HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0239.012 2024-2026p j Council
RC5. WO-25
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From:
Brad Carlson
Sent:
Monday, May 19, 2025 1:06 PM
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To:
Council Testimony_
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Subject:
Testimony Opposing Resolution 140-25
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Dear Council Members,
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Although I am using some pre -scripted info below I personally oppose this resolution. The ferdl�cat
problem is not a new one, and throwing money at old ideas to make people feet good is not a solution.
There are many resources online and examples by others that show how hard work can pay off regarding
this problem. Roll up your sleeves and do the hard work please, that is why we pay you with our tax
dollars.
I urge you to oppose Resolution 140-25, which proposes awarding $50,000 in grant funds to Aloha
Animal Alliance Hawaii for their Trap -Neuter -Return -Manage (TNRM) initiative. Decades of scientific
research —including studies conducted in Hawaii —demonstrate that TNRM is an ineffective, costly, and
environmentally damaging approach to managing feral cat populations. Continued support for this
method threatens endangered native wildlife, endangers public health, and may expose the County to
legal liability.
TNRM fails to reduce cat populations. Population modeling in Hawaii shows that even under ideal
conditions, TNRM takes decades to achieve population reductions —and only if there is no new cat
abandonment. In practice, the ongoing abandonment and immigration of cats into colonies prevents any
meaningful progress. In contrast, direct removal strategies are faster, more cost-effective, and result in
real population declines.
TNRM sustains environmental harm. Feral cats are documented predators of native species, including
endangered birds. Colonies persist near critical habitats, and there are confirmed cases of nene and
seabird deaths due to feral cats. TNRM leaves these colonies intact, allowing predation to continue
unchecked.
In summary, funding TNRM is a poor use of public resources. It does not address the root problem, and
instead perpetuates harm to wildlife and public health. I respectfully urge the Council to vote no on this
resolution and instead fund science -based strategies that result in measurable reductions in feral cat
populations.
Sincerely,
Bradley Carlson
Comm. N .
Ref. To:
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