NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Proposed Amendments to Administrative Rules
for Rabies Quarantine Program

Pursuant to Chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, notice is hereby given that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (Department) will hold public hearings to receive testimony on proposed amendments to chapter 4-29, Hawaii Administrative Rules, entitled “Dogs, Cats, and Other Carnivores.” Chapter 4-29, HAR, is being amended to: (1) Change definitions by: (a) Adding “Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility; (b) Adding “Diplomat” pertaining to a new Section 4-29-8.3 regarding animals in Hawaii that require urgent specialized veterinary medical diagnostics or treatment to depart and return to Hawaii without quarantine; and (c) The definition of “Service Dog” is amended; (2) Change other requirements by modifying vaccine and antibody test periods before arrival when an animal has three or more subsequent vaccinations or multiple sequential antibody tests done before expiration of the previous one; (3) Change movement of dogs and cats originating in Hawaii by modifying the 14 day minimum period before departure from Hawaii when an animal has three or more subsequent vaccinations or multiple sequential antibody tests done before expiration of the previous one; (4) Add a new section “Movement of dogs and cats requiring urgent diagnostic, medical or surgical procedures not available in Hawaii”; (5) Add a new fee to reissue a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit; (6) Change criteria and conditions for service dogs and exempted guide dogs by: (a) Delete a housing provision at the state quarantine station; and (b) clarification of a serology requirement; (7) Change approved service dog and guide dog programs to be consistent with current American with Disabilities Act language; and (8) Make other changes for simplification, clarity or to correct grammar and punctuation.

The schedule of public hearings on the proposed rules is as follows:

August 10, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Department of Agriculture Conference Room
4398A Pua Loke Street, Lihue, Kauai

August 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Conference Room
1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, Oahu

August 12, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Department of Agriculture Conference Room
635 Mua Street, Kahului, Maui

August 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Kona Civic Center Conference Room
82-6130 Mamalahoa Hwy., Bldg. 2
Capt. Cook, Hawaii

August 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
State Office Building, Conference Room C
75 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii

All interested parties are urged to attend the hearings and submit comments or testimony orally or in writing. Copies of the proposed rules may be reviewed by accessing the Department’s website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/meetings-reports/proposedar/ or in person during normal business hours at the following Department of Agriculture offices:

Oahu 99 941 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, HI 96701
(Phone – 483-7100)
99 951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, HI 96701
(Phone – 483-7151)
1428 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
(Phone – 483-7100)
Kauai 4398A Pua Loke Street, Lihue, HI 96766
(Phone – 241-7138)
Maui 635 Mua Street, Kahului, HI 96732
(Phone – 873-3555)
Hawaii 75 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720
(Phone – 974-6500)
Kona Civic Center, Rm. 3,
82-6130 Mamalahoa Hwy., Capt Cook, HI 96704
(Phone – 974-6500)

Copies of the proposed rules may also be obtained at the above offices by paying a fee for photocopying or may be sent by mail upon receipt of a fee for photocopying and postage.

The Department of Agriculture will also accept written testimony until August 21, 2015 at the Department of Agriculture, 1428 South King St., Honolulu, HI 96814-2512 or via e-mail to HDOAAI@HAWAII.GOV

Special accommodations, such as sign language interpretation, large printing, taped materials, and accessible parking, can be provided if requested in advance. This request may be made in writing to one of the addresses listed above or by calling (808) 483-7103.

State of Hawaii
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE
SCOTT E. ENRIGHT, Chairperson
(WHT774151 7/10/15)~