Take Action Against Hawaii Bills Affecting Ethical Breeders

To our Myztic Ohana Subscribers!

Unfortunately, we’re having to defend our stance again.

Two bills that could significantly impact responsible dog and cat owners—and ethical breeders—are being heard at the Capitol this week, and many of us only learned about them at the last minute through the Cat Fanciers’ Association legal office. That’s frustrating, because it feels like the people who will be most directly affected—local, legitimate breeders and established cat fancier organizations in Hawaiʻi—aren’t being included in the conversation early enough as usual.

Let me be clear about where I stand: I support real, effective solutions to Hawaiʻi’s stray and feral animal challenges. I see the impact in our communities, and I want practical progress.

I’m also a cat breeder, and my purpose is preservation—protecting the health, temperament, and future of the breeds I work with through careful planning, health testing, and lifelong responsibility for every cat I produce. and follow strict business processes. Ethical breeding is not the same as contributing to overpopulation. In fact, reputable breeders operate with strict standards, limited litters, and accountability that backyard breeders and irresponsible owners simply do not.

I also put my money where my heart is. I’ve been a consistent supporter and donor to animal welfare efforts in Hawaiʻi, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and sanctuaries like Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary. I believe in helping animals—period.

That’s why it’s disappointing to see proposals that risk penalizing the very people who are already doing things the right way. Policies aimed at reducing overpopulation should be targeted, enforceable, and focused on root causes: abandonment, illegal dumping, uncontrolled free-roaming populations, and unregulated breeding—not sweeping measures that make it harder for responsible, compliant programs to exist in Hawaiʻi.

If we want lasting change, we need collaboration—not surprise legislation. We need animal welfare organizations, lawmakers, veterinarians, rescues, and responsible breeders at the same table, working on solutions that protect both animals and the community.

I’ll be sharing the hearing dates and links to submit testimony. Even a simple “I OPPOSE” makes a difference. Mahalo for standing up for balanced, informed policies that address Hawaiʻi’s real challenges without wiping out responsible breeders who are part of the solution. ~ Myztic KittyZ Family

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Subject: Action Needed: Oppose SB3012 (Mon 2/9) + HB1736 HD1 (Tue 2/10)

Aloha Cat Fanciers,

Mahalo for your kōkua in opposing these measures. If you already submitted testimony, we truly appreciate your support. If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to make your voice heard—these bills are being heard this week.

SB3012 (Hearing: Monday, Feb 9, 2026 at 4:00 PM)
This measure would require dogs and cats imported into Hawaiʻi to be surgically sterilized as a condition of entry (with certain exemptions). This would severely limit the ability for responsible, health-tested, pedigreed cats and dogs to be available in Hawaiʻi. The deadline to submit testimony may have passed, but late testimony can still be submitted and will still be visible to lawmakers.

HB1736 HD1 (Hearing: Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM)
This bill requires cats over five months old to be spayed/neutered and includes penalties. While there are exceptions, there is active public discussion about narrowing or removing them, which could impact responsible breeders and well-run catteries. Testimony is due Monday, Feb 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

What to submit (simple is fine):
You can submit brief testimony that says: “I OPPOSE this bill.”
If you want to add a sentence:

• “Please pursue targeted solutions for stray/feral animals without penalizing responsible, compliant owners and breeders.”
• “Focus enforcement and resources on abandonment, illegal dumping, and free-roaming overpopulation—while preserving lawful, accountable breeding programs.”

If you haven’t registered on the Legislature site yet: you’ll need to register once before submitting testimony.

Mahalo again for standing up for responsible ownership, ethical breeding, and realistic policy solutions that actually address the stray/feral problem without wiping out compliant programs.

For both bills, you can simply write a testimony saying “I oppose this bill”  You may add an explanation if you would like.  Please oppose these bills.  

 If you haven’t registered to testify on the legislature’s website, you will need to register first.

Register here, only need to do it once.

Click on log in or register https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/

Short videos on registration and submitting testimony are below:

 registering to share testimony.mp4 testimony.mp4