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From: Jonah F
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 4:16 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony Opposing Resolution 140-25
Dear Council Members,
strongly urge you to oppose Resolution 140-25, which proposes funding for Trap -Neuter -Return -Manage
(TNRM) programs for feral cats in Hawaii County. As someone deeply concerned about the survival of
our native wildlife, I cannot support policies that perpetuate harm to endangered species like the nene.
TNRM is ineffective at reducing feral cat populations, especially in open environments like ours where
abandonment and migration continue unchecked. Scientific studies show that even under ideal
conditions, TNRM takes decades to make a difference —time our endangered birds do not have. Feral
cats are proven predators, killing nene and seabirds, and their feeding stations attract native wildlife into
dangerous areas, increasing risks of vehicle collisions and disease transmission.
I have personally witnessed the devastating impacts of feral cats on our native species. Their presence
near critical habitats threatens Hawai`i's fragile biodiversity, and toxoplasmosis—spread by cats —has
already kilted nene and monk seals. The majority of Hawaii residents support stronger measures to
reduce feral cat populations, not ineffective TNR programs that leave colonies intact.
Instead of funding TNRM, we need science -based solutions like trap -neuter -adopt programs, stricter pet
ownership laws, and enforcement of feeding bans. Protecting our native wildlife must come first. Please
reject Resolution 140-25 and prioritize policies that truly safeguard Hawai`i's endangered species.
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Mahalo for your consideration.
Best wishes,
Jonah F.
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