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Hawaii Statewide Rule

Hawaii Dog Running at Large Statute

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Hawaii (2026)

Key Facts

State statute
HRS 143-8 (seizure)
Leash rules
Set by county ordinance
Impound period
48 hours to redeem
Dangerous dogs
HRS 711-1140 to 711-1148
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: HRS Chapter 143 — Animals: Licenses and Regulation

Summary

Hawaii has no comprehensive statewide leash law; dog leash and at-large rules are set by county ordinance. State law (HRS 143-8) authorizes officers to seize unlicensed dogs found running at large in public places and impound them for redemption.

Except where licensing requirements are dispensed with, every officer shall seize any unlicensed dog found running at large or found upon any public highway, street, alley, court, place, square, or grounds, or upon any unfenced lot, or not within a sufficient enclosure, whether in the immediate presence of the owner or otherwise, and confine it in a pound or any suitable enclosure for a period of forty-eight hours, during which time it shall be subject to redemption by its owner by payment of the license due, if any, and a penalty to be set by each county council; provided that until and unless provided by ordinance the penalty shall be $2.50.

Source: HRS Chapter 143 — Animals: Licenses and RegulationView official code

Full Breakdown

Hawaii regulates dogs primarily at the county level, where each county sets its own leash-length and at-large rules and penalties. At the state level, HRS 143-8 requires officers to seize any unlicensed dog found running at large on public highways, streets, or unfenced lots and to confine it for 48 hours, during which the owner may redeem it by paying licensing fees and any county-set penalty. Unclaimed dogs may be sold or humanely destroyed. Dangerous-dog conduct is addressed separately under HRS 711-1140 to 711-1148. There is no statewide petty-misdemeanor offense simply for a dog being off-leash; that is governed by county ordinance.

Violations & Penalties

Unlicensed dogs found running at large may be impounded for 48 hours under HRS 143-8; leash violations and their fines are set by county ordinance, not statewide statute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hawaii have a statewide leash law?
Not a comprehensive one. Leash and at-large rules are set by county ordinance. State law (HRS 143-8) only authorizes officers to seize and impound unlicensed dogs found running at large in public places.
Can my dog be off-leash on my own property?
Generally yes. State seizure law targets dogs running at large in public places, not on the owner's own premises, though county leash rules and dangerous-dog laws still apply.

Sources

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