Pigeons Under Attack – Hawaii House Judiciary Committee Passes Feral Bird Bill

People who feed pigeons on their property to the extent that the attracted birds cause a nuisance to neighbors by creating a health hazard or damaging their property, may end up paying a fine. HB619, which makes feeding feral birds on one’s own property and causing a common nuisance on another property subject to a fine, passed the House Judiciary Committee today.

Citizens testifying in favor of the bill said they couldn’t enjoy their own property because of the overwhelming odor, the constant cleaning of bird droppings and property damage to items like their solar panels. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said feral birds interface with native wild life and pose a public health risk as well as a reservoir for infectious avian diseases and parasites like lice and mites.

“Several Pearl City constituents brought their concerns to my attention after years of living in unbearable conditions caused by hundreds of pigeons,” said Rep. Gregg Takayama (Pearl City, Waimalu, Pacific Palisades) who introduced the bill. “Their right to enjoy their own homes is being jeopardized and I felt I had to help them.  Several other neighborhoods have also come forward to share similar problems in their communities.”

The bill will be sent to the full House for a final vote, and if successful will crossover to the Senate.