECAUSE THEY'RE A PART OF THEIR FAMILY.

THEY'RE PETS, BUT THERE'S ALSO THIS SENSE OF BECAUSE WE'RE OUT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, THEY'RE SEEN AS GUARDIANS, PROTECTORS, IF YOU MAY, OF OUR FAMILIES AND PROPERTY.

>> Lauren: DO BOTH OF YOU HEAR FROM YOUR CONSTITUENTS OFTEN ABOUT THIS BEING AN ISSUE THAT THEY'RE CONCERNED ABOUT?

>> ABSOLUTELY, YES.

I INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE SIX MONTHS AFTER DOLORES PASSED AWAY.

BECAUSE THERE WAS A LONGSTANDING COMMUNITY CRY FOR WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING.

THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME KIND OF CRIMINAL PENALTY.

WHAT WE HAD ON OUR BOOKS WAS A PETTY MISDEMEANOR.

WE WORKED HARD TO MOBILIZE FOLKS THAT WERE ATTACKED BY DOGS, LOST LOVED ONES.

WORKED HARD WITH OUR PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, POLICE, CORPORATION COUNSEL TO ENACT THAT ORDINANCE WHERE WE NOW HAVE IN THE BOOKS IN EVENT OF A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH, BNC PENALTIES.

WE HOPED AND PRAYED WE WOULD NOVEMBER HAVE TO USE THE ORDINANCE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WAS ATTACKED LAST YEAR IN OCEAN VIEW.

THAT'S WHEN WE FOUND OUT THAT HEY, WE DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO THIS, BUT THANKFULLY WE'RE COMING UP ON A LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

LET'S WORK WITH OUR STATE LEGISLATORS TO ALLOW THE COUNTIES TO HAVE THIS AUTHORITY.

>> Lauren: MATTHEW, HOW OFTEN IS ANIMAL CONTROL CALLED OUT?

ARE THERE CERTAIN PROBLEM AREAS THAT YOU'RE AWARE OF?

>> WE'RE CALLED UP AT LEAST ONCE A DAY FOR A PROBLEM WITH A DOG, WHETHER IT'S A STRAY OR AGGRESSIVE DOG.

MOST OF THE TIMES, THOSE ARE -- POLICE ASSISTS -- ASSISTING WITH A DANGEROUS DOG CALL.

ALTHOUGH THERE ARE PROBLEM AREAS WITHIN THE COUNTY, THERE IS A PROBLEM JUST ABOUT IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD.

YOU HAVE THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT MAY HAVE DOGS ON THEIR PROPERTY THAT THEY'RE NOT NECESSARILY MANAGING WELL, THAT MAY CAUSE A NUISANCE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.

AND SOMETIMES IF THOSE DOGS ARE ALLOWED TO RUN FREE FOR LONG ENOUGH, THEY START TO SEE THE COMMUNITY AS THEIR TERRITORY.

AND SO IF THOSE DOGS AREN'T CONTROLLED PROPERLY, THEY WILL ATTACK ANYTHING THAT ROAMS WITHIN THEIR AREA.

DOGS ARE TERRITORIAL, AND THE MORE YOU ALLOW THEM TO SEE THEIR TERRITORY AS SOMETHING AT LARGE, INSTEAD OF CONFINED TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL PROPERTIES, THEN YOU'RE GIVING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING THAT THEY CAN'T, YOU KNOW, NECESSARILY UNDO.

>> Lauren: THE ANIMAL CONTROL JOB ITSELF IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR MEN AND WOMEN THAT GO OUT THERE.

CAN YOU GIVE OUR VIEWERS A PICTURE OF THAT?

YOU CAME ONBOARD AFTER THAT JOB AFTER THOSE FATAL INCIDENTS, BUT MAYBE WHAT WAS SOME OF THE MOST DANGEROUS CALLS YOU'VE BEEN OUT ON OR YOUR TEAM HAVE BEEN OUT?

>> WE'VE HAD DANGEROUS DOGS.

WE'VE HAD TO TAKE OUT OF CARS.

INDIVIDUAL LOTS AND STUFF THAT ARE LOADED WITH DOGS THAT ARE NOT MANAGED.

SOME OF THE LOTS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE HOUSES, BUT THEY HAVE DOGS KEPT ON THE LOTS FOR PROTECTION OF THE LOTS.

WITH NO SOCIALIZATION FOR THOSE DOGS AND NO INTERACTION WITH HUMANS OTHER THAN THE ONES THAT THEY'RE INTERACTING WITH THAT COME ON THE PROPERTY.

THOSE KIND OF DOGS ARE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THEY DON'T SEE HUMANS AS SOMETHING TO BE INTERACTIVE WITH AS WELL.

>> Lauren: DOES YOUR TEAM PREPARE IN ANY SPECIAL WAY WHEN YOU KNOW YOU'RE GOING OUT TO, SAY, A PROPERTY THAT DOESN'T HAVE A HOME ON IT OR YOU KNOW OWNERS AREN'T LIVING THERE BUT THERE'S DOGS ON THE PROPERTY?

>> OUR WORKERS PREPARE FOR EVERY SINGLE CALL THE SAME.

WE HAVE THE TOOLS.

WE GO OUT WITH WORST-CASE SCENARIO IN MIND.

JUST BECAUSE YOU MAY GET A CALL FOR SOMETHING THAT MAY SEEMING VERY BENIGN, BUT IT MAY TURN INTO SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, YOU KNOW.

YOU MAY ENCOUNTER THINGS THAT WERE NOT NECESSARILY ON THE CALL, AND SO OUR GUYS GO OUT WITH THE WORST IN MIND, HOPING FOR THE BEST.

>> Lauren: CHRIS, CAN YOU TELL US WHAT IS THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF A DANGEROUS DOG?

WHAT WOULD MAKE AN OWNER NEGLIGENT BY LAW?

>> IT'S SOMETHING WE'RE WORKING ON.

SO THERE IS PENDING LEGISLATION THAT WAS INTRODUCED THIS YEAR.

KIND OF A COMBINATION OF LEGISLATORS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS, SOME OF WHOM WERE PERSONALLY IMPACTED WITH LOSS OF A FAMILY MEMBERS.

WE HAD A PIECE OF LEGISLATION INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ILAGAN WHO REPRESENTS THE PUNA AREA.

THAT'S HB2058.

IT WOULD CREATE THAT DEFINITION IN STATUTE.

IT WOULD SET UP A PROCESS FOR DESIGNATING DOGS AS DANGEROUS DOGS.

IT WOULD REQUIRE CERTAIN THINGS TO TRIGGER THAT DESIGNATION.

AND THAT SECOND PART OF THE BILL WOULD DEAL WITH IF YOU HAVE A DOG THAT IS DESIGNATED AS A DANGEROUS DOG, WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS PLACED ON THE OWNER?

ENSURING THAT IT'S PROPERLY KEPT.

IT'S NOT JUST ROAMING FREE AFTER RECEIVING THAT DESIGNATION.

AND THE THIRD PART OF THE LEGISLATION WOULD SET UP POTENTIAL PENALTIES IF THAT IS NOT FOLLOWED, AND ALSO IF THAT DOG, AFTER BEING DESIGNATED, WERE TO HARM A PERSON OR ANOTHER ANIMAL.

>> Lauren: ASHLEY, IN 2022 HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL PASSED AN ORDINANCE THAT MAKES IT A FELONY CRIME IF SOMEONE FAILS TO TAKE REASONABLE MEASURES TO PREVENT AN UNPROVOKED DOG ATTACK THAT RESULTS IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

UNDER THIS LAW, THE DOG'S OWNER COULD SPEND TEN YEARS IN JAIL.

THERE'S SOMETHING THAT STOPS THIS FROM BEING ENFORCED.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THAT?

>> YEAH.

WE DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY.

AND IT WAS A REALLY HUGE BLOW TO THE GUT WHEN WE FOUND OUT BECAUSE WE HAD FOUR LAWYERS ON THIS.

OUR CORPORATION COUNSEL, A DEPUTY THAT REPRESENTS POLICE, SOMEONE IN OUR LEGISLATIVE REVIEW BRANCH AND OUR PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.

FOUR FOLKS DIDN'T CATCH THIS.

AND SO IT WAS VERY UNFORTUNATE, BUT THE COMMUNITY SAW THAT WE WERE TRYING.

