News Release: March 17, 2003

Posted on Mar 17, 2003 in 2003 News Releases, News-Releases

For Immediate Release: March 17, 2003 NR03-09

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED FIVE-DAY OR LESS ANIMAL QUARANTINE OPTION

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Agriculture will be holding public hearings next week on a proposed five-day or less animal quarantine option for dogs and cats arriving in Hawaii. The five-day proposal was approved for public hearings by the Hawaii Board of Agriculture in September. There is also a provision to allow for the release of a pet less than five days after arrival if all the pre-arrival requirements are completed and verified.

The public is encouraged to testify at the following hearings:

Monday, March 24, 2003, 10:00 a.m.
Department of Agriculture Conference Room
635 Mua Street, Kahului, Maui

Tuesday, March 25, 2003, 10:00 a.m.
Department of Agriculture Conference Room
4398A Pua Loke Street, Lihue, Kauai

Tuesday, March 25, 2003, 1:30 p.m.
Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Conference Room
1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, Oahu

Thursday, March 27, 2003, 1:30 p.m.
Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Conference Room
73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Friday, March 28, 2003, 1:30 p.m.
State Office Building, Conference Rms A, B, & C
75 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii

Written testimony will also be accepted until April 2, 2003 and may be addressed to:

Hawaii Board of Agriculture
1428 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814

Submissions should be clearly marked as “TESTIMONY.”

The text of the five-day or less quarantine proposal may be obtained on HDOA’s website at: www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ or by calling the Animal Industry Division at 483-7100.

“We encourage individuals and organizations submit written or oral testimony and have their voices heard on this important issue,” said HDOA Chairperson Sandra Lee Kunimoto. “I believe there is a way to balance the issues of animal and public health with the development of rabies prevention programs that are less burdensome on pets and their owners.”

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For more information, contact:

Janelle Saneishi
Public Information Officer
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Phone: (808) 973-9560