Jan

30

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Introduces Stricter Legislation for Dog Breeders

Judiciary & Labor / Press Releases / Public Safety, Government Operations, & Military Affairs

HONOLULU – Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz has introduced Senate Bill 2274, a measure that would require county animal control officers to establish a process for permitting and inspecting the premises of dog breeders. In February 2011, the Hawaiian Humane Society rescued 153 dogs from Bradley International, a commercial breeding operation in Waimanalo. The Waimanalo business has brought media attention and discussion about the industry.

Moved by the news of the animal rescue, Senator Dela Cruz agreed to be a foster parent to two French bulldogs, that he named Ola and Liko, that were part of the group animals forfeited by the owner of Bradley International. He has since been able to adopt the two dogs. Touched by the ordeal his pets went through, Senator Dela Cruz said, “It is incredible to observe how providing nurture and love to dogs can foster changes in their personality, from dogs that were once fearful to dogs that are now happy and fun loving.”

According to the Senate Bill 2274, any breeder’s refusal of entry and inspection would be grounds for suspension or revocation of the breeder’s permit. This measure also authorizes contracts with any duly incorporated humane society or similar dog protective organization to enforce the new requirements. If signed into law, any person found in violation of the measure could face a penalty of up to $1,000 per violation.

“Having Ola and Liko has really been a joy. I am happy to have them and never want to see them or any other dogs suffer living in horrific conditions. Therefore, I am introducing this legislation pertinent to puppy mills, to provide for stricter enforcement of existing laws and harsher penalties,” said Senator Del Cruz, who represents District 22, which encompasses the areas of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale‘iwa, Mokule‘ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea.

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Jan

27

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Introduces “Caylee’s Law”

Human Services / Judiciary & Labor / Press Releases

HONOLULU—In reaction to the death of 2-year-old Caylee Anthony, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz has introduced a measure that would make it a felony for a parent or guardian who fails to report a missing child 12 years old or younger within 48 hours to a law enforcement agency.  The bill, Senate Bill 2275, is being referred to as “Caylee’s Law.”

The disappearance of Florida girl Caylee Anthony sparked public debate and outrage across the country. Casey Anthony, the mother of Caylee, did not report the child’s disappearance for about a month after her disappearance.

“This bill focuses on protecting Hawaii’s keiki by ensuring that greater accountability and responsibility be placed on parents and guardians to report a missing child in a timely manner,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who represents District 22, which encompasses the areas of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale‘iwa, Mokule‘ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea. “My office received a large of number emails requesting that something be done to prevent such future instances.”

The bill would also impose a duty on parents and guardians to report the death of a child or the location of a child’s corpse to law enforcement agency within 2 hours of discovery. Failure to do so would result in a felony.


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Jan

25

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Introduces “Move Over” Bill

Articles / Press Releases / Public Safety, Government Operations, & Military Affairs / Transportation

HONOLULU – In the wake of a recent tragic traffic fatality involving a Honolulu Police officer, Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz is introducing a measure that would require a driver to take certain safety precautions when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped ahead of a driver while performing official duties.

Senate Bill 2663 requires approaching drivers to slow down and make a lane change to an adjacent lane away from the stopped emergency vehicle.  If the bill becomes law, a driver would face a misdemeanor if convicted.  If the violation results in fatality, the driver could face up to a charge of negligent homicide in the first degree.

We have lost two Honolulu Police officers while in the line of duty over the past four months.  We must enact laws that further protects and ensures the safety of our emergency responders,” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who represents District 22, which encompasses the areas of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale‘iwa, Mokule‘ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea.   “Our community mourns the loss of the Honolulu Police officer who was stationed in Wahiawa.”

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Oct

25

Senate Committee on Water, Land and Housing Hosting DLNR Listening Sessions on Hawai‘i Island

Articles

HILO—The Senate Committee on Water, Land and Housing (WLH) Chair Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Vice Chair Senator Malama Solomon in partnership with Senator Gilbert Kahele are hosting the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Hawai‘i Island Listening Sessions on Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5, 2011. The DLNR Administration team, including Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr., First Deputy Guy H. Kaulukukui, and Water Deputy Bill M. Tam from Honolulu, is visiting Hawai‘i Island to hear community comments, questions, and concerns regarding topics under the Department’s jurisdiction.  This is part of a series of DLNR Listening Sessions to be conducted statewide.

“The meetings and site visits that DLNR has been conducting on the neighbor islands have been very successful in helping Senators address community concerns and needs,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who has been attending the talk story sessions.

“Having Chair William Aila and his team visit the Big Island is a great opportunity for them to listen to residents and to see for themselves the pressing needs of our community,” said Senator Malama Solomon, who represents District 1, which encompasses Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Keaukaha, and Hilo.

“I look forward to continuing the conversation with Chair William Aila and his DLNR team about finding a solution to the problem the axis deer is posing on the Big Island’s agricultural industry,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2, encompassing Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo.

“These listening sessions are purely for the Department to visit with communities and receive feedback on the communities’ ideas and concerns relating to the Department’s responsibilities,” said William J. Aila, Jr., Chairperson of DLNR. “Community participation is essential to caring for our land and natural resources in Hawai‘i.”

The DLNR is responsible for managing 1.3 million acres of state land, 3 million acres of state ocean waters, 2 million acres of conservation district lands, our drinking water supply, our fisheries, coral reefs, indigenous and endangered flora and fauna, and all of Hawai‘i’s historic and cultural sites.  DLNR’s management responsibilities are vast and complex, from the mountaintops to three miles seaward of our beautiful coasts.  The health of Hawai‘i’s environment is integral and directly related to its economy and quality of life.

For more information on DLNR and its divisions, visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr.

If you are unable to attend but would like to send your comments, questions, and concerns to the DLNR, please e-mail:  DLNR2011ListeningSessions@hawaii.gov

 

Hawai’i Island Public Listening Sessions

Hilo Listening Session

Hosted by Senators Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Malama Solomon and Gilbert Kahele

Friday, November 4, 2011

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Waiakea High School Cafeteria

155 West Kawili Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720

Waimea Listening Session

Hosted by Senator Malama Solomon

Saturday, November 5, 2011

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School

67-1229 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, Hawai‘i 96743

Kona Listening Session

Hosted by DLNR

Saturday, November 5, 2011

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Konawaena High School Cafeteria

81-1043 Konawaena School Road, Kealakekua, Hawai‘i 96750

Individuals requiring special assistance or accommodations are asked to contact the office of Senator Malama Solomon at (808) 586-7335 or 974-4000 Ext. 67335 toll free from the Neighbor Islands at least four days in advance of the meeting.

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