WHEN WE LOOKED AT STATUTE, IT ALLOWED US TO PRESCRIBE UP TO A MISDEMEANOR.

SO FELONY IS BEYOND OUR AUTHORITY TO DO.

WITH THE LEGISLATION THAT'S MOVING THROUGH THE SESSION NOW, IT'S PROMISING THAT WE HAVE THIS AUTHORITY.

IN MY REVIEW OF THE BILL, IS IT WOULD GRANT US THE AMOUNT TO ASSIGN A C FELONY, I BELIEVE.

AND OUR ORDINANCE GOES TO A B FELONY FOR SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

>> Lauren: I KNOW THE THREE OF YOU HERE TONIGHT ARE FROM THE BIG ISLAND.

CHRIS, YOU SAID EARLIER AT THE START OF THIS, THIS IS NOT JUST THE BIG ISLAND ISSUE.

OVER THE LAST YEAR HERE ON OAHU, TWO SERIOUS DOG ATTACKS THAT HAPPENED IN EWA BEACH SPECIFICALLY.

MATTHEW, WHAT CAN OUR VIEWERS DO, WHERE A DANGEROUS DOG IS APPROACHING THEM OR ATTACKING THEM.

HOW CAN THEY PROTECT THEMSELVES?

>> I ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE DON'T ASSUME A DOG IS NICE.

NEVER APPROACH A DOG THAT YOU AREN'T FAMILIAR WITH.

IT'S -- THERE'S REALLY NO TELLING WHAT THE BEHAVIOR IS.

A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN'T READ THE DOG BEHAVIOR VERY WELL.

AND SO IF THEY ASSUME THAT THE DOG IS NICE AND WALK UP ON IT, IT MAY BE SHOWING SIGNS OF AGGRESSION.

YOU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO READ IT.

SO I ALWAYS STEER PEOPLE IN THE WAY OF AVOID DOGS IF YOU CAN.

IN OUR AREA, WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT WILL TAKE WALKING STICKS WITH THEM.

ITEMS TO MAKE SURE THAT IF THEY HAPPEN UPON AN ANIMAL THAT IS AGGRESSIVE, THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

IT'S UP TO THAT PERSON TO DEFEND THEMSELVES WITH ALL MEANS, IF NECESSARY.

BUT I TELL PEOPLE TO TRY TO AVOID THEM.

>> CAN I JUST SAY THAT I HATE THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE TO SAY DO WHATEVER YOU MUST IN ORDER TO PROTECT YOURSELF.

PEOPLE TELL ME THEY WALK AROUND WITH BATS OR PEPPER SPRAY OR TASER BECAUSE THEY FEEL LIKE WALKING IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD IS LIKE WALKING A GAUNTLET.

AND IT SHOULDN'T HE ABOUT THAT WAY.

EVERYONE SHOULD FEEL SAFE WALKING THROUGH THE STREET.

MY KIDS BIKE ON THE ROAD AND I FEEL SAFE BECAUSE I FEEL EVERYBODY ON OUR STREET IS A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER.

I WISH EVERYBODY WAS THE SAME.

>> WELL, YOU MAY THINK EVERYBODY IS A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER, BUT THERE'S ALWAYS ALMOST ONE PERSON ON THE STREET THAT ISN'T NECESSARILY THE BEST DOG OWNER.

THOSE ARE THE NUISANCE DOGS, THE ONES WE GET THE CALLS ABOUT.

AND IT ULTIMATELY IS SOMETIMES SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE TO ENCOUNTER ON YOUR STREET.

HAVING A NEIGHBOR THAT YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT HAS AN ANIMAL LIKE THAT CAN CAUSE A BIG DISRUPTION WITHIN A COMMUNITY.

>> Lauren: IF YOU HAVE A NEIGHBOR WHERE YOU THINK THERE'S A DANGEROUS DOG ON THE PROPERTY, WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO?

CAN YOU TELL US THE STEPS NEXT?

DOES POLICE GET INVOLVED?

DOES HUMANE SOCIETY COME IN?

WHEN DOES ANIMAL CONTROL STEP IN?

>> WITH OUR COUNTY, MOST OF THE DANGEROUS DOG CALLS GO TO THE POLICE FIRST.

FOR OUR ANIMALS THAT ARE DANGEROUS AND ARE REPORTED TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, IT'S UP TO THE POLICE TO IDENTIFY WHETHER OR NOT THOSE DOGS NEED TO BE CONFISCATED OR REMOVED FROM AREA.

BUT ULTIMATELY, AS ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS, THE MOST WE CAN DO IS CITE SOMEBODY FOR A PROBLEM WITH AN ANIMAL.

SO POLICE INVOLVEMENT IS KEY TO GETTING THOSE ANIMALS THAT ARE AGGRESSIVE AND A NUISANCE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OFF THE STREETS.

IF WE CAN CATCH THEM STRAYING, WE CAN TAKE THEM IMMEDIATELY.

>> I WANT TO CHIME IN HERE.

I HAVE A CONSTITUENT FOR A NUMBER OF YEAR HAD DONE THE RIGHT THINGS.

CALLED AND FILED POLICE REPORTS ONLY TO GO THROUGH THIS JUDICIAL PROCESS, AND NEIGHBOR IS HAVING TO PAY A $25 FINE.

AND THERE'S REALLY NO ACCOUNTABILITY.

WE HAVE PEOPLE LIVING IN FEARS.

PRISONERS IN THEIR OWN HOME, HAVING TO BARRICADE THEMSELVES IN THEIR HOME BECAUSE THEY'RE SO AFRAID OF WHAT THEIR NEIGHBOR'S ANIMAL ARE GOING TO DO TO THEM.

THAT'S NO WAY TO LIVE.

TO CHRIS' POINT ABOUT THE LAW BEING UNCLEAR ON WHAT MAKES AN ANIMAL DANGEROUS AND HAVING OUR POLICE OFFICERS AND ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS, THEY NEED TO BE TRAINED UP IN WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DANGEROUS ANIMAL AND ALSO BE EQUIPPED TO BE ABLE TO CONFISCATE THE ANIMAL.

AND THERE'S A WHOLE CAN OF WORMS AROUND IF WE'RE GOING TO BE CONFISCATING ANIMALS, WHERE ARE WE GOING TO PUT THEM?

DO WE HAVE ENOUGH FACILITIES AND RESOURCES TO CARE FOR AND REHABILITATE THESE ANIMALS?

>> CURRENTLY WE DON'T HAVE THE PROPER FACILITIES FOR THAT.

WE'RE WORKING TOWARDS.

>> Lauren: AS YOU CAN SEE, I'VE GOT A LOT OF PINK PAPERS.

I WANT TO GET TO SOME VIEWERS QUESTIONS.

CHRIS, THIS IS KOA EMAILING IN FROM MANOA ASKING FOR QUICK COMMENT.

PERHAPS WE DON'T HAVE FATAL DOG ATTACKS, BUT WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH AGGRESSIVE DOGS ON OAHU.

TWO RECENT ATTACKS IN EWA BEACH.

IS THERE CURRENTLY STATEWIDE LEGISLATION IN PROCESS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?

>> I BELIEVE THE CURRENT BILL WOULD ADDRESS THIS.

AND THE QUESTION WOULD BE DOWN THE ROAD, IF THIS BILL IS TO PASS, WHAT ARE WE OVERLOOKING WITH THE CURRENT LEGISLATION?

IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO PASS A PERFECT PIECE OF LEGISLATION IN YOUR FIRST ATTEMPT.

THERE'S GOING TO BE TIMES WHERE IF WE PASS THIS, WE FIND A CASE WHERE THIS DOESN'T QUITE APPLY AND WE CAN'T QUITE PREVENT THE NEGATIVE OUTCOME.

SO OUR HOPE IS TO CRAFT THE BEST BILL POSSIBLE, AND WE'RE APPROACHING SOMETHING PRETTY GOOD HERE.

WE'RE KIND OF ENTERING THE LAST PHASE OF ENTERING CONFERENCE COMMITTEE WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS TO IRON OUT SOME OF THOSE FINE DETAILS.

BUT THE CURRENT BILL, TO GET THIS DESIGNATION OF BEING A DANGEROUS DOG, IT CAN BE DESIGNATED DANGEROUS DOG, WE NEED WITNESS TESTIMONY.

WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT IS A DOG THAT'S KIND OF ALREADY HARMED -- ALREADY CAUSED HARM.

THAT'S THE DIFFICULTY.

WE DON'T WANT THIS TO BE WEAPONIZED BY A NEIGHBOR WHO DOESN'T LIKE SOMEONE'S DOG.

IT'S A FINE LINE.

IT'S GOING TO DO TAKE TIME TO WORK OUT SOME OF THOSE DETAILS.

THE CURRENT LEGISLATION WOULD BEGIN TO SET UP THAT PROCESS.

IF WE KNOW A DOG IS DANGEROUS, IF THEY'VE BEEN UNPROVOKED, INITIATING VIOLENT ACTS ON PEOPLE OR ANIMALS, IF THEY'RE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN TERRIFYING A NEIGHBORHOOD, WE CAN PROVIDE THAT LEGISLATION.

THESE ARE THE SERIES OF REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST TAKE PLACE.

IF IT'S GOING TO BE INDOORS, YOU CAN'T LEAVE IT WITH A MINOR, AS AN EXAMPLE.

IF HE HAS THE DESIGNATION.

IF IT'S OUTDOORS, HAS TO BE KENNELED OR LEASHED.

IF YOU ARE WALKING IT, IT HAS TO BE LEASHED.

BASIC THINGS HERE, BUT WE CAN'T BE PERFECT.

THIS IS OUR FIRST ATTEMPT, AND I'M HOPING WE CAN GET IT AS RIGHT AS POSSIBLE.

>> THERE'S A SIGN.

>> GOT TO PUT THE SIGN UP, TOO.

>> THAT SAYS THIS DOG HAS BEEN DEEMED DANGEROUS.

IT'S A FEW YEARS IT HAS THAT DESIGNATION UNTIL IT'S BEEN PROVEN OTHERWISE TO THE ANIMAL CONTROL AGENCY.

>> AM I UNDERSTANDING IT CORRECTLY THAT THAT DOG WOULD HAVE HAD TO, IN THEORY, ATTACK ANOTHER PERSON TO BE DEEMED DANGEROUS?

>> SOME OF THAT IS UP FOR NEGOTIATION.

SO THE LANGUAGE IS STILL BEING WORKED ON.

WHAT WE'RE GOING TO FIND OUT THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS IS WHAT FINAL LANGUAGE COMES OUT OF CONFERENCE.

IT JUST UNDERWENT SOME AMENDMENTS IN THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

THAT'S BASICALLY THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF HOW IT WORK.

>> Lauren: A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION FROM JOHN IN KEAAU IS ASKING, IF DOGS COME ON PROPERTY AND KILLS ANIMALS, NOW WE'RE TALKING ABOUT OTHER ANIMALS INJURED OR KILLED, WHAT RIGHTS DOES THE OWNER HAVE?

>> I CAN TOUCH ON THAT.

IN MY REVIEWING OF THE CODE, THERE IS A SECTION ABOUT SLAYING DANGEROUS DOGS.

SO IF A DANGEROUS DOG HAS ENTERED YOUR PROPERTY AND HAS CAUSED HARM TO YOUR LIVESTOCK, YOU, AS OWNER OR OWNER'S AGENT, HAVE THE ABILITY TO TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT YOUR LIVESTOCK.

THAT IS IN OUR COUNTY CODE.

>> Lauren: MATTHEW, A FOLLOW UP ABOUT DOING WHATEVER MEANS TO PROTECT YOURSELF.

MAYBE YOU COULD SPEAK TO SELF-DEFENSE TIPS?

JADA ASKING, WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE DO IF THEY'RE ATTACKED BY A DOG?

MY OPINION IS IT IS NEVER THE DOG'S FAULT.

THE RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY WILL FALL ON THE OWNER.

>> ULTIMATELY, THE DOGS DON'T START OFF AS AGGRESSIVE.

DOGS TAKE TIME TO BE TRAINED AND NOT TRAINED TO EXHIBIT THE PROPER BEHAVIOR TO BE IN OUR SOCIETY.

THERE ARE OBEDIENCE CLASSES AND THINGS THAT OWNERS CAN CHOOSE TO DO THAT, UNFORTUNATELY, IF THEY DON'T CHOOSE TO DO THOSE THINGS, THOSE ANIMALS CAN EASILY BECOME ANTISOCIAL, EXHIBIT AGGRESSION.

AND SO THOSE DOGS THAT HAVEN'T BEEN SOCIALIZED PROPERLY ARE PROBABLY THE ONES THAT THEY'LL ENCOUNTER OUTSIDE OF SOMEBODY'S NEIGHBORHOOD OR SOMETHING.

>> Lauren: IS IT EVER AN ISSUE THAT NATURE VERSUS NURTURE?

OR IT'S HOW THE DOGS ARE RAISED?

>> MORE IN THE LINES OF HOW THEY'RE RAISED AND TRAINED.

A DOG EXHIBITS LITTLE SIGNS GROWING UP FROM A PUPPY TO ADULTHOOD.

THAT WE, AS OWNERS, IT'S OUR JOB TO CORRECT THEM FROM THOSE NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS.

JUST THE SAME AS KIDS OR ANYTHING ELSE.

IF A KID DOES A BAD BEHAVIOR, YOU WANT TO CORRECT THAT.

IF YOU DON'T DO THAT WITH DOGS, THEY'LL CONTINUE DOWN THAT ROAD.

HAND BITING IS A PLAYFUL THING FOR A PUPPY.

IF YOU LET IT GO LONG ENOUGH, IT BECOMES MORE AGGRESSIVE TO THE POINT WHERE THEY START TO BITE PEOPLE.

WITHOUT PROPER CORRECTION AND OWNERSHIP OF THOSE DOGS, THEN YOU END UP WITH AN AGGRESSIVE DOG.

>> Lauren: IT'S UNFORTUNATE.

MOST PEOPLE WHO OWN DOGS TREAT THEM LIKE PETS AND FAMILY MEMBERS.

AS WE'RE DISCUSSING TONIGHT, THERE ARE OWNERS THAT ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE.

THE THREE OF YOU -- THIS IS A QUESTION FOR ALL OF YOU, WHAT DO YOU THINK NEEDS TO BE DONE TO EDUCATE DOG OWNERS ABOUT RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP?

>> THERE NEEDS TO BE A LOT MORE EDUCATION AND AWARENESS AROUND THE LAWS WE HAVE IN PLACE.

THERE'S A LOT OF CRAFTING OF LEGISLATION, DEFINITIONS THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN ON THE COUNTY AND STATE SIDE.

REALLY, IT COMES DOWN TO EDUCATION.

I'D LIKE TO EXPLORE HOW WE GET FREE CLINICS FOR OBEDIENCE TRAINING, REGISTERING DOGS, MICROCHIPPING THEM.

HAVING CLINICS OUT IN THE COMMINUTE.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT A LOT OF FOLKS DON'T NOW.

YOU HAVE TO REGISTER YOUR DOG.

PEOPLE SAY IT'S EXPENSIVE.

IT'S NOT.

IT'S TWO DOLLARS OR SIX DOLLARS EVERY TWO YEARS.

IF WE CONTINUOUSLY EDUCATE OUR COMMUNITY, GETTING INTO THE SCHOOLS, MAKING SURE OUR KIDS NOW WHAT IT IS -- WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A RESPONSIBLE, NURTURING PET OWNER, WE'RE GOING TO BE MAKING A LOT OF STRIDES.

>> YEAH.

STARTING FROM THE POINT THAT A PERSON GETS THE DOG, THAT OWNER IS AS MUCH RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF THAT DOG FROM THE POINT THAT THEY OWN IT TO -- FOR THE REST OF THE DOG'S LIFE.

YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT DOG'S BEHAVIOR.

AND SO IT -- WE HAVE TO EDUCATE PEOPLE ON WHAT THE PROPER BEHAVIOR IS OF DOGS AND HOW TO GET THEM TRAINED PROPERLY.

IT DOES COME DOWN TO A LITTLE BIT OF FINANCE BECAUSE SOME OF THE CLASSES ARE NOT INEXPENSIVE.

FREE CLINICS FOR BEHAVIOR TRAINING WOULD BE IDEAL.

AND IT COMES DOWN TO A MATTER OF THE MENTALITY.

