The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0283.096 2024-2026TO 6enate Ra `01ba Renchoa STATE CAPITOL HONOLULU, HAWAI`I 96813 Monday, July 7, 2025 RE: Testimony in Strong Support of County Council Bill 51 To the Hawaii County Council Members, P/PCH5yf dill 51 C, NR, 2B3 N c.,_ r- I V w tY1 Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of this pressing environmental issue, and weigh in on its impending impacts to the County and overall context of the State. This measure will prohibit the feeding of stray or feral non-native animals on County -owned property, recognizing this as a critical step toward protecting Hawaii's fragile ecosystems, safeguarding public health, and aligning County policy with State Biosecurity objectives. Feral non-native animals pose a significant threat to the State's Native species. While these harms are not always immediately visible to the human population, the cumulative toll will critically undermine the stability of our native ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and cultural resources tied to native flora and fauna. Feral, non-native animals pose a significant and well -documented threat to Native Hawaiian species, many of which exist nowhere else in the world. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawaii accounts for over 44% of all endangered and threatened species in the United States, despite comprising less than 0.2% of the nation's landmass. Key native species at -risk include the Hawaiian monk seal, the nene goose, and numerous native forest birds imperiled by predation, competition, and disease transmission from feral cats, pigs, goats, and other non-native species. Of particular concern is toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can only complete its reproductive cycle within felids. Feral cats, which are widespread across Hawaii Island, excrete environmentally persistent oocysts in their feces, contaminating watersheds and nearshore environments. The Department of Land and Natural Resources reports toxoplasmosis as a leading cause of mortality in the Hawaiian monk seal, accounting for over 12% of diagnosed deaths between 2001 and 2023. In nene, toxoplasmosis often proves fatal due to a lack of viable and effective treatment options, contributing to the already precarious status of these endemic species. The prohibition on feeding feral animals on County lands will reduce artificially sustained feral animal populations, limiting breeding success and aggregation that accelerates disease transmission and environmental degradation. This policy aligns with State of Hawai'i biosecurity objectives, which recently received significant funding support: in the FY 2024-2025 State budget, the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture's biosecurity efforts were increased by $20 million to enhance interagency invasive species control, rapid response, and containment measures statewide. This County -level action complements State investments and reflects an integrated approach necessary for effective biosecurity. From a fiscal standpoint, reducing feral animal populations can mitigate the high costs of invasive species management, which the State estimates at over $50 million annually, and the additional Comm. No., J V. U' Ref. To: Ref. Daie 2 - 8 2025 July 7, 2025 Page 2 of 2 environmental and economic costs of species extinction, disease management, and the impact on tourism and agriculture. In conclusion, Bill 51 is a prudent, proactive policy to protect Hawaii Island's natural resources, uphold our environmental stewardship responsibilities, and reduce the significant threats posed by feral non- native animals to Native Hawaiian wildlife and public health. By enacting this measure, the Council will help safeguard our endangered species, reduce disease risk, and align with the State's investment in biosecurity and conservation, ensuring a healthier and more resilient Hawaii Island for future generations. Mahalo for your consideration of this testimony in strong support of Bill 51. Herbert M "Tim" Richards III,DVM Hawaii State Senator; District 4 State Capitol 415 S Beretania St. Room 202 Honolulu, HI 96813 United States Office: (808) 586-6760 FAX: (808) 586-6689 r Email: SenRichards@capitol.hawaii.gov t