HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.212 2024-2026From: Jordyn Quesenberry
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 5:59 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony Supporting Bill 51
Aloha a Councilmembers,
I write in strong support of Bill 51, which seeks to prohibit the feeding of feral animals on County of
Hawaii property. This amendment is urgently needed to protect our endangered native species,
safeguard public health, and uphold our shared kuleana to steward Hawai`i's lands and ecosystems
responsibly.
Feral cats are the only host,animal for a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii which causes toxoplasmosis.
This parasite readily infects and kills animals like the nene bird. I worked in an undergraduate research
lab that studied this parasite and I cannot overstate the seriousness that it poses to wildlife but also to
human members of our communities who are immuno,compromised or pregnant. If infected, the
parasite houses itself in the meninges of the brain and can cross the placenta and infect a fetus. The
parasite is not well understood or researched and there is no treatment once infected therefore,
prevention is the key.
Bill 51 is a reasonable and necessary step toward safer, healthier, and more ecologically resilient public
spaces in Hawaii County. I respectfully urge you to pass this bill without delay.
Mahalo for your leadership and service.
Sincerely,
Jordyn Quesenberry
Hawaii County Resident
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