YOU WANT TO TREAT YOUR DOG AS A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, AND LIKE YOU SAID, THERE ARE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT TREAT THEM AS A PIECE OF PROPERTY.

AND IT'S NOT NECESSARILY TO SAY THAT, FOR INSTANCE, A HUNTING DOG CAN'T BE A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY AS WELL OR TREATED WITH RESPECT TO THEIR BEHAVIOR AND TRAINED PROPERLY.

MANY HUNTING DOGS ARE, IN FACT, VERY WELL-TRAINED ANIMALS, AND SO IT'S A MATTER OF THE OWNER CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR THE ANIMALS TO BEHAVE PROPERLY.

>> Lauren: YEAH.

BOB FROM WAIKIKI ASKING, MATT, CAN YOU GIVE ADVICE HOW TO HANDLE A DOG TO DOG CONFRONTATION WHERE ONE DOG IS AGGRESSIVE AND THE OTHER ISN'T?

HOW DO YOU KEEP BOTH DOGS SAFE?

SAY YOU'RE WALKING ON STREET WITH YOUR DOG?

>> YOU DON'T WANT TO PUT YOURSELF BETWEEN THE TWO DOGS.

OFTENTIMES PEOPLE TRY TO SEPARATE THEIR DOGS BY GETTING BETWEEN THEM.

THAT IS A VERY BIG MISTAKE.

DOGS DON'T NECESSARILY BITE -- THEY'LL BITE ANYTHING THAT COMES IN THEIR AREA.

AND SO OFTENTIMES YOU WANT TO STAY AWAY FROM THE TWO DOGS ACTUALLY THEIR MOUTHS.

AND OFTENTIMES PEOPLE WILL GRAB A LEG OF THE DOG AND DRAG IT AWAY TO SEPARATE IT FROM THE DOG THAT IS MOSTLY THE NONAGGRESSIVE.

THE REAR LEGS.

>> Lauren: CHRIS, ON THAT TOPIC, IF A DOG ATTACKS ANOTHER DOG, WHAT RIGHTS DOES THE DOG OWNER HAVE?

IS THE DOGS OWNER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VET BILLS?

POLICE GET INVOLVED?

WHAT HAPPENS THEN?

>> WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO NOW, BECAUSE YOU HAVE A CIVIL COURT SYSTEM WHERE THERE IS RECOURSE IF IT'S CAUSED DAMAGE TO YOURSELF.

MEDICAL BILLS OR DAMAGE TO A PET.

YOU CAN TAKE THEM TO COURT.

WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO ADDRESS IS THE CRIMINAL SIDE OF THINGS.

AND TO ENSURE THERE ARE SPECIFIC STANDARDS, AND THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONES OR LOST PETS HAVE AT LEAST RECOURSE ON CRIMINAL SIDE TO ADDRESS THESE SITUATIONS.

AT LEAST SUPPORT WHAT'S HAPPENING WITHIN OUR CIVIL COURT SYSTEM.

IDEALLY, IT WORK IN TANDEM.

SAY IT'S A DOG WHO'S ATTACKED A HUMAN.

YOU HAVE $20,000, $30,000 IN MEDICAL BILLS.

IN SOME CASES IT CAN BE MORE SEVERE THAN THAT.

YOU MAY HAVE CIVIL RECOURSE TO FILE SUIT.

ONE OF THE THINGS THE BILL DOES IS IT ESTABLISHES THAT IF YOU HAVE THIS DANGEROUS DOG DESIGNATION, AND IN THE CURRENT VERSION OF THE BILL, YOU WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PICK UP LIABILITY INSURANCE SO IN THE EVENT YOUR DOG DOES PERPETRATE THAT FUTURE ATTACK, THAT INSURANCE IS THERE.

IN ADDITION TO WHATEVER CAN PLAY OUT WITHIN THE CIVIL COURT SYSTEM.

RIGHT NOW THERE'S NOT A TON YOU CAN DO.

>> Lauren: WHAT IF THE DOG WAS TRYING TO DEFEND ITSELF OR ITS FAMILY?

WOULD THAT DOG OWNER BE FACING ANY JAIL TIME?

>> NO.

WE'RE TRYING OUR BEST TO FIND A VERY SPECIFIC STANDARD, AND THAT IS A CASE WHERE YOU WOULDN'T HAVE THAT CONCERN.

>> Lauren: MATTHEW, TODAY CURRENTLY, IF YOU CALL IN AND YOU KNOW THERE'S A DANGEROUS DOG ON YOUR STREET, DOES THAT OWNER GET A CALL OR WARNING?

>> OWNER OF THE DOG?

>> Lauren: YES.

>> MOST OF THE TIME THEY'LL GET A VISIT FROM THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER.

WE'LL TALK TO THEM ABOUT THEIR DO OR ABOUT THE ISSUES NEIGHBORS ARE HAVING WITH IT.

AND TRY TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, WHETHER IT'S CONTAINMENT OR TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT DOG DOESN'T STRAY OFF THE PROPERTY.

>> Lauren: IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, ARE THOSE OWNERS RESPONSIVE?

>> SOME ARE.

IT'S PROBABLY 50/50.

OFTENTIMES WE HAVE TO DO REPEATED VISITS, AND SOMETIMES IF WE'RE LUCKY, WE CAN CATCH THOSE DOGS OFF THE PROPERTY AND SEIZE THEM IMMEDIATELY FOR STRAYING OFF THE PROPERTY.

AND THEN ALSO CITE THE OWNERS AS WELL FOR DIFFERENT ISSUES, INCLUDING STRAYING FROM THE PROPERTY.

NOT REGISTERING THE DOG IN THE COUNTY.

EVEN THE MICRO-CHIPPING, WHICH IS TO ME ONE OF THE KEY COMPONENTS TO TRY TO HOLD PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DOGS.

IF WE CAN'T PROVE IT'S YOUR DOG, HOW CAN WE HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE?

>> MATT, YOU MENTIONED HAVING TO GO TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS BECAUSE THERE ARE PERSISTENT CALLS THAT COME IN.

YOU TALKED ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO CONFISCATE THEM.

EVEN IF THERE'S VIDEO EVIDENCE.

YOU CAN'T CONFISCATE FROM THEIR PROPERTY, BUT IF THE DOG STRAYS, YOU COULD?

>> YES.

>> IS THERE ENABLING LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW FOR YOU TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT OFF OF THEIR PRIVATE PROPERTY IF THAT CRITERIA HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED.

>> THE CURRENT BILL DOES HAVE SOME LANGUAGE.

SO THE QUESTION IS GOING TO BE WHAT STAYS INTACT?

WHAT IS THE FINAL LANGUAGE?

IT DOES HAVE PROVISIONS REGARDING CONFISCATION.

AGAIN, TRYING TO FIND THE BALANCE BETWEEN RESPECTING SOMEONE'S PROPERTY, RESPECTING THEIR OWNERSHIP OF THIS PET.

AND ALSO FINDING A WAY THAT SO WE CAN CREATE A FRAMEWORK THAT ENCOURAGES RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR AND PROVIDES CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR SOMEONE WHO'S BEING EXTREMELY NEGLIGENT.

>> Lauren: WHAT IF THE DOG STRAYS FROM THE PROPERTY, ANIMAL CONTROL GETS CALLED, YOU PICK UP THE DOG.

WHAT HAPPENS?

>> WE IMPOUND THE DOG.

THE OWNER HAS TO COME TO OUR FACILITY OR CONTACT THE FACILITY TO COLLECT THE DOG BACK.

THERE ARE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THAT, WHETHER IT'S HOUSING OF THE DOG.

THERE'S AN IMPOUND FEE.

IF THEY DIDN'T REGISTER THEIR DOG, THERE'S A FEE.

AND A CITATION AND ALLOWING A DOG TO STRAY.

>> Lauren: ASHLEY, WHEN YOU HEAR ABOUT THAT -- YOU HEAR FROM  YOUR CONSTITUENTS ALL THE TIME ABOUT THIS BEING AN ISSUE.

IS THAT NOT ENOUGH?

>> IT IS SO FRUSTRATING.

IT'S NOT ENOUGH.

I THINK BACK TO CONSTITUENTS CALLING ME, BEGGING ME FOR RECOURSE, AND THEY'RE FEELING THE LAWS ARE NOT IN THEIR FAVOR.

THEY DON'T FEEL PROTECTED.

