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From: Stephanie Stack
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2025 4:56 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony Opposing Resolution 140-25'
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Testimony Opposing Resolution 140-25
Submitted to Council Members by Email
Dear Council Members,PO
, -
am writing in strong opposition to Resolution 140-25, which proposes awarding funding in support of
their trap -neuter -return -manage (TNRM), also called, trap -neuter -release (TNR) program for feral cats.
While i recognize that this resolution may be well-intentioned, decades of scientific research
consistently demonstrate that TNR programs are ineffective, costly, and environmentally harmful.
TNR does not significantly reduce feral cat populations, nor does it prevent the serious ecological
damage caused by free -roaming cats.
Feral cats are a leading threat to Hawaii's unique and irreplaceable native wildlife, particularly our
endangered ground -nesting birds. These cats are a non-native species, and act as invasive
predators that kill millions of native animals every year and contribute to the decline and extinction of
species found nowhere else on Earth. Furthermore, the continued presence of feral cats contributes to
the spread of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that poses a severe risk to native marine mammals
such as monk seals and spinner dolphins.
TNR does not eliminate these risks. Even sterilized (neutered) cats continue to hunt birds and spread
disease. Feeding stations, a typical feature of TNR colonies, artificially support high densities of cats,
increasing the pressure on surrounding wildlife and enabling the persistence of colonies that would
otherwise naturally decline.
Instead of funding programs that perpetuate these problems, I urge the Council to support evidence -
based alternatives: -These may include:
• The establishment of enclosed cat sanctuaries, where cats can live out their lives without
harming native wildlife.
• Targeted removal of feral cat colonies, as has been successfully implemented in Australia and
other jurisdictions committed to biodiversity protection.
• Public education campaigns and stricter enforcement of pet ownership laws, to prevent
future abandonment and reduce colony formation.
Hawaii is home to some of the most endangered species on the planet. We have a shared responsibility
to prioritise the protection of native animals over invasive predators. This funding would be better
invested in programs that align with conservation science and that ensure a future for Ha ive
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wildlife.
Ref. To:� .
Ref.0aie SAY 21.
Please reject Resolution 140-25 and commit to a more effective and responsible approach to feral cat
management.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Stephanie Stack
PhD candidate at Griffith University and Maui County resident
Stephanie Stack
PhD candidate
Griffith University, Nathan Campus
170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
Phone (Australia): +61 401 366 851
Phone (North America): +1 808 740 5540
Email: stephanie.stack@griffithuni.edu.au