HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.240 2024-2026From: Eda Sterner
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:33 AM
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To: Council Testimony
Subject: Re: Bill 51
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Office of the County Clerk
Honorable County Council Members
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I would like to express my strong opposition to proposed Bill 51 regarding fining people who feed
community cats. As an active member of several groups that cherish the health and welfare of these
animals, I hope you can understand that this type of action is nothing more than an ineffective
bandaid. Feral cats that are not fed by humans will find a way to feed themselves on both native
fauna and domestic animals, leading to increased aggression and injury of both humans and animals
and the spread of disease.
Humane solutions do exist. Public funding would be much better directed toward supporting TNRM
programs and enforcing existing anti -abandonment and animal cruelty laws.
Please don't criminalize the efforts of the many well-meaning and compassionate people who donate
both time and money to give these animals the humane treatment they deserve.
If this bill does move forward, it must be amended to read: Approved caretakers under county -
recognized programs will not be in violation of the law.
Eda J. Sterner
Pahoa, HI
Comm � � OJ.
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Ref. t�are_'� - 8 2025