HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.312 2024-2026From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Aloha Council Members,
Michael J Chun
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 4:14 PM
Council Testimony
Bill 51
Bill 51 before the Hawaii County Council proposes an ordinance to prohibit the feeding of stray or feral animals on
property owned by the County. I strongly support Bill 51 and urge your passage of this key ordinance that will help to (1)
protect endangered species, (2) avoid destruction of public parks and (3) eliminate real threats to human health.
Though Bill 51 refers to "feral animals;' the issue is "feral cats." While my concerns regarding their impact on the
community include those addressed in Bill 51, 1 am particularly alarmed by the existential threat feral cats have on
Hawai'i's native birds. As natural predators, feral cats act instinctively to attack and kill prey that include our native birds,
most of which are clinging to survival. These birds have no defenses against these predators, especially when they are
well-fed and allowed to thrive in public parks and other public properties. We are losing species found nowhere else on
Earth, and once they are gone, we cannot bring them back.
understand that threats to Hawai'i's endangered native birds are not limited to invasive species (feral cats) and their
associated diseases (toxoplasmosis). However, prohibiting feeding of feral animals, i.e., feral cats, on County lands is a
significant and important strategy in responsible stewardship of Hawai'i's resources. This one action will go a long way in
controlling this predatory population, thereby protecting our native birds. To do anything less is irresponsible resource
management.
a n
Mahalo for considering this vital bill. I strongly urge its passage. o
Cp
Michael J. Chun, PhD �.
Resident of Waimea, Hawaii
=r M
r
Comm.
Ref. To: 0
Ref. Da-W �L 3 2a25.