The measure would allow Hawai'i residents to leave a trust for the care of their pets after the 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," Keolanui said.

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

Attorney Emily Gardner said she got behind the issue after visiting elderly patients in long-term care at St. Francis Hospital. On visits, she'd take along her dog, Toby, who works as a therapy dog.

Several of the patients 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 people's 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 Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs from Gov. Linda Lingle's executive assistant, Marcia Klompus, took an accounting of pets kept by members of the state's executive branch:

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