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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0301.020 2020-2022 From: Ferreira, Paul Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2021 8:08 AM To: Council Testimony; David, Maile; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Chung, Aaron; Richards, Tim; Kierkiewicz, Ashley;Villegas, Rebecca; Kimball, Heather; Inaba, Holeka;Jelsrrra, Samuel; Wana, Aimee; Command, Robert H; Lee Loy, Sue Cc: Bugado, Kenneth;Jelsma, Samuel Subject: RE: STOP THE KILIING OF THE ANIMALS p 4„, Aloha Council Members, Because of all of the issues surrounding the Animal Control Contract with the Hawai'i Rainbow Rangers (HRR), apparently some in their group have posted false and misleading information on Social Media for a call out to the community in sending emails to County officials to stop the killing of animals. One such person is the individual that sent the below email, as she was an employee with the HRR in Kona. With that said, I feel that it is necessary to provide you with information on what is being undertaken with regards to this matter. On June 28, 2021, we met with representatives from the HRR to officially inform them that we are not exercising the option year in continuing the Animal Control Contract beyond the expiration date of June 30, 2021, due to all of the issuing being raised about the caring of the animals that have been captured and their inability to provide the services required under the contract(i.e. animal control officers, timely responses, etc.). During this meeting, I explained to the HRR Representatives that we are proceeding with an emergency procurement to contract staff to assist in continuing the animal control services needed and asked that HRR continue the maintenance of the facilities currently under their control and caring for the animals, during a transition period of at least 1 month. During this period HRR would be compensated for their services in line with the Animal Control contract, however, at reduced rates as they will not be performing all of the services (i.e. intake of animals, responding to calls for services, etc.) . As of yesterday afternoon, HRR had not responded to our requests for discussions in this area, however, last night at midnight the owner Ms. Krijgsman responded via email that they are willing and discussions will take place today. As for the facilities under the control of HRR, there are three which were discussed at the meeting on Monday. The first being the Kona Facility, belonging to the County, so there were no concerns about the County continuing to use it as a shelter. The second is the Waimea Facility, which was formerly being used as a shelter by the Hawaii Island Humane Society is being leased from Parker Ranch. Informed the HRR staff that we will be reaching out to Parker Ranch to indicate our interest in continuing to lease the facility should HRR vacate the lease. The third facility is a warehouse in the Keaau Industrial Park, being leased solely by the HRR. This Keaau facility is not suitable for an animal shelter, but informed the HRR staff that until another location can be designated, it should continue to be utilized. Our staff is going out to the facilities along with veterinary services to do an inventory and assessment of the animals that are being held as well as conduct an inventory of equipment that belongs to the County that was transferred when HRR assumed the contract from the Hawai'i Island Humane Society. Staff is also in discussions with various animal care groups to include the Hawai'i Island Humane Society as to what will be the disposition of animals that are currently being held to include adoptions, transferring to other agencies, and yes, in some cases if animals are identified by the Veterinarian as needing to be put down. There have also been discussions with representatives from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)with other animal groups on Hawai'i Island is seeking their assistance with regards to the disposition of animals under the care of the HRR. We will be posting a media release on the status of the Animal Control contract for the County and going forward we will be assessing the best solution to providing Animal Control Services. Comm. bt'2° 1 Ref.To; V115.77--- ` Ref.Date ri - 2(121 Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Mahalo, Paul K. Ferreira Police Chief Hawai'i Police Department 349 Kapiolani Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Ph: (808)961-2243 Fax: (808)961-2389 Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) or entity to whom/which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you think you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply e-mail or by telephone (808)961-2244, and delete the original message. Thank you. From: Sylvia Dolena [mailto:sylviadolena©gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday,June 29, 2021 9:01 PM To: Council Testimony; David, Maile; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Chung, Aaron; Richards, Tim; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Villegas, Rebecca; Kimball, Heather; Inaba, Holeka; Ferreira, Paul; Jelsma, Samuel; Wana, Aimee; Command, Robert H; Lee Loy, Sue Subject: STOP THE KILIING OF THE ANIMALS Aloha County Council Members, Aloha Chief Ferriera, Admin Chiel Samuel Jelsma, Deputy Admin Chief Aimee Wana, Aloha Deputy Mayor Bobby Command. To terminate the Animal Control Contract with HRR is one thing, but to confiscate all the shelters from HRR because they used County funding to pay the rent DISPLACES HUNDREDS OF VULNERABLE ANIMALS. To euthanize the animals who have no place to go is inhumane, unethical, immoral and unacceptable. A reasonable time must be given to allow placement of the animals, at least 30 days. Mary Rose Krigjsman, President of HRR and Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary, took this contract in good faith and contributed over $90,000 to start HRR animal control services. They were receiving 54% funding that the previous vendor received. That is not fair. And Mary Rose Krijgsman also contributed another $17,000 to the ongoing operations. USE THAT CREDIT FOR THE SHELTER RENT AND KENNELS. HRR was notified of the contract award on July 27, 2020, with the start of services on Aug 1, 2020--four days notice. Now HPD is giving them less than three days to move hundreds of animals or they will be disposed of. This is unreasonable and unacceptable. We call upon the County Council to stop this madness and do the right thing for the animals. Sylvia Dolena Aloha Lokahi Association Aloha Animal Advocates 2