HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.263 2024-2026From: Sally VanBuren
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:09 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Strong Opposition to Bill 51 - Support Humane, Effective Solutions for Community
Cats
I am writing to strongly oppose Bill 51, which seeks to ban the feeding of community cats on county property.
While I understand the concern for protecting wildlife, the proposed feeding ban is not the solution. In fact, abruptly
stopping food sources for community cats will likely lead to increased predation on native birds and wildlife as the cats
are forced to hunt more aggressively to survive. This is supported by well -documented research: cats are natural hunters,
but consistent feeding reduces their hunting frequency and range.
Bill 51 would also disrupt stable cat colonies, push cats into new areas, increase territorial fights, and undermine
ongoing Trap -Neuter -Return (TNR) efforts, which are widely recognized as the most humane and effective long-term
solution to managing community cat populations.
Instead of criminalizing compassionate caretakers who are often actively participating in TNR, Hawaii County should
focus on:
• Supporting and expanding TNR programs
• Allowing managed feeding at colony sites
• Funding spay/neuter efforts to reduce reproduction
• Promoting community education on responsible pet ownership
Simply removing food sources does not make cats disappear —it makes the situation worse for both cats and the wildlife
we all care about. Effective, science -based solutions exist, and they work when community members and the county
collaborate, not when we punish those trying to help.
Please vote NO on Bill 61 and consider humane alternatives that protect both animals and our island ecosyoms.�
o<<,
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. c
C"CD
='4-
Sincerely,
Q-<
Sally Van Burenc
C0�31M. 4'. Z) J J
ScEi . T,:�� h -
Ref. DareLL 202