Bill allows owners
to leave pets a bequest

Shouldn't your loyal dog be able to live out its life in the manner to which it is accustomed if -- hypothetically -- you should die first?

Star-Bulletin Legislature Database Star-Bulletin Legislature Guide (PDF, 1.9 MB) State Legislature: Bills & Hawaii Revised Statutes

Under a bill scampering through the Legislature, it would.

The measure would allow Hawaii residents to leave a trust for the care of their pets after their owners die.

Seventeen states already have similar laws, said Cynthia Keolanui, manager of community outreach for the Hawaiian Humane Society.

"Pets share our homes and are considered part of our family. As with any family member, when planning our estate, we want to make sure our beloved companion's future is secure," said Keolanui, speaking on behalf of the group.

However, there is currently no legally enforceable way in Hawaii to leave an inheritance to a dog, cat or any other pet.

Attorney Emily Gardner said she got behind the issue because of her experience visiting elderly long-term care patients at St. Francis Hospital with her dog, Toby, who works as a therapy dog.

Several of the residents expressed concerns to Gardner about the fate of their own pets.

But Gardner found there was no solid legal way to entrust money to a pet.

"What's happening is pets and peoples' wishes are falling through the cracks the way the law is now," Gardner said.

No testimony was submitted opposing the bill.

A letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee by Gov. Linda Lingle's executive assistant, Marcia Klompus, took an accounting of animal companions belonging to the state's executive branch:

Klompus and her husband, Lenny, Lingle's senior communications adviser, own three Pomeranian dogs. The governor has two cats. Lingle's senior policy adviser, Linda Smith, has a parrot that has a potential life span of 70 to 80 years.

"For these reasons the many pet owners in Gov. Lingle's administration appreciate the work that has been done to bring this matter forward to this committee," Klompus wrote.