HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0239.081 2024-2026P /Gounci
Res. 140-2!�
Comm. 2N
From: Taylor Warner c fl-)
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2025 8:42 PM v o.�
To: Council Testimony 'D
Subject: Testimony Opposing Resolution 140-25 .� E
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Dear Council Members, `yyyy"_=
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I am writing to urge you to oppose Resolution 140-25, which proposes awarding $50,000 in grunt 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 our endangered native wildlife only found here in Hawaii, 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. 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.
Sincerely,
Taylor Warner
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