New Hawaii law will fine handlers of fake service dogs

HONOLULU — A bill that targets fake service dogs has become law without Gov. David Ige’s signature.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports the bill was neither signed nor vetoed by Ige when it landed on his desk this week.

That means that starting Jan. 1, handlers of fake service dogs will be fined between $100 and $500.

People can pass their dogs as service animals by going online and ordering a service dog certificate, vest or ID badge with little to no proof of authenticity.

There is no official registry for service dogs, and service animals are not required to wear special vests, collars or harnesses.

Sen. Russell Ruderman, who introduced the bill, says the law is important since there have been cases of fake service animals attacking people and legitimate service animals.