HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0091.021 2022-2024 r
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From: Judy Howard
Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2023 12:29 PM
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To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 22, February 7, government committee, Cindy Evans chair
I have had a chance to review the draft, and I am puzzled. I have heard that this is an effort to get the new agency
funded this year, but that should not require any amendments to chapter 4. Amending chapter 2 to create the agency
should be sufficient. I oppose the proposed amendments to chapter 4 for a number of reasons.
There are some glaring omissions in the draft, including a lack of authority to house abused animals in the pounds. I
know Animal Control rarely, if ever, responds to reports of cruelty to animals at this time, but under the bill,Animal
Control would not have the authority to impound abused animals at all. That is a step backward.
All responsibilities and authority should be carefully thought out and debated. All reasonable alternatives should be
considered.
The bill also does not provide for the housing of"vicious" dogs. Would vicious dogs and abused animals be housed
separately and would some other government entity be responsible for their care?
This bill seems to provide that any additional programs, such as spay neuter and chipping clinics, would have to be
approved by the Council.
I'm afraid this bill is very sloppy, which could result in court challenges and many unintended consequences.
Frankly, it is very clear to me that the Council needs the guidance of a consultant who is familiar with the alternatives,
and should take no further action until it has considered the recommendations of such a consultant.
If there is some pressing need to create an agency in advance of creating a logical and effective law, then I think the bill
to create the agency should be limited to an amendment of Chapter 2 of the Code, with a declaration that the authority
and duties of the agency and its director will be defined at a later time, in consultation with a citizens' board, the
members of which would be nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, and after consultation with a
professional who has experience advising governmental agencies on animal control operations.
Respectfully,
Judy Howard
Judy S. Howard
67-1185 Mamalahoa Highway TM•
Ste D104 PMB 411
Kamuela, HI. 96743
(808)885-5588
Comm. e.
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1 Ref. Date_.FES ® 7 2023