HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.158 2024-2026Lynn McLaren Dewey
Lm.d2Q20.62.@.gm_eL[l,.cQm GOUHTY CLERK
Duly s, 2025 COUNTY OF HAWAII
2025 JUL -7 All t _ 07
Re: Testimony regarding Bill 51
By Email: counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
Dear Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the Council,
I, Lynn McLaren Dewey, oppose Bill 51, criminalizing and fining people who feed community cats on
Hawaii Island. This is not the answer. As a contributing volunteer with several animal rescue
organizations, I have been fortunate to witness and participate in the hard work and collaboration
between the County and many rescue organizations on this Island to find solutions to this important
issue. Criminalizing and fining volunteers is not the answer. If this bill does move forward, it should be
amended to clearly state that "Approved community cat caretakers under county -recognized programs
will NOT be in violation of the law under Bill 51. This positive action supports the vision of empowering
communities with resources and knowledge to ensure the safety, health and well-being of the cats and
their caretakers.
A program is underway that creates Hawaii County's first structured, humane, cat management program,
with trained caretakers, designated feeding areas and targeted sterilization. Passing Bill 51 could derail
community trust and participation in this program, before there is any chance to show results. We can all
agree that we want to see less community cats in sensitive island habitats, but we need a humane and
sustainable solution to this issue.
The many rescue organizations continuing efforts in animal welfare on Hawaii Island arevital to create a
larger impact on the current County efforts of protection and control of island animals along our coasts,
lands, and in our urban communities. Combining County and private resources, accumulated data, and
boots on the ground, is the best way forward to combat the overpopulation and responsibility issues
facingthe animals of Hawaii Island.
The goal of bringing communities together for mutual support will create a sustainable, peaceful future
for our Island home and its animals. Please oppose Bill 51, unless there is a clear amendment for
approved community cat caretakers under county -recognized programs.
This amendment and opposition will support rescue organizations and their leaders, as they work
tirelessly alongside the County of Hawaii Departments in their efforts towards a common goal.
Thankyou for your time and consideration,
Sincerely,
Ly/,/t1 McLaren Dewey Comm. K L-8
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