THEY FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE TO TAKE MATTERS IN THEIR OWN HANDS, AND SOCIETY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO FUNCTION THAT WAY.

WE SHOULD ALL FEEL SAFE.

>> I CAN TOUCH ON THAT A LITTLE BIT.

WE'RE PRETTY CLOSE FRIENDS OF OUR COUNTY PROSECUTOR.

WE'RE ALL THE SAME AGE.

PART OF THAT CONVERSATION AROUND A FATAL ATTACK THAT HAPPENED ON OUR ISLAND IS, YES, THE PROSECUTOR MAY BE ABLE TO CHARGE SOMETHING, BUT THE ODDS THAT IT HOLDS UP IN COURT ARE VERY MINIMAL.

IT ALSO IT WOULD BE SUCH A LESSER CHARGE IT ALMOST FEELS INSULTING TO SOMEONE'S MEMORY.

WE'VE TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO REBALANCE THAT.

>> Lauren: I HAVE A COUPLE COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS IN REGARDS TO UNLEASHED DOGS.

CORA SAYING, ENFORCEMENT OF LEASH LAWS SHOULD BE THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE.

AND PHIL FROM KAILUA IS ASKING, IS THERE AN ORDINANCE THAT SAYS PEOPLE MUST PICK UP AFTER THEIR DOGS?

CONFLICTS OFTEN ARISE WHEN DOG OWNERS DON'T PICK UP AFTER THEM.

WHAT CAN ORDINARY CITIZENS DO TO ENSURE NEIGHBORS PICK UP AFTER THEIR DOGS?

>> THERE ARE LEASH LAWS IN PLACE.

YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE JUDICIAL PROCESS AND FINES ARE MINIMAL.

TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS.

$50, AND THREE CONVICTIONS, IT'S A $500 FINE AND 100 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE.

IN TERMS OF PICKING UP AFTER YOUR DOG, THERE'S A CODE THAT REQUIRES PEOPLE TO PICK UP AFTER ANY ANIMAL DROPPINGS.

IF YOU'RE CAUGHT NOT DOING SO AND SOMEBODY REPORTS YOU, THERE'S A CITATION.

>> Lauren: YOU NEED TO BE CAUGHT.

>> YEAH.

EVERYBODY'S GOT A PHONE THESE DAYS.

>> Lauren: MATT, WOULD YOU SUGGEST IF YOU'RE A NEIGHBOR WANTING TO GET PROOF, RECORDING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY?

>> YES.

WE DO APPRECIATE EVIDENCE.

SIMPLY TELLING US -- WE SOMETIMES HAVE TO CATCH THE OWNERS IN THE ACT OF DOING SOMETHING IMPROPER, WHETHER ALLOWING THEIR ANIMAL STRAY OR WALKING A DOG WITHOUT A LEASH.

PROOF IS SOMETHING THAT WE APPRECIATE.

>> AND CALL IT IN.

MAKE THE CALL.

BUILD THE CASE.

IT'S FRUSTRATING BUT WE NEED THOSE REPORTS TO BE FILED SO A CASE CAN BE BUILT.

>> THAT'S THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE WITH A LOT OF THESE DANGEROUS DOGS.

PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO COME FORWARD.

IT'S A NEIGHBOR WITH A DANGEROUS DOG.

THE OWNER MAY BE A BIT AGGRESSIVE, AND RATHER THAN MAKE WAVES BETWEEN THE TWO, THE PERSON THAT SUFFERS IN SILENCE BASICALLY WITHOUT REPORTING IT TO ANIMAL CONTROL OR TO THE POLICE.

AND SO WE'LL GET THESE PEOPLE THAT MAY HAVE THE DANGEROUS DOG AND THEY'LL FINALLY CALL US, BUT MOST ARE AFRAID TO ACTUALLY TESTIFY OR TO PRESENT ANY EVIDENCE.

AND SO OFTENTIMES THOSE PEOPLE WITH THE DANGEROUS DOG GO OFF WITH A WARNING BECAUSE THERE'S NOBODY WILLING TO COME FORWARD.

>> Lauren: PEOPLE ARE CALLING IN BECAUSE DOGS ARE STRAYING OR THERE'S CONFRONTATION ISSUES?

>> A LITTLE BIT OF BOTH.

DOGS STRAYING ARE EASY CASES.

DOGS STRAYING AND BECOMING AGGRESSIVE, WE NEED PEOPLE TO COME FORWARD FOR THAT.

>> Lauren: BOB, A FORMER COUNCILMEMBER FROM KURTISTOWN, IS ASKING, CAN CHRIS TODD GUARANTEE A PUSH FOR THIS THAT WILL LEAD TO LAWS IN ENFORCEMENT?

>> I CAN GUARANTEE A PUSH.

>> Lauren: CHRIS IS PUSHING.

>> HEY, BOB.

BOB KNEW ME WHEN I WAS A KID.

>> Lauren: DIDN'T EVEN NEED HIS LAST NAME.

>> BIG ISLAND IS A SMALL COMMUNITY.

BUT THINGS LOOK VERY GOOD.

I CAN NEVER GUARANTEE AN OUTCOME.

WE HAVE 76 LEGISLATORS.

YOU HAVE THE GOVERNOR'S ADMINISTRATION WEIGHING IN WITH A POTENTIAL OF A VETO, WHICH I'M NOT EXPECTING AT ALL, BUT I WILL SAY THAT RELATIVELY SMOOTH SAILING SO FAR.

I DO THINK HAVING A SINGLE REFERRAL TO THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE BODES WELL.

IT SIGNALS THE LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE HOUSE FEELS CONFIDENT AND IT'S A GOOD IDEA.

WE'RE IN THAT -- WE'RE GOING TO CONVENE FOR CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

WE HAVE ATTORNEYS ON BOTH SIDES TO FINE-TUNE.

I'M HOPING WE CAN COME TO AN AGREEMENT BUT THINGS LOOK GOOD.

MOST OF THE CHANGES MADE IN THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE OR RATHER IN THE SENATE, IT'S MOSTLY AROUND THE MARGINS.

WE'RE IN A PRETTY GOOD PLACE NOW AND THINGS LOOK PRETTY GOOD.

>> Lauren: CHRIS, SHOULD WE GET MEMBERS OF THEIR COMMUNITY TO CALL THEIR LEGISLATORS AND LEND SUPPORT?

>> SUPPORT IS GOOD.

IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO HEAR SUPPORT.

THE NATURE OF OUR JOBS, WE HEAR FROM FOLKS WHEN THEY'RE VERY UPSET.

AND A LOT OF TIMES RIGHTFULLY SO.

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE WHERE IF YOU CAN LENT YOUR VOICE TO SAY WE SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION, WE SUPPORT THAT THIS IS NECESSARY, THAT WILL GO A LONG WAY TO MAKE SURE IT'S PRIORITIZED.

BUT STAY POSITIVE.

I THINK EVERYONE IS TRYING TO FIND THE RIGHT OUTCOME.

EVERYONE'S TRYING TO WORK TOGETHER AND BE PROACTIVE.

AND THINGS LOOK PRETTY GOOD NOW.

>> Lauren: WHEN YOUR CONSTITUENTS CALL IN, IS IT AT THE POINT WHERE THEY'RE CALLED POLICE AND ANIMAL CONTROL AND HUMANE SOCIETY USUALLY OR THEY COME TO YOU FIRST?

>> IT IS A MIX OF ALL OF THAT.

IT IS A CONSTANT STRAIN.

IF THEY GET MY CELL PHONE NUMBER, THEY START CALLING ME THERE.

OUR OFFICE HAS BEEN SO PROACTIVE IN TRYING TO DO SOMETHING.

WE'VE CONVENED A NUMBER OF PARTNERS.

MY HUSBAND IS A PART OF A NUMBER OF DISCUSSIONS.

I GIVE CREDIT TO MATT AND HIS TEAM BECAUSE LAST YEAR IS WHEN WE ENACTED THE ORDINANCE AND GAVE YOU GUYS $4.3 MILLION TO BUILD THE PLANE AND FLY.

THEY'RE BUILDING AN AGENCY FROM THE GROUND UP, BUT THERE'S AN EXPECTATION THAT YOU DELIVER ALL THESE SERVICES THAT WERE HISTORICALLY PROVIDED BY THE HUMANE SOCIETY.

