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Fees and fines paid prior to the court date stated in the citation are directed to be paid directly to <br /> <br /> the Director of Finance of the County of Hawaii, to be deposited into the County's general fund. <br /> Bill 4 allows the County to contract with agencies other than the Humane Society to provide <br /> animal control services. <br /> Finally, Bill 4 increases the licensing fees. <br /> Your Committee heard testimony in favor of the measure from Ginger Towle, of the West <br /> Hawaii Humane Society, Catherine Killam, of Cat-Care, Laurie Lannan, owner of a private <br /> animal sanctuary, Lanny Sinkin, of Rainbow Friends Sanctuary, Josi Morgan and Duane <br /> Mendoza, of the Hawaii Island Humane Society ("HIHS"), Capt. Jay Enanoria, of the Hawaii <br /> County Police Department, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mitchell Roth. All were in <br /> agreement that there is a serious animal control problem in our County. While there were <br /> differing opinions regarding the various problems, all were in agreement that the bill is a good <br /> start; that it meets at least 80% of their concerns. All were in agreement that the bill must <br /> address the need for an improved spay/neuter program. <br /> Your Committee heard testimony opposing the bill from Mary Van Hove, a private citizen, who <br /> suggested that the measure did not address the animal problems. Ms. Van Hove agreed that the <br /> County is in need of an improved spay/neuter program, but she stated that the bill was <br /> insufficient and did not address the animal control problem, suggesting that the "the whole thing <br /> be thrown out and start over." <br /> During its discussion, your Committee heard testimony from the Police Department, the Office <br /> of the Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii Island Humane Society regarding the background <br /> of the bill, and the current animal control system. Concerns regarding the anticipated <br /> effectiveness, feasibility and success of the bill in its present form were addressed. During the <br /> course of discussion, key provisions and additional necessary programs were debated. It was <br /> agreed that the Committee would advance the bill to the full council, subject to future <br /> amendments. <br /> Members expressed concern regarding several issues: <br /> 1. The need for more funding for additional personnel. <br /> 2. The need to provide training on a regular basis. <br /> 3. The need to implement a program to allow formation of volunteer civilian <br /> neighborhood patrols to intercede in animal control issues. These volunteers <br /> would receive training, and upon completion of their training could be issued <br /> badges allowing them to exercise citation powers. More badged workers are <br /> needed, as they are the only ones with citation powers. <br /> 4. The need for greater sanctions for animal cruelty, possibly implementing <br /> escalating sanctions for repeat offenses or for differing severity of cruelty. <br /> 5. The need to establish multi-agency procedure for implementation of control. <br /> sanctions and collection of fines. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney <br /> ("Prosecutor"), Hawaii County Police Department (`9ICPD"), the Judiciary, and <br /> 2 <br /> <br />