HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0763.006 2022-2024 P/ PG1451,(
Dill Oct
COMM.70
From: Sherri Thal ,
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:25 AM
To: Council Testimony '
Cc: Runnells, Matthew S.
Subject: Subject: Bill 139: Revise to include significant changes co ` V
n
Aloha Councilmembers,
Please revise Bill 139 to include significant changes requested by the general public, as gathered by a
Taskforce from residents of all 9 districts :
1. The STATE HRS says that Animal Control Officers have the same power and authority of a Police
Officer or Sheriff. This Bill separates those responsibilities making the Animal Control Officer a "dog
catcher"who can issue minor citations. That's okay with the inexperienced AC officers on staff. So this
Bill does "name" changes to actually change the role.
2. This also eliminates the possibility of a non-profit animal welfare organization for assuming the
responsibilities of Animal Control such as the Humane Society did for 25 years. It appears that the
County wants to make sure this Animal Control Agency stays in place even though the System is
severely broken and there is no evidence of fixing it.
3. Even in statements from the code which are being clarified, there are still glaring, unclarified language
regarding pets in domiciles and pets which are unowned and abandoned, setting them up for
eradication. This is unacceptable because this puts the onus on DLNR to do the dirty work.
4. Residents from all 9 districts have given their input on their top issues and solutions. The residents
are frustrated and overwhelmed handling animal welfare issues due to the lack of services from Animal
Control.
Mahalo for your time,
Sherri Thal, Kea'au, 96749
Comm. N .
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date OAR 1 9 2024.