HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.063 2024-2026From: Sylvia Dolena
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:28 AM
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To: Council Testimony
o"CID
Subject: OPPOSE Bill 51--It is inhumane and no plan to follow
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Aloha,
_
Here is an Einstein quote that fits this situation: (paraphrased).
Stupid People try to solve a problem by addressing the symptoms, instead of the root causeC3
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intelligent People solve the problem.
Geniuses prevent the problem.
PLEASE oppose and kill Bill 51. It is inhumane to say the least.
Lauren Turnbaugh who is working with CM Kimball on a pilot program for TNR and Colony Tracking and
Management. This is a successful model that is supported by National Animal Organizations because it
works!
Wheri'`Iproposed„to Mr. CL'U, I ictorine,that we pilotthe ro ram atthe,Count facilities,�h'0
;declined. If itis appropriate as, C_.hff Victorine said, to wait for the-,Pilot,regardirkg cat feeding_in.the
;parks, why is CM'Kleinfleder trying to. push this through now?, The Pilot is; not4cona 11 d yet: Wl �
is Kleinfelder notwaiting for the-pRot to, -be finished?
And'`seriously,, this
,BILL is not'
ot about saving.Native Species, especially"when the number' 1-; 2, and 3
causes%of;death.have nothing to do with cats. Cats are an easytarg'et and focusing.on them is�A
DI,STRACTION.TO THE REAL.CAUSES OF EXTINCTION f "' __ _
f"D"each: E1•.,Cause�xo
-N:ene°is ueh°icular injury:or,other injures: caused by humans
�i- : - - 3 _ humans
n-...,
N,ative'birds�is.the.diseas.e aartying niosquitoT
e,ie
--,Monk seat is Starvation due to competition with commercial fisheries;
2: Cause of D-bathi
Nene-=staivatiOn'due to'Loss.of habitat due -to over -development
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-Loss--loss-of,habitat-due to over -development
-Monk $'eals--Entangleme`nt;in fish nets
3. Cause of Death:'
=Nene=-p-ollu'tio,n,,che.rnicals" in; parks and other habitat
�..
-Native,B'irds�-ground-nesting birds,are killed by_mongoose andtree nesting birds are killed by;tree
rats' __. _ ._ _-
-..Monk Seals--Agressive males kill the juveniles especially when their food Js scarce.'
4. C.ause.of Death:
�Nene--dogs and,oth`et animals.,.toxoplasmosis, from cats but tthis is rare..`
NatiVe.Birds--other predators.inclu.ding FERAL cats a _
Monk Seals --humans, intentio'n'ally kitting them,
Consequences:
Comm. 1- v-
itef. To:
Ref. Date JUL - 8 28?�_q
--Criminalizing all of the kupunas and other volunteers who spend their social security money on cat
food; the senior groups will be very upset
--Criminalizing all of the kupunas who trap/spay/neuter/return and manage the colonies at no cost to the
County
--Criminalizing all of the kupunas who spend their own money to take sick cats to the Vet for medical
care
--Criminalizing all of the kupunas who take out the kittens and puppies for adoption
--Allowing animal cruelty on County lands when the animals starve to death. (And several non -profits
will challenge that starving an animal, whether it is on private land or public land IS still animal
cruelty). Because if it is not, then animal owners who literally starve their animals on their own
properties' should not be charged and sometimes, When reported, they are charged.
Questions:
--[What is the plan for the starving cats? Just let them starve? This is animal cruelty HRS 711-009.
--How will law enforcement (Animal Control) enforce this law? So they will issue citations to those who
are feeding abandoned, lost or stray cats? The feral cats are in the mountains and jungles, not at the
transfer stations or in the parks. These are animals that are lost or abandoned.
--What happens when these cats start wanderingfrom the colonies in search of food?
--What happens when more cats are dropped off at these locations and there is no one there to trap
them and get them neutered (hmm, more population explosion!)
--What happens when County workers then poison the cats with rat poison as they have done in the
past? This is major animal cruelty and the law will be tested with a potential lawsuit.
Sylvia Dolena
Owner, Pete Lani Farm LLC
Owner, Winning Edge Women's Leadership
Director, Puna Rising Entrepreneur Hub
Co-founder, Aloha Animal Advocates, HI Domestic non-profit
Director, Malama O'Puna. 501 c3
President, Aloha Lokahi Association, 501 c3
President, Kulia I Ka Nu'u Outreach Services
Vice President, Love Those Dog Paws, 501 c3
Executive Coach, Hewlett-Packard Enterprises