HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0091.017 2022-2024 PIC,OGAG
OW 22
COMA(
From: Lauren Foo
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2023 2:04 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Conditional Approval of Bill 22
Aloha Council Members,
Aloha Council members my name is Lauren Foo.Thank you for your service and hearing my testimony regarding Council
proposed Bill 22.
1 conditionally support a new Agency whose charter is to manage animal care and control for Hawaii Island. his being
just the first step in fixing a very broken system.
The conditions are as follows:
1. REVISE CHAPTER 4: Before the details of the new agency are worked,there are out substantial revisions to
county code Chapter 4 needs to be done. A comprehensive review with outside expertise is certainly
warranted. We would be happy to submit a couple of suggestions that require a minimal investment but get a
great deal of knowledge and customized solutions for Hawaii Island. This task is even more crucial as evidenced
by the fact the new agency's creation is based on this outdated code? Why wouldn't we want to start w/a
brand new structure that references clean up to date code?
2. Establish a Community Advisory Committee-this committee should be representative of the community it
serves there are many examples of creative solutions out there—this must be part of the new
organization. There must be a member representation from each of the 9 districts, one revolving veterinary
seat, on seat for the shelter/rescue organizations, and someone from the police department. A comprehensive
solution must include all facets of organization—basically everyone that touches the organization—much like a
systems implementation this is key to anticipating and resolving issues before they become huge problems.
3. What are the Responsibilities of the new agency? Even today the mandate of the Animal Control
organization is up for interpretation. We need a clear document that spells out what services will be provided to
the public. Today our Animal Control is NOT with their mandate re Strays and Cruelty/Neglect cases. Please
explain how simply moving the ball from one shell to another will help fix this? Maybe this is why the important
components of an animal control organization are not being addressed. How can they possibly manage those
services if they cannot do the job as it is written in the code? Perhaps there is a management issue there.
a. What about important items such as hours of operation, open shelters etc?
b. There should be a detailed 'scope of work' created similar to RFP 3950.
c. This would help remedy any confusion about what is required of the job.
4. What are the metrics will this organization be measured by?How will management be held accountable
for errors in judgement and mistakes made? What is the check and balance system to ensure the community's
concerns are taken into account? How can the public be sure county has hired the right person for the job?
5. Who owns animal population? County funding needs to be put in place to help us get out of this horrific
situation that is crippling our island's rescue/shelter operations. 1 have seen several mentions that spay/neuter
is not the responsibility of animal control. That may be, however there are many examples of progressive
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county run animal control organizations who do understand this is an integral part of the overall
solution. Continued passing the buck is not the right answer.
A Howai'i County deserves a better solution for Animal Control. A Comprehensive solution must include community or
it will fail.
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