HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0239.038 2024-2026P / Counci l
ROs. M-25
Comm. 2I
From: Ariellmoto c-)
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2025 6:06 PM _ C C-)
To: Council Testimony=
Subject: Testimony Opposing Resolution 140-254
Dear Council Members, E5f
I urge you to oppose Resolution 140-25, which proposes awarding $50,000 in grant funds to Aloha Animal A4lsance==
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.
TNRM especially creates 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. Not only that they are the
spreaders of toxoplasma gondii which is caused toxoplasmosis which is dangerous to pregnant women and infants.
This $50,000 grant could be used for different methods of control such as finding a sanctuary for these free roaming cats,
funding an outreach event that gives free spay/neuter and microchipping clinic for pet cats, or doing legitimate research
into the local cat populations in order to establish the right management plan.
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,
ariel imoto
Ref. To:
Ref. Date- AY 91 202