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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCHSW 003 2025-07-08 2024-2026REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING DATE: July 8, 2025 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 1:12 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 283Bill No. 51 Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being, to which was referred Bill No. 51, reports as follows: Bill 51, transmitted by Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder via Communication No. 283, dated April 29, 2025, Amends Chapter 4, Article 3 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended) relating to animals. The bill prohibits the feeding of feral or stray animals on County -owned property. Director of Parks and Recreation Clayton Honma and Animal Control Administrator Matthew Runnells were present in the Hilo Chambers. Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder explained that this Bill isn't about just cats but all animals. He stated that by feeding, we begin to build behavior for all animal colonies, and it becomes more of an issue. Committee Member Rebecca Villegas stated that she had seen and heard the arguments about responsible capture, spay and neuter and release but have not seen a decrease in the colonies. She expressed that this legislation does not call for starvation of cat colonies, but that it be removed from County properties and said it is the Counties' job to ensure that our spaces are safe and healthy for everyone. Committee Member Heather Kimball noted that there isn't a clear solution, and the problem isn't well defined. This is having an effect on the native bird population and Hawaiian monk seals. Ms. Kimball said that the need for this Bill is there and agreed with Ms. Villegas that cats in beach parks are just not something that belongs. Jurisdiction in the HRS (Hawai`i Revised Statutes) doesn't have anything that specifies inhumane treatment of animals and states that there's an issue of enforceability. Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba agreed that the Bill is reasonable because it is regarding County property. He also agreed that the points brought up by Ms. Villegas are well taken, especially what he hears in his community on the West side. PCHSW Report No. 3 PCHSW-3 Page 2 July 8, 2025 Committee Member Galimba stressed that it is important to try TNRM (Trap -Neuter -Return - Manage) efforts and the "management" is important, so numbers are reduced. Council Member Onishi noted that the Bill is about County properties and people not being allowed to feed feral animals. Council Member Jenn Kagiwada expressed that doing nothing is no longer an issue. She said that maybe thinking about data driven and best practices is what the Council needs to focus on. She noted that the Council doesn't have a perfect solution but is willing to go forward with this amendment, as it brings attention to the issue. It is mentioned that this isn't just about cats — people are feeding pigs, which is also a huge issue and tuberculosis is a disease harmful to people. Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder introduced an amendment to Bill 51 with the contents of Communication No. 283.1 and was approved with 7 "ayes," Committee Member Kimball voting "no" and Ms. Kierkiewicz absent. Committee Member Kagiwada proposed an amendment to Bill 51 with the contents of Communication No. 283.2, but it was withdrawn. Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well -Being is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill 51, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends passage on first reading. ki AYES NOES ABS EX GALIMBA X HUSTACE X INABA X KAGIWADA X KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X KIERKIEWICZ X KIMBALL X ONISHI X VILLEGAS X Respectfully submitted, POLICY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING Gi a- DENNIS "FRESH" ONISHI, CHAIR PCHSW REPORS.1V0.2._ ADOPTED: ����..