HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.281 2024-2026From: Lucretia Worster
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 9:03 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: OPPOSE Bill 51 Testimony
I work with a Hawaii County Animal Control Partner who actively rescues and rehomes cats and dogs that have been
abandoned or surrendered. We save lives —with the County's assistance. The Council gave us just over $5,000 via
unanimous vote earlier this year in furtherance of our efforts. Thank you.
Bill 51 undermines that mission - the one the entire Council said they support. Instead of helping, it spreads
suffering among the animals of our island. The question shouldn't be "Should theybe fed?" --because feeding leads to
rescue, which leads to spay/neuter, vaccination, and ultimately reduces disease and overpopulation. Feeding is not
the problem. The real issue is the dumping of animals by individuals who are breaking existing laws —and yet, the
County is targeting compassionate feeders rather than enforcing the animal cruelty laws already on the books.
Hawaii County, along with DLNR, is working with Aloha Animal Alliance on a County -funded plan that combines
responsible feedingwith rescue, sterilization, and vaccination. That plan will reduce the cat population —but it needs
time to work. Starving the cats disrupts this progress.
If this bill must be pushed forward —criminalizing mostly older women for acts of compassion —it should at the very
least include a provision stating:
"Approved caretakers under County -recognized programs will NOT be in violation of this law."
We have a plan. Let us prove it can work —before criminalizing and fining good people for trying to solve a problem the
County has previously been unwilling to face.
I hope you will take these points, and your past support for our combined mission, into consideration when you place
your vote.
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Lucretia Worster
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Ref. Dote JUL - 8 2025