A LOT OF FOLKS SEE AND KNOW WE'RE TRYING.

BUT I WANT TO MOBILIZE THEM AND CHANNEL THAT FRUSTRATION AND GOOD ENERGY IN A POSITIVE WAY.

IF IT'S TO LEND SUPPORT TO THIS BILL, I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE PUTTING OUT THE KAHEA TO DO THAT.

>> Lauren: VIEWER QUESTION.

TERRY FROM HONOLULU IS ASKING, HOW DO LEASH LAWS APPLY TO HOUSELESS INDIVIDUALS?

A FOLLOW-UP TO THAT, IF IT'S A HOUSELESS PERSON'S DOG, CAN'T NECESSARILY CONTAIN THEM.

IS THAT AN ISSUE IF THE DOG'S AGGRESSIVE?

>> GO FOR IT.

>> WE GET A LOT OF HOMELESS -- UNFORTUNATELY, THEY DO HAVE DOGS.

THEY'RE VERY GOOD DOG OWNERS MOST OF THE TIME.

WHENEVER WE GET A HOMELESS PERSON'S DOG, IT'S NOT BECAUSE THEY'RE AGGRESSIVE OR OFF LEASH.

THEY'RE BEING HOSPITALIZED AND THE DOG HAS TO GO SOMEWHERE.

A LOT OF TIMES THE POLICE CALL US TO HOUSE THE DOG OR TAKE THE DOG IN.

BUT THE LEASH LAW STILL APPLIES TO THE HOMELESS AS WELL.

SO, YES, THOSE INDIVIDUALS STILL HAVE TO MAINTAIN SOME KIND OF SECURITY ON THOSE DOGS.

>> Lauren: I'M CURIOUS TO GET YOUR TAKE.

THREE OF YOU.

AT WHAT POINT SHOULD A DOG BE EUTHANIZED?

IF IT KILLS ANOTHER HUMAN OR TOO AGGRESSIVE AND KEEPS ATTACKS OTHER DOWS OR OTHERS?

>> THAT IS A STRUGGLE.

WHEN WE HAD INTRODUCED THIS ORDINANCE TO CLEAN UP THAT SECTIONS ABOUT CONFISCATING A DANGEROUS DOG AND TOURING OUR FACILITY IN LOWER PUNA, IT BREAKS YOUR HEART TO SEE THESE ANIMALS ESSENTIALLY IN A BOX FOR DAYS ON END, NOT REALLY GETTING THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT THAT THEY NEED.

SO THEY'RE DETERIORATING.

YOU HAVE TO THINK, IS IT A SALVAGEABLE SITUATION?

I DON'T KNOW.

WHAT IS REALLY BETTER OR MORE HUMANE IN TERMS OF THE REST OF THEIR EXISTENCE?

>> A DOG THAT'S ALREADY AGGRESSIVE AND ATTACKED SOMEBODY AND HAS THAT NATURE TO BEGIN WITH BECAUSE IT HAS NEVER HAD THE SOCIALIZATION THAT IT NEEDS, IT TAKES A LOT OF TRAINING TO UNTRAIN THOSE BEHAVIORS.

AND FOR AN OWNER THAT NEVER PUT THE EFFORT TO BEGIN WITH, ARE THEY GOING TO PUT EFFORT TO UNTRAIN THOSE BEHAVIORS?

IF NOT, IS THAT ANIMAL SAFE TO GO OUT IN THE PUBLIC?

THAT'S A QUESTION WE ASK.

>> Lauren: ASHLEY, MAYBE YOU CAN TOUCH ON THIS.

OR ANYONE WANTS TO ADD TO IT.

LAURA FROM HILO ASKING, WHAT WERE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE DOG OWNERS IN THE DOLORES CASE ON THE BIG ISLAND?

>> TO MY KNOWLEDGE, NO CONSEQUENCE.

>> Lauren: PRETTY TELLING OF THE ISSUE AND FRUSTRATION.

>> YEAH.

>> Lauren: FOR YOUR CONSTITUENTS ESPECIALLY AND OBVIOUSLY THIS HAS BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM ON THE BIG ISLAND.

ALSO OTHER ISLANDS AS WELL.

>> IT'S LIFE-CHANGING.

3 MONTHS AFTER DOLORES' CASE, THERE WAS A SWEET 6-YEAR-OLD GIRL, VIOLET.

SHE AND HER TWO SISTERS WERE WALKING HOME FROM THE BUS STOP IN UPPER PUNA.

A NEIGHBOR'S DOG ATTACKED VIOLET, 6-YEAR-OLD.

FACE BITTEN.

SHE'S PERMANENTLY PARTIALLY BLIND IN ONE EYE.

HER RELATIONSHIP HAS CHANGED WITH ANIMALS.

SHE CAN NO LONGER HAVE HER DOG.

THERE'S SO MUCH PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA AND IMPACT THAT FOLKS THAT WERE ATTACKED HAVE TO LIVE THROUGH.

THAT FAMILIES HAVE TO LIVE THROUGH, AND IT GETS TO A BOILING POINT NOW WHERE WE DON'T HAVE ANY LAWS ON THE BOOKS FOR THERE TO BE JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

>> Lauren: OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENTS IS TWOFOLD.

ESPECIALLY WHEN WE'RE DEALING WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

IT'S TRYING TO NAVIGATE AROUND THE FACT THAT IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO HAVE PERFECT OUTCOMES.

WE WANT TO CREATE A FRAMEWORK THAT PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF, WHICH REQUIRES PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGN AND THAT SORT OF THING THAT WILL HOPEFULLY PERMANENTLY CHANGE HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN A WAY.

RIGHT?

AND KNOWING THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES IN PLACE, CREATING THIS LEGAL FRAMEWORK THAT ENCOURAGES BETTER BEHAVIOR AND PLACES PENALTIES OR NEGLIGENT BEHAVIOR.

TO HOPEFULLY -- WE CAN'T PREVENT ALL ATTACKS.

WE WANT TO PREVENT AND HAVE THIS BE A MEASURABLE DECLINE IN AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR.

>> Lauren: ASHLEY, YOU BROUGHT UP THE SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL.

SO SAD.

AND RECENTLY A FEW MONTHS THERE, I BELIEVE AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BOY IN EWA BEACH THAT WAS ATTACKED BY A DOG AS WELL.

MATTHEW, IS IT EVER SAFE FOR PARENTS TO ALLOW KIDS WITH SOMEBODY ELSE'S DOG IF THEY DON'T KNOW?

HOW WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO TELL IF A DOG IS SAFE OR COULD HAVE THAT ATTACK INSTINCT IN THEM?

>> IT'S A MATTER OF WHETHER OR NOT YOU KNOW THAT DOGS OWNER AND THAT DOG INDIVIDUALLY.

NOT EVERYBODY DOG IS GOOD WITH KIDS.

AND EVEN DOGS WE ADOPT OUT OF OUR FACILITIES, THROUGH OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS, THEY'RE HEAVILY EVALUATED ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY'RE GOOD WITH PEOPLE, GOOD WITH KIDS AND OTHER ANIMALS BEFORE WE LET THEM OUT OF OUR FACILITY.

IT'S A MATTER OF EVALUATING THAT INDIVIDUAL THAT YOU KNOW, WHETHER YOU KNOW THAT DOG IN THAT HOUSEHOLD AND WHETHER OR NOT THEY'VE HAD AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN THE PAST.

THOSE ARE QUESTIONS THAT YOU SHOULD ASK BEFORE ALLOW YOUR KID TO PLAY WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S DOG.

>> Lauren: YOU MENTIONED AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT PEOPLE CAN BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR?

>> DOGS CAN HAVE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR FOR DIFFERENT THINGS.

SOME DOGS CAN BE FOOD AGGRESSIVE.

SOME DOGS CAN BE AGGRESSIVE TO ANYBODY THAT STEPS WITHIN THEIR TERRITORY.

SO ANY OF THOSE ISSUES CAN BE SEPARATED IN THEIR OWN.

A TODDLER THAT IS PLAYING IN THE KITCHEN NEXT TO A FOOD BOWL WHERE A DOG IS EATING, THAT DOG, IF THIS HAS FOOD AGGRESSION, IT CAN ALSO POTENTIALLY GO AFTER A CHILD.

>> YOU NEVER KNOW.

I WAS HAVING A CONVERSATION WITH A COLLEAGUE.

