HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0239.022 2024-2026P / Council
Rf'.5. NO-Z
WW. 2�q
From: Julia Dang
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2025 1:01 PM `n =�
To: Council Testimony ZC-
Subject: Testimony Opposing Resolution 140-25
Dear Council Members,
As a natural resource specialist, I urge you to oppose Resolution 140-25, which proposes awarding $50,000 ifl%rant-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.
Visiting Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge there are native and endemic Hawaiian birds (most are endangered) who
are successfully thriving in after reforestation efforts, but big threats they face are avian malaria/pox, habitat loss,
toxoplasmosis from cats. Birds annually kill over at least 2.4 billion birds a year.
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.
Best,
Julia Dang
Comm. 40 - !�
Ref. To:
Ref. Date MAY 2 1 202