HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0091.031 2022-2024 The mission the _COMM, q/
�
%i�� is*,prevent cruelty toanimals,eliminate pet overpopulation
and enhance the bond between humans and animals,
February
5, 3O23 �
Lauren Nickerson �
CEO. Hawaii Island Humane Society
78-G707M@[Oa|ahoaHwy
Nolu@k}a. H| S8725
To Honorable Mayor Mitch Roth and Honorable Members of Hawaii County Council,
I am writing to you on behalf of Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS) to provide testimony in
support of Bill 22: Creating AOAnimal Control and Protection Agency.
Since July of2O21, H|HGhas served aSBtransfer partner for County 0fHawaii Animal Control
Services (COH) and together, we have collaborated to provide services for the community and
the animals. We have firsthand experience with their dedicated, hardworking staff. From our
perspective, they have gone above and beyond the call ofduty toensure more live outcomes
for more animals. The staff, while nnininoa|' is pr0feSsion@|, knowledgeable, and animal-minded.
We are proud to consider them "colleagues" and have found that we have shared goals of
saving |iveo, while preserving public safety. Our communication with CDH leadership and
officers has been consistent and transparent.
Animal control iaGchallenging job that iS physically, nlenia||y. and emotionally taxing. The core
functions of animal control aan/icea, especially a division that is operating solely as a municipal-
run nnoda| such as County ofHawaii Animal Control Services, are public safety, |avv
enforcement, and sheltering of lost/found/impounded animals. To that end, the existing COH
Animal Control services is afunnt|ona| municipal run division. Due to gaps in ctmUinA and
facilities/equipment that are in dimnspair, the current animal control division isnot able bz operate
to its fullest potential. Consideration must be given to providing the new agency with greater
infrastructure and support.
As a community, it is imperative that we understand the root causes of pet relinquishment and
abandonment. Those root causes can include lack of access to affordable pet-friendly housing,
financial hardships, and the overall understanding of the purpose/value of companion animals.
Our community is struggling with ne08[d to pet 0vvOe[Ship' but the responsibility to develop
solutions to historical issues does not fall to one singular entity such as COH Animal Control or
HI HS. In order to combat the unending deluge of unwanted animals entering the shelter
systems Onisland, itis critical that the County OfHawaii give time and attention tVupdating laws
and establishing ordinances.
Once the new agency is formed, we envision great opportunity for continued partnership and
collaboration. As the agency grows, it must be afforded the necessary infrastructure to be able
mwNw, 78-67*7 wamo|nhoo Highway ~ *o|vo|oa.Hvwaii 96725 ~ e0832e.1175
/n-o7sneoavpahoaHighway ° xeaau. Hawaii ssr«y ~ 808.966.5458
wvmmhihyo,g ~ mx |o*99-6009437
The mission of the Hawaii Island Humane Societv
is to prevent cruelty to animals,eliminate pet overpopulation
and enhance the bond between humans and animals,
to provide services that aim to reduce the number of animals entering the shelter system, and to
support people in becoming responsible pet owners. To that end, we hope that the County of
Hawaii will initiate an incentivized county-wide spay and neuter program that is functional for
providers and accessible for community members. Not only will this be a lifesaving measure, it
will also reduce the amount of funding that the County is currently spending on sheltering large
populations of unwanted animals.
We hope that the future Animal Control and Protection Agency will be built on the foundation
that was created in this past year by the County of Hawaii Animal Control Services, under the
direction of the Hawaii Police Department. We have found that division to be lead by a
professional, experienced director who understands humane animal sheltering. We also hope to
maintain our existing lifesaving partnership with the future Animal Control and Protection
agency, to continue bettering the lives of both people and animals. We implore you to hire
personnel and leadership that has the experience, knowledge, and capabilities to develop and
operate a humane, progressive, efficient agency that is concurrently focused on public safety
and animal welfare.
As you look to build a new agency, please continue to seek ways to increase staffing and
resources and to improve the conditions of the shelters. With increased support, Hawai'i Island
has the potential to become a humane, safe place for both people and animals.
Very truly yours,
Lauren Nickerson, CEO- Hawaii Island Humane Society
78-6767 Mamalahoa Highway Holualoa,Hawaii 96725 80&329,1175
16-873 Keaau Pahoa Highway Keaau, Hawaii 96749 808.966.5458
www,hihs.org Tax ID #99-6009437