SR 140: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO adopt rules or otherwise PERMIT RESTAURANTS TO ALLOW DOGS IN DESIGNATED AREAS OF THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS WHILE ADHERING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS.

SENATE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO adopt rules or otherwise PERMIT RESTAURANTS TO ALLOW DOGS IN DESIGNATED AREAS OF THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS WHILE ADHERING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS.

     WHEREAS, the bond between humans and animals is well‑documented, with pets being widely regarded as family members; and

     WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), codified at title 42 United States Code section 12101 et seq., and its implementing regulations under title 28 Code of Federal Regulations section 35.136, ensure that individuals with disabilities are entitled to be accompanied by service animals in places of public accommodation, including restaurants; and

     WHEREAS, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found no reported health risks associated with allowing pets in restaurants, so long as proper sanitation and hygiene measures are maintained; and

     WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration's Food Code, which sets forth hygiene requirements for food establishments, allows states to establish their own regulations regarding animals in dining areas; and

     WHEREAS, nine states have successfully adopted policies permitting restaurant owners to allow dogs on their premises, demonstrating the feasibility of such policies without compromising health standards; and

     WHEREAS, title 7 United States Code section 2143 of the Animal Welfare Act promotes humane standards for animals while recognizing the social and economic benefits of responsible pet ownership; and

     WHEREAS, permitting dogs in restaurants under controlled conditions can enhance the customer experience, foster social interaction, and generate economic benefits for businesses; and

     WHEREAS, safeguards such as requiring dogs to remain leashed, prohibiting employee-dog interactions, and mandating compliance with hygiene regulations ensure minimal disruption and uphold public health standards; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Department of Health is requested to adopt rules or otherwise permit restaurant owners to allow dogs in designated areas of their establishments while adhering to health and safety regulations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State is requested to continue upholding and enforcing the ADA and other federal statutes that ensure the rights of individuals with disabilities while also fostering an environment that accommodates pet owners in a responsible manner; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Health, and Chairman of the Hawaii Restaurant Association.

Report Title: 

Department of Health; Restaurants; Dogs