HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.334 2024-2026From: Waikoloaprincess
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 10:15 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony on Bill 51 — July 23 Council Meeting
Dear Council,
I am writing to respectfully request that the council adopt a balance approach that
allows for certified, structured cat management programs.
I support and recognize that the intent of the bill is to reduce environmental harm
caused by unmanaged feeding. But I am certain that no one wants to see animals
starved. Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) is one way to control animal populations. It's
part of an overall approach to humanly deal with the issue. Educating the public, ideally
from a young age about the importance of neutering animals is another. And making the
general population aware of low cost or free spay programs that are available across the
island is yet another piece of the solution.
Hawaii County is piloting a thoughtful, science -based program involving trained feeders,
designated feeding stations, targeted sterilization, and real-time data collection. It is a
data -driven Managed Trap/Neuter/Return project that includes certified caregiver
training, digital colony tracking, and controlled feeding stations. We should be proud of
these efforts and give them every opportunity to succeed.
I appreciate your consideration. �3 p
Mahalo
Marcia Goldman-Manker —
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Ref. gate JUL 2 3 2025