SHE WAS TELLING ME YEARS BACK, SHE WAS A TEACHER AND THERE WERE TWO SISTERS PLAYING ON THE STREET.

WENT TO GO PET A NEIGHBOR'S DOG AND ONE SISTER GOT ATTACKED.

THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF THERE BEING AGGRESSION ON THE DOG'S SIDE.

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW SO I APPRECIATE THE MENTION OF CAUTION.

I'M THINKING OF MY 7-YEAR-OLD SON.

SO RAMBUNCTIOUS.

EVERY TIME HE SEES A DOG, HE WANTS TO RUN UP AND PET HIM.

HONEY, YOU SHOULD ASK PERMISSION BECAUSE MAYBE THE DOG OWNERS AREN'T IN A POSITION TO WANT YOU TO TOUCH THEIR PET.

SO PLEASE ASK BEFORE YOU DO THAT.

HE'S GOTTEN BETTER.

THERE HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHERE DOGS ARE TRYING TO NIBBLE AT HIM BECAUSE THEY WEREN'T EXPECTING A 7-YEAR-OLD TO JUMP ON THEM.

>> YEAH.

YOU BROUGHT THIS UP.

EDUCATION EVEN FOR KIDS ON HOW TO BEHAVE AROUND DOGS.

WE HAVE A VIEWER CALLING IN FROM MILILANI.

IN MILILANI, THREE AKITAS ATTACKED TWO DOGS.

ONE ALMOST DIED.

OWNER GAVE MONEY TO THE OTHER OWNER WHO GOT HURT.

WHAT THE BILL NUMBER IN THE LEGISLATURE IS?

>> HB 2058.

>> Lauren: HB 2058.

>> IF YOU GO TO THE CAPITOL WEBSITE, YOU CAN TYPE THAT IN.

IT WILL GIVE YOU EVERY VERSION OF THE BILL, WHERE IT CURRENTLY SITS, WHICH IS AWAITING VINAL VOTE.

USUALLY THAT FINAL VOTE IS MORE A FORMALITY.

AND IT WILL ALSO LET YOU KNOW WHEN CONFEREES ARE ASSIGNED FOR CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

WHO YOU SHOULD CONTACT.

IT'S GOING TO BE CRITICAL ON WHO'S THE FINAL NEGOTIATOR.

IT WILL PROBABLY BE THE HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIR AND SENATE JUDICIARY CHAIR THE FOCAL POINT FOR THE LEGISLATION, BUT PLEASE STAY INVOLVED AND BE AS POSITIVE AS POSSIBLE.

>> Lauren: DOES IT HELP FOR PEOPLE TO CALL IN AND GIVE THEIR TESTIMONY?

>> SO IN CONFERENCE COMMITTEE IT'S NOT SO MUCH ABOUT TESTIMONY AS IT IS IN OTHER HEARINGS, THIS HAS BEEN VETTED OUT THAT WAY.

INSTEAD OF THAT FORMAL PROCESS OF PROVIDING TESTIMONY, E-MAIL OR CALL THESE OFFICES, AND YOU CAN SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS THAT WAY.

IT COULD BE SPECIFIC PROVISIONS THAT YOU BELIEVE IN OR DON'T BELIEVE IN.

AT THIS STAGE, IT IS DIFFICULT TO ADD PROVISIONS BECAUSE WE HAVE REGULATIONS ON OURSELVES THAT DON'T ALLOW US TO DO THAT.

BUT PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS GOING FORWARD.

>> Lauren: DO YOU MIND REPEATING BILL NUMBER AND THAT  WEBSITE?

>> HB 2058.

AND IT'S CAPITOL.HAWAI'I.gov.

>> Lauren: WANT TO MAKE SURE VIEWERS WATCHING KNOW WHERE THEY CAN LOOK THAT UP AND GET MORE INFORMATION.

PAUL FROM HONOLULU ASKING, ARE DOG TAGS REQUIRED TO BE ON THE DOG AT ALL TIMES?

ANY OF YOU KNOW THE ANSWER TO?

>> I DON'T BELIEVE SO.

>> MOST OF THE TIME WHEN THE OWNER HAS A PET ON THE PROPERTY, YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE THAT COLLAR AND TAG ON.

BUT ANY TIME THAT DOG IS OFF THE PROPERTY, YOU SHOULD HAVE THAT DOG WITH ITS COLLAR AND TAG ON IT.

>> Lauren: MATTHEW, IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD SUGGEST FOR PEOPLE TO DO IF THERE IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG ON THEIR STREET?

SHOULD THEY START HAVING CONVERSATION WITH THAT NEIGHBOR OR GO STRAIGHT TO CALLING HPD?

>> I ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE, IF YOU CAN APPROACH THE OWNER OF THE DOG, THEY MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT -- WE HAVE ONE CURRENTLY, HE SWEARS HIS DOG NEVER STRAYS FROM HIS PROPERTY.

BUT I HAPPEN TO LIVE ON THE STREET.

SOMETIMES OWNERS AREN'T AWARE.

>> Lauren: DID YOU TELL HIM?

>> I SENT MY OFFICERS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE AND MAKE SURE HE'S AWARE HIS DOGS ARE STRAYING.

IT'S UP TO THE DOG'S OWNER TO MAKE SURE BUT A NEIGHBORHOOD -- AND I TELL THIS TO NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUPS.

YOU CAN DO IT AS A GROUP OR AS AN INDIVIDUAL.

SOMETIMES DOG OWNERS, WHEN THEY SEE MULTIPLE PEOPLE ALL SAYING THE SAME THING ABOUT THEIR DOG, PEER PRESSURE IS A BIG THING.

IT'S THE ONES THAT REALLY DON'T CARE THAT WILL PROBABLY NOT RESPOND VERY WELL TO THAT.

BUT THOSE INSTANCES, YOU SHOULD GET THE POLICE INVOLVED OR ANIMAL CONTROL.

>> Lauren: CAN YOU MAYBE SHARE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES WHERE THERE WAS AN INSTANCE AND MAYBE THE OWNER DID TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS OR FOLLOW UP AFTERWARDS?

>> WE'VE HAD SEVERAL.

ONE OWNER THAT COULDN'T AFFORD PROPER RESTRAINTS FOR THEIR DOG, AND SO WE PROVIDED FOOD FOR THAT MONTH FOR THE DOG IF WE WOULD GET LEASHES FOR HIS DOG.

SOMETIMES IT'S A MATTER OF PROVIDING EDUCATION.

THERE ARE ORGANIZATIONS OUT THERE THAT WILL PROVIDE FOOD, IF YOU NEED TO, FOR YOUR PETS.

ULTIMATELY, IF YOU BUY A DOG AND OWN A DOG, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE PROPER HOUSING, RESTRAINT AND FEEDING OF THAT DOG TO BE ABLE TO OWN IT.

IF YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE ON THAT RESPONSIBILITY, TAKE IT ON FOR A VERY LONG TIME.

NEVER TAKE ON A DOG OWNERSHIP WITHOUT BEING AWARE THAT IT IS A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY.

NOT JUST TO THE DOG BUT TOLD COMMUNITY AROUND YOU.

>> Lauren: I HAVE A TINY FLUFFY DOG, AND HE IS A BIG RESPONSIBILITY.

ALL PETS ARE BIG RESPONSIBILITY.

>> MATT, WHAT PERCENTAGE OF DOGS THAT ARE CONFISCATED OR ACTUALLY GET DROPPED OFF TO YOUR FACILITY, HOW MANY ARE NOT MICRO-CHIPPED?

>> I WOULD SAY PROBABLY LESS THAN 10% OF THE DOGS WE BRING INTO THE FACILITY.

>> LESS THAN 10%.

>> LESS THAN 10%.

THIS REPRESENTS A HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER.

TO DO THE BEHAVIOR TRAINING, GET THEM REGISTERED AND MICRO-CHIPPED.

I HAVE COMMUNITY MEMBERS CHOMPING AT THE BIT ON HOW THEY CAN BE HELPFUL.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO INVEST IN SCANNERS SO THAT COMMUNITY PARTNERS LIKE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH FOLKS, IF THERE IS A LOOSE ANIMAL AND IT'S NOT AGGRESSIVE, THEY CAN APPROACH AND POTENTIALLY SCAN THE ANIMAL.

AND BE THE RESOURCE TO YOU.

