HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.202 2024-2026COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
2025 JUL -7 Ali n: to
Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
John Pelletier
Ahupua'a'o Voma, Kailua-Kona, HI
July 7, 2025
jdp2766@gmail.com
RE: Bill No. 51, Ordinance Amending Chapter 4, Article 3, of the Hawaii County Code
Aloha nui kakou, aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the Policy Committee on
Health, Safety, and Well -Being,
I'm John Pelletier, a resident of Kona, and I'm testifying in strong support of Bill 51.
Hawai'i's native ecosystems are some of the most fragile and unique in the world, home
to species found nowhere else on Earth. Feral animals pose a serious threat to these
ecosystems. They prey on native birds, spread invasive plants and diseases, and disrupt
sensitive habitats. Allowing these animals to congregate in larger numbers, as happens
where food is consistently provided, only worsens the damage to our environment and
accelerates the decline of native species that are already hanging on by a thread.
Beyond the environmental impacts, feeding feral animals does not ultimately help the
animals themselves. Food handouts can cause overpopulation, territorial fighting, and
the spread of diseases among the animals. Animals gathering at feeding sites are also at
increased risk of injury from vehicles and exposure to predators and disease. In the end,
these animals often suffer from malnutrition, parasitic infections, and poor living
conditions that are made worse by artificial population growth that the environment
cannot support.
This bill is one important step in reducing human behaviors that unintentionally harm
both our native ecosystems and the feral animals themselves. I urge you to pass this
measure to help protect Hawai'i's irreplaceable wildlife and work toward a healthier
future for all species. Mahalo foryour consideration.
Mahalo for your time and for your consideration of my testimony in support of Bill 51.
Ke aloha no, comm°t'� 41-1
John PelletierRof`�``Ref. Date202