The House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems passed a House Draft of SB1023 SD1 on March 7 that would establish a Spay and Neuter Special Fund to reduce pet overpopulation and support humane management of free-roaming cats, but the committee directed changes intended to address administrative and funding questions raised by the Department of Taxation and the Attorney General’s Office.

The Attorney General’s Office advised that the bill creates a special fund within the Department of Budget and Finance but codifies it in chapter 143 (the Department of Agriculture chapter), and suggested statutory attachment to an administering department. Kelsey Nagata, deputy attorney general, provided those comments in person and offered suggested written language.

The committee heard sharply divided testimony. The Hawaii Humane Society and local animal-rescue groups testified in strong support, arguing that accessible spay/neuter services and trap–neuter–return (TNR) reduce pet overpopulation and are humane when adequately funded. Acting Vice President Stephanie Kendrick of the Hawaiian Humane Society (testifying in support) said funding would allow community clinics and volunteers to scale services and reduce intake at shelters.

Opponents including the American Bird Conservancy urged the committee to oppose the bill, arguing sterilized outdoor cats continue to kill wildlife and spread toxoplasmosis. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii commented on design and questioned reliance on an income-tax checkoff as a sustainable funding source.

To address agency concerns, the committee adopted a House Draft, changed the effective date for drafting purposes to 07/01/3000, and directed staff to explore county-level administration options and DOTAX recommendations to improve funding mechanism design. The chair and vice chair voted to pass with amendments; no recorded reservations were noted. The HD1 will reflect technical and jurisdictional edits requested by the committee and agencies before further committee and floor consideration.