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From: LISA ATKINSON
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 11:11 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: LisaAtkinsonHl@gmail.com
Subject: Resolution 78-25
Importance: High
Aloha! I would like to provide the following testimony regarding Resolution 78-25, which seeks approval to
grant $5,000 to the Hawaii Animal Kuleana Alliance (HAKA) for its 5-day disaster response training regarding
animal rescue. I am a newly selected Board member of HAKA, as it aligns with my love of animals and
responsibility to serve my community.
HAKA is a uniquely positioned nonprofit on Hawaii Island with both the passion and expertise in assisting with
disaster preparedness for residents with animals, as well as on the ground experience in conducting animal
search and rescue. HAKA was born out of the Kilauea eruption in 2018 as a grassroots effort to retrieve lost
pets and return them to their owners. As the result of their efforts, more than 1,000 pets were rescued. In
2023, HAKA provided "boots on the ground" assistance following the devastating Lahaina fires. HAKA
deployed field personnel to work with local first responders to locate and rescue as many animals as they
could, in an attempt to reunite them with families who'd already lost so much. Most recently, HAKA has
coordinated with other organizations to create LA Fire Pets Resources, an online resource to report lost pets,
locate found pets, and reunite pets with owners, following the tragic fires around Los Angeles.
HAKA not only provides rescue and reunification services but also provides disaster preparedness education
and resources to help people be better prepared before a catastrophic event occurs. No other organization on
Hawaii Island provides both preparedness and rescue/reunification services. HAKA fills gaps in services and
expertise that First Responders cannot undertake.
I am asking that the funding request of $5,000 be awarded to HAKA so that they may train additional
personnel on the important work of disaster preparedness and animal rescue and reunification. Supporting
HAKA in this work could serve as a model to other organizations across the state and country who seek to
support disaster preparedness efforts for animals, as well as rescue, recovery, and reunification.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.
Mahalo for your time and consideration,
Lisa
Hon. Lisa L. Atkinson, Esq.
Hawaii Mailing Address:
16-566 Keaau Pahoa Road r „4 �� Q
# 188-453
025
Keaau, HI 96749
(425) 778-2421
CHECK OUT MY NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE! www.lisaatkinsonallc.com
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