HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0606.006 2020-2022 gill liq
From: Lauren Nickerson
Sent: Tuesday, February 0l20228:41AM
To: Council Testimony -
Cc: Ferreira, Paul;VVena, Aimee
Subject: Bill 119 (C6O6) - SUPPORT
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Dear Honorable Members mfthe Hawaii County Council, 7-o
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This letter is in support of Bill 119 (C606)to provide Capital Improvement funds for an East facility for Hawaii County
Animal Control Services.
Since 1963, Hawaii Island Humane Society has served the animals and people of the County of Hawaii. In 2020, after
careful discussion considering all factors, H|HSmade the difficult decision not torenew our contract with the County
of Hawaii/HPD for animal control services.This decision was based primarily on successful models of private-public
partnerships for animal welfare, inother areas ofthe country(see Articles 1and 2be|ovv.\Amodel that divides
animal control services as delineated by Chapter 4,from those typically associated with non-profit animal welfare
programs, provisions for the expansion ofservices provided tothe community.
Hawaii Island Humane Society is a transfer partner for County of Hawaii Animal Control Services.To date, HIHS has
accepted 300 animals from County of Hawaii Animal Control Services to be made available for adoption after their
county-mandated stray hold has expired and the pets have not been reunited with their owners. Once the animals
are transferred into our care, H|HSfunds all medical care,from basic toextensive,asneeded. H|HSreceives zero
funding from the county for our partnership; nor are vve asking for funds. Asanon-profit organization, all ofour
programs and services are funded entirely bygrants and private donations.
As o partner, we are in regular communication with C[)H Animal Control's Director and staff, including Animal
Control Officers. Having provided animal control services on this island for many, many years, HIHS is acutely aware
of what a challenging task is before them.The County of Hawaii is fortunate to have a dedicated, hard-working crew
of animal welfare professionals who treat the animals humanely and with compassion. In the past several months, I
have personally been in awe of what they have achieved with very little resources or support.
Animal welfare and animal sheltering has standards ufcare. |norder toappropriately meet those standards ofcare,
County of Hawaii Animal Control Services need functional, safe facilities where animals can be humanely housed
and the public can bepermitted entry.
With the support of the Hawaii County Council to provide a facility on the east side (where the need bgreat)
County of Hawaii Animal Control Services will be able to do more for the pets and people mfour county.
Together,with your support, we can build a successful model that serves the citizens of Hawaii County,while also
saving lives.
Hawaii Island Humane Society isinfull support ofBill 119.
Very truly yours,
Lauren Nickerson
Comm. No.
CEO- Hawaii Island Humane Society Ref.
Ref. DatUB 9 202e—