§143-1  Definitions.  Whenever used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 143-1

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Owner: includes every person owning, harboring, or keeping a dog; provided that if the owner is a minor under the age of eighteen years, the parent, guardian, or other person having the care, custody, or control of the minor shall be irrebuttably presumed to be the owner. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 143-1

     “Microchip” or “microchip identification” means a device that is implanted under the skin of an animal and that contains contact information for the owner of the animal.

     “Officer” means any sheriff, deputy, any member of a police force in counties with a population of less than 100,000 and animal control officers of the several counties of the State.

     “Owner” includes every person owning, harboring, or keeping a dog; provided that if the owner is a minor under the age of eighteen years, the parent, guardian, or other person having the care, custody, or control of the minor shall be irrebuttably presumed to be the owner.

     “Unlicensed dog” means any dog for which the license for the current year has not been paid or to which the tag provided for in this chapter is not attached.