HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0239.020 2024-2026P / COund I
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From: Lisa Crampton i-
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2025 6:04 PM i
To: Council Testimony =
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Subject: Testimony Opposing Resolution 140-25
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Dear Council Members,
As a cat lover and conservation biologist, I urge you to oppose Resolution 140-25, which proposes awarding•$550,000 in
grant funds to Aloha Animal Alliance Hawai'i 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. It's also bad for
cats.
Colony cats are susceptible to many diseases, including avian flu, and are frequently road kill.
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 cats, 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,
Lisa Crampton
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Ref. Dafe Y L211 2025