HONOLULU (KHON2) — There is an update on a viral animal abuse case in Wahiawa that occurred in July 2025.
Hina is back with her owner after months under the Hawaiian Humane Society’s care.
KHON2 found out that animal advocates are concerned, even though the owner was not the person who beat the dog.
A video of a 15-year-old boy beating a small dog named Hina went viral in July and prompted swift action from the Hawaiian Humane Society. Hina was returned to her owner after 76 days in HHS custody.
“We had a legal obligation to return her to his care. I will say that he signed an agreement with us promising to safeguard Hina and agreeing to allow our officers to come out and do welfare checks to make sure that she was in good care and good spirits and we will do that,” said HHS community engagement director Steph Kendrick.
HHS officials said that because the abuser was a juvenile family member of Hina’s owner, forfeiture could not be filed for since the child does not own Hina. The case was handled in family court and frustrated advocates at local rescue foundations.
“Putting a dog back in a home where the possibility are it’s going to happen again,” said Hina’s Legacy Rescue Foundation president Chantell Moniz. “I’m not happy about it.”
State representatives said legislative efforts to strengthen animal cruelty laws stalled in recent years, despite reforms in other areas like microchip requirements.
“When it comes to animal cruelty, we’ve tried several different ways to implement excessive charges or offenses in some of these cases, and we’ve just haven’t been able to come to an agreement here in the Legislature,” Rep. Darius Kila said.
Family Court records are sealed, but more transparency is being called for.
“I would only ask that when our prosecutors are pursuing these cases or agreements are made, there are ways that we can effectively communicate something without compromising folks’ privacy,” said Rep. Kila.
The Humane Society added that animals are treated more like property than living creatures under Hawaii law, and there are efforts underway in foreign countries to change that.
“And we’re just not there yet as a state when it comes to our laws. And really, the United States in general hasn’t done much to acknowledge the fact that animals are sentient beings,” Kendrick said.
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HHS said Hina was returned to her owner on Wednesday, Sept. 24, and welfare checks on the pup’s condition will occur regularly.