The caption goes here. Nearly tripling pet quarantine fees will give people another reason not to move to Hawaii, according to people who spoke against the fee proposal. But the Board of Agriculture passed new fees yesterday with little comment. The increase still must be approved by the governor.
Quarantine is necessary to keep the state rabies-free, government officials say.
Funding changed from general to special funding, which means the quarantine station must generate enough revenue to cover its expenses. Jim Foppoli, administrator for the Division of Animal Industry at the state Department of Agriculture, said the total number of animals coming to the station has increased. But there are only half the number of animals at the station at any given time. Income is not meeting costs, despite cutting 10 full-time caretakers, he said. The state shortened the stay from 120 days to 30 days for animals that meet quarantine requirements.