HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0301.051 2020-2022 From: Maria Leonardi
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2021 2:38 PM
To: David, Maile; Council Testimony; Ferreira, Paul; copsysop COUNTY CLERK
Cc: Richards, Tim COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
Subject: HRR - Suggestion and Request RECEIVED„/
Time 2:58 p.M. By'
Date JUN 3 0 2021
Aloha Chairwoman David, Councilmembers, and Chief Ferreira:
I am writing regarding the recent news related to the transition away from Hawaii Rainbow Rangers at several county
animal shelters. I promise that this is not another note that will prematurely convict you of euthanizing animals. I do
however understand that this may become a reality due to the ongoing issues that you have encountered with the
Hawaii Rainbow Rangers organization.
I am sure that you have already received plenty of strongly-worded notes about what should or should not occur. I
also feel very strongly, but the purpose of this note is to find a path forward. One that will give advocates on the
island the best chance of placing animals that urgently need homes or fosters.
I understand if some details of the transition must remain confidential for a time, but the complete lack of
transparency and information regarding the animals' wellbeing (current and future) is extremely disturbing. It is also
causing an uproar and leading to a large amount of unreliable, alarmist, and potentially inaccurate information being
circulated without check.
Most of this information is created out of a deep, sickening fear that hundreds of animals will lose their lives before
activists have a chance to make a difference. I understand that pain- I feel it as a write this. But, as I read the
information out there, common sense tells me that there is no way that the County would, within a few days, shut
down a shelter and have animals euthanized. It makes no sense whatsoever. Common sense tells me that you have a
plan with timelines and will eventually work with partner organizations to rehome animals rather than making snap
decisions regarding space.
So, I beg of you to publicly release the information that you can- even if that's just a plan. And if the time comes
where you know you need help, provide the number of animals at each location that need homes - permanent and
temporary.
People want to help. Give them the information that they need to do so. Release accurate information to prevent
further hysteria and reduce the stress and burnout already felt by animal advocates. The only thing preventing my own
hysteria is my common sense. The situation cannot be so black and white, there can't be a stark cutoff as most are
relaying in the community. There must be a plan, and that plan must involve providing time to those with the
resources to make a difference. If my instincts are correct, please let the community know.
There are always too many animals that need homes, but with a difficult event like this, I believe it is possible to
make a public push for fosters and adoptions - but only if we have a concrete,transparent goal.
I know pointing out problems without solutions is not helpful, so if there is anything that I can do to help be part of
the solution please let me know.
Best wishes,
Maria Leonardi Comm. No. NI • 51
Waikoloa Village Resident Ref. To: tio-g-fso
Ref. Date JUL - 6 2021
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