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February 2009
News from the Heart of Hawaii |
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus ullamcorper nunc at massa. Suspendisse venenatis, nunc ut aliquet bibendum, sem sapien ultrices magna, sit amet imperdiet quam nibh vitae lorem. Morbi ac diam id arcu rhoncus commodo. - Photo: DoggieNews.com |
Senate takes a bite at bulldogs
Cafeteria being planned for Capitol
By Davis Kane / Heart of Hawaii
SB79, which bans the ownership, possession, or sale of pit bulls in the state, was introduced on January 23, 2009. It passed its first reading that day, and was referred to the Judicial Government and Operations (JGO) three days later on the 26th. The bill was introduced by the Senate President Colleen Hanabusa. In order for this bill to become a law, it would have to complete a 14 step process, which it is currently on the 2nd step. It must go through three readings before it is certified and sent over to the State House, where there would be three more readings, then certified again. Then it is voted upon and enrolled, then sent to the governor who has the final say if the bill shall be passed and made into a state law.
A “pit bull” refers to any dog which is an American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, or any dog displaying majority physical traits of any one or more of those breeds. Owning, possessing, or selling pit bulls in the state would be a misdemeanor, which would probably result in a fine, and the dogs will be taken away and impounded.
This bill was introduced because pit bulls are known to be a violent and dangerous breed of dogs. According to the Honolulu Star Bulletin, pit bulls have caused two deaths in Hawaii, and last month alone, there have been three reports of pit bull attacks.
Many protests have been planned, and a petition is being signed. More than 1,000 pit bull owners are planning a rally at Magic Island. Although the bill probably will not be approved by the legislature, Hanabusa introduced the bill because a constituent asked for it to be discussed and she feels it has legitimate arguments.
Pit bull owners feel that if the bill were passed, they would be losing a member of their families. They are a loyal and dedicated breed of dog, and they should not be judged on their physical appearances, or be stereotype which all pit bulls are violent and dangerous.
Man on the street reaction Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus ullamcorper nunc at massa. Suspendisse venenatis, nunc ut aliquet bibendum, sem sapien ultrices magna, sit amet imperdiet quam nibh vitae lorem. Morbi ac diam id arcu rhoncus commodo. Kalani Kalima, 33, Waimānalo Betsy Park, 75, 'Āina Haina Hoku Hoe, 32, Waiāhole |
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