HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0301.034 2020-2022 P/PRP.X .
COM .5O1
From: Becky Jones
Sent: Friday, June 25, 2021 9:52 AM COUNTY CLERK
To: Council Testimony COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
Subject: Testimony Re: HRR Animal Control Contract RECEIVEDde
Time q. a.M. BY
Date JUN 2 .5 2021 ..
I am a co-coordinator for the Ainaloa Neighborhood Watch in Puna.
Because of the continued non-responsiveness from HRR regarding animal control problems in our neighborhood,
our Community Policing Officer devised a program that we implemented on our own for loose and noisy dog
violations from known owners. It does not address the stray animals, vicious animals, and injured animals, however,
and calls regarding those issues continue to go unanswered by HRR.
Over the last several months I've emailed HRR and placed several phone calls. All but one went unanswered and no
response to the email. Someone did answer the phone in a recent call and took the information about an injured
animal, but no one responded to pick up the animal.
As a community member,voter, and taxpayer, I am extremely dismayed at how HRR has handled the contract. It is
understandable that a new agency will stumble and fall when taking on a new contract, but the overall showing on
HRR's part is abysmal. Quite simply, they are in non-compliance from the perspective of the public. If the County
feels that isn't the case,then the terms of the contract were poorly written.
Add to that the way in which it has handled matters like the recent letters explaining the dismissal of partnership
with another rescue partner and I have very big concerns about HRR's ability to handle the business end of the
contract in a professional and business-like manner.
Is the County closely monitoring the animal control contract and providing feedback to them and mandating
corrections?
What will determine if HRR's contract will be renewed?
The fact that HRR will, in essence, receive the entire payment for the contract this year without providing
substantial compliance to the contract is unacceptable, plain and simple.
IF, the County allows HRR to continue with the animal control contract at the end of this fiscal year, will they be
placed on--for lack of a better term--probation?
Has the County explored doing a hybrid where County employees handle the situations that require a "badged
officer" such as HRR has, but the housing, adoption, and spay/neuter of animals are provided by a rescue agency?
Has anyone at the County level asked HIHS to consider participating in the bid process on the next round?
Has the County considered that no animal control is better than paying for service it isn't receiving? The public has
learned how to do without animal control this year.
I would like to see the County start a new department and take on animal control itself. Relying on contractors
hasn't proven to be efficient or effective. 1 . 14
Comm.ft
1 Ref.To: U
Ref.Date JUL - 6 2021
Becky Jones
Ainaloa Subdivision
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