HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.082 2024-2026From:
Sent:
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Aloha Council Members,
Noah Gomes
Friday, July 4, 2025 3:11 PM
Council Testimony
Testimony in Support of Bill 51
I want to express my strong and heartfelt support for Bill 51, which prohibits feeding feral animals on
County of Hawaii Property.
I am both a pet owner and nature proponent, and I like to think that I have strong empathy for the sad
plight of feral pet animals on our island.
That being said, the continual and habitual feeding of feral animals such as chickens, cats and dogs on
public lands only contributes to the problem of strays and the numerous social and environmental
problems that burgeoning populations of stray animals on this island creates. Feeding strays has been
demonstrated time and time again to do nothing for keeping animal populations down, and there is
overwhelming data showing that it has negative consequences for humans and native wildlife.
would instead urge the county to consider appropriate measures preventing animal abuse such as
animal abandonment, and obligatory spaying and neutering of pets not intended for breeding. I would
also recommend a public education program aimed at reducing feral animal populations.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
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