HOLD THE ANIMAL TEMPORARILY WHILE YOUR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS CAN COME BY.

>> I BELIEVE SCANNERS ARE SOMETHING WE CAN USE.

IT'S A MATTER OF WHO TO ISSUE THOSE TO.

WITHIN A COUNTY, THEY DO HAVE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUPS AND COMMUNITY OFFICERS THAT ARE ASSIGNED TO COMMUNITIES THAT ARE COUNTY EMPLOYEES THAT COULD HAVE SCANNERS.

SCANNERS AREN'T CHEAP.

I OFTEN TELL MY OFFICERS, GOT TO BE CAREFUL WITH THESE THINGS BECAUSE THEY'RE BREAKABLE.

>> Lauren: EXPENSIVE.

>> YES.

>> Lauren: TALKING ABOUT REGISTERING YOUR DOG, A CALLER FROM KANEOHE HAD A COMMENT SAYING, LIABLE FOR AN ATTACK NEEDS TO EXTEND TO ANYBODY THAT IS WALKING OR HANDLING THE DOG.

MANY OWNERS WILL NOT REGISTER TO AVOID RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DOG'S ACTION.

DO YOU THINK OR FIND THAT TO BE TRUE?

>> TO A CERTAIN DEGREE, THERE IS THAT IDEA THAT IF A DOG ISN'T REGISTERED TO YOU, IT'S NOT NECESSARILY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IF IT DOES ATTACK SOMEBODY.

BUT IF A DOG IS ON A PERSON'S PROPERTY FOR OVER 30 DAYS, IT'S CONSIDERED PROPERTY OF THAT PERSON THAT HOUSES IT.

SO -- >> Lauren: EVEN IF IT'S MICRO-CHIPPED?

>> EVEN IF IT'S NOT MICRO-CHIPPED.

THE CHALLENGE FOR US AND FOR PEOPLE IN COURTS EVEN ARE, HOW DO YOU CREATE A DRAWBACK TO THAT PERSON SAYING THAT YES, THIS DOG IS YOURS WITHOUT THEM BEING MICRO-CHIPPED OR REGISTERED?

>> Lauren: VINCE IS SAYING, YEARS AGO I WAS A METER READER ON THE MAINLAND AND HAD TO GO TO BACKYARDS.

MOST AGGRESSIVE AND DANGEROUS WERE PITBULLS.

HAS THERE BEEN A THOUGHT OF BANNING THAT BREED?

NOT SURE WHAT VINCE MEANS BY BANNING THE BREED?

DO YOU FIND THAT TO BE TRUE ABOUT THE PITBULL BREED?

THIS IS A CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC.

I KNOW MANY WHO HAVE FRIENDLY, NICE, WELL-TRAINED PITBULLS.

>> IT'S A SLIPPERY SLOPE TO BAN ONE DOG OVER THE ANOTHER.

WORST ATTACK I'VE HAD IN THE VETERINARY INDUSTRY WAS FROM A BASSETT HOUND THAT ATTACKED ME IN THE CLINIC ONE TIME.

SO YOU CAN NEVER TELL.

SOMETIMES IT'S NOT THE BREED.

IT'S THE OWNER'S TRAINING OR LACK THEREOF THAT CAUSED THESE ANIMALS TO GO THAT WAY.

SO PITBULLS ARE SEEN AS VERY TOUGH MAN'S TYPE OF DOG.

OFTENTIMES, IF YOU TREAT THEM AS SUCH, THEY WILL START TO EXHIBIT THE BEHAVIORS THAT ARE UNDESIRABLE.

BUT I'VE SEEN ALL SORTS OF BREEDS FROM ONE END OF THE SPECTRUM TO THE OTHER BE AGGRESSIVE.

ONE OF THE MOST AGGRESSIVE DOGS THAT'S WELL DOCUMENT THE IS THE CHIHUAHUA.

>> Lauren: I BELIEVE IT.

I KNOW A COUPLE PEOPLE WHO HAVE AGGRESSIVE CHIHUAHUAS.

YOU TOUCHED ON THIS A LITTLE BIT EARLIER.

I THINK YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT BEING THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY.

YOU MENTIONED ABOUT HOW YOU TREAT THE DOG IS HOW THEIR BEHAVIOR IS GOING TO COME OUT.

IS THAT OFTEN THE CASE WHERE OWNERS ARE AGGRESSIVE TO THEIR DOGS AND IN TURN, THAT DOG IS AGGRESSIVE?

>> IT IS.

BEING AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS THE DOG AND, YOU KNOW, SHOWING ABUSE TO THE DOG, THOSE BEHAVIORS CREATES A TIMID DOG TO YOU, BUT TO EVERYBODY ELSE, IT CREATES A DOG THAT POTENTIALLY BE AGGRESSIVE TO THEM.

A DOG THAT HAS AN AGGRESSIVE OWNER CAN EXHIBIT THE SAME BEHAVIORS TO OTHER THINGS -- ANIMALS AND PEOPLE THAT ARE AROUND THEM.

YEAH, IT IS THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY.

>> Lauren: WE HAVE TWO MINUTES LEFT.

ASHLEY, CHRIS, ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SAY TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE FRUSTRATED ABOUT THIS ISSUE?

ASHLEY, I'LL LET YOU GO FIRST.

>> YOU HAVE PEOPLE HERE IN THIS ROOM AS PART OF THIS CONVERSATION THAT TRULY DO CARE.

AND FOLKS NOT HERE.

I THINK ABOUT OUR PROSECUTING'S ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THEY CARE.

THEY WANT TO WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY.

WE'RE SO HELPFUL WITH THE LEGISLATION THAT IS MOVING FORWARD.

AND REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO SUPPORT MATT AND HIS TEAM AND ALL OF THE GREAT WORK THEY'RE DOING.

WE HAVE GREAT IDEAS THAT CAME OUT OF TODAY'S CONVERSATION WHERE WE CAN EMBRACE COMMUNITY AS A PARTNER TO ENSURE THAT ANIMALS ARE PROPERLY CARED FOR BUT OUR COMMUNITIES ARE SAFE.

>> YEAH.

I THINK A LOT OF TIMES, AT THE LEGISLATURE, THINGS CAN BE FRUSTRATING.

THIS IS A VERY RARE CASE.

FINGERS CROSSED THIS GETS THROUGH.

SOMETHING THAT COMES TO FIRST CRACK.

THERE'S A LOT OF MOMENTUM, A LOT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT, KEY TESTIMONY COMING IN FROM PEOPLE PERSONALLY IMPACTED.

WE HAVE LEGISLATORS, PARTICULARLY REP ILAGAN.

THINGS ARE GOING PRETTY WELL, AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE GET INVOLVED IF POSSIBLE TO GET THIS PASSED THE FINISH LINE.

>> Lauren: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO DOG OWNERS OUT THERE?

>> TREAT YOUR DOG AS IF IT IS A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY.

TAKE CARE OF IT AND TRAIN IT PROPERLY.

REGISTER YOUR DOG AND MICROCHIP IT.

IT HELPS US IN SO MANY WAYS, ESPECIALLY FROM THE ANIMAL CONTROL SIDE.

IF YOU HAPPEN TO LOSE YOUR DOG, IT GOES BACK TO YOU.

>> Lauren: WE'RE ALL OHANA.

WE'RE ALL FAMILY.

WE HAVE TO TREAT OUR PETS LIKE THAT SO THEY CAN TREAT EVERYBODY ELSE, OUR NEIGHBORS, AS FAMILY AS WELL.

MAHALO TO YOU ALL OF YOU FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT.

THANK YOU FOR COMING OUT.

WE APPRECIATE ALL YOUR INSIGHTS AND TO OUR VIEWERS FOR TUNING IN AND ASKING THOSE QUESTIONS.

AND WE HAD REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS TODD HERE IN STUDIO, COUNCILMEMBER ASHLEY KIERKIEWICZ AND MATTHEW RUNNELLS.

NEXT WEEK ñ MORE ATTEMPTS TO TACKLE HAWAIIíS HOUSING CRUNCH ARE BEING CONSIDERED AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

WEíLL TALK ABOUT THE NEW AND CONTROVERSIAL IDEAS ON THE TABLE.

PLEASE JOIN US THEN.

IíM LAUREN DAY FOR INSIGHTS ON  PBS HAWAI'I.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.