Hawaii Dog Bite Laws: Owner Liability and Deadlines

Hawaii has a dog bite statute that makes owners liable without proof that they knew the dog was dangerous, subject to the defenses written into the law.

Hawaii dog bite law at a glance

Question	Answer
Type of rule	Statutory liability for animal owners
Main statute	HRS 663-9
Defenses	Unlawful entry, provocation, justified action
Filing deadline	2 years (Justia)

What Hawaii law says

HRS 663-9 holds owners and harborers liable for damage caused by their animals.
Exceptions: unlawful entry or remaining, provocation by teasing, tormenting or abuse, and justified use of the animal.
Justia notes that Hawaii courts have applied negligence principles in some cases, so get advice for your facts.

Strict liability vs. the one-bite rule

Under a strict liability statute, the owner is responsible for the injury even if the dog never showed aggression before and the owner was careful. The victim does not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous; the main defenses are the ones written into the statute, such as provocation or trespassing.

Dangerous dog rules in Hawaii

Hawaii's dangerous dog provisions are in HRS 711-1140 to 711-1148.
Counties also regulate dangerous dogs by ordinance.

Deadline to file a claim

Justia's 50-state survey lists 2 years as the general personal injury deadline (statute of limitations) in Hawaii. The clock usually starts on the day of the bite. Different deadlines can apply to claims against a government agency or on behalf of a child, so confirm the deadline for your situation with a licensed attorney.

What to do after a dog bite

Get medical care, even for a small puncture; bites can become infected.
Get the owner's name, contact details and the dog's rabies vaccination status.
Report the bite to local animal control or the health department; many places require it so the dog can be observed for rabies.
Photograph the injuries and the location, and write down witness names.
Keep medical bills and records of missed work, and talk to an attorney before signing anything from an insurer.

If you own a dog that has bitten someone, follow any confinement order from animal control, keep the dog's rabies vaccination current, and consider working with a trainer or behaviorist. Leash rules are covered in Hawaii leash laws.

Sources

This page summarizes state statutes for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and cities and counties often add their own rules; check the current statute and your local ordinance, or ask a licensed attorney about your situation.

Hawaii Dog Bite Laws