New Hawaii law targets bogus service animals

HONOLULU – A new Hawaii law making it a crime to falsely present an animal as a service animal is about to go into effect.

Starting Jan. 1, misrepresenting a service animal will carry fines ranging from $100 to $500.

Some service animal supporters say the measure is needed to protect those who actually have disabilities, but critics say it will be too hard to enforce.

Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports the state senator who introduced the bill says it will largely serve as a deterrent. Sen. Russell Ruderman of Puna likens it to a littering law.

Hawaii News Now reports at least 21 states have passed laws governing service animals in an attempt to keep unruly pets out of places such as grocery stores, movie theatres and restaurants.