HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.341 2024-2026From: Shannon H-W
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2025 9:21 AM o c7
To: Alameda, Christian (Kimo); Council Testimony Z9 C),X-
Cc: Brilhante Jr, William V; Victorine, Clifford �-- �`CD
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Subject: OPPOSE Bill 51
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Dear Mayor Alameda and County Council, y.rn
There are numerous cat colonies on County land. The cat colony caretakers are dedicated an&elfg s
members of the community, committed to the humane reduction of the colony cat population. Their
time, efforts and money have been proven to make a difference when they are allowed to care for the
colonies. Feeding the cats helps establish trust of people and a routine that makes it easier to trap the
cats and get them spayed or neutered.
A cat with a full belly is less inclined to hunt, preferring instead to groom itself*and sleep. This.in turn
helps to protect other animal populations, such as nene. When a cat has a routine - a safe place where it
knows it can always fill its belly - it's inclined to stay in close proximity. Their routine, in addition to
making it easier to trap them for spay/neuter clinics, tends to keep them from wandering off in search of
wildlife feeding, nesting or roosting spots.
Colony cats, while at times wary of people, are not feral. Far too often, they were once someone's
pet. Please do not punish their caretakers' efforts and turn the volunteers into criminals. Do not ban
their actions on County land, causing harm to the cats, to indigenous wildlife, and to the people who feel
a moral imperative to continue to provide care for the cats. These unsung heroes, many of whom are our
Kupuna, are deserving of praise and support from the Council, not efforts to penalize them for being
unstinting volunteers. The lives of the cats, the native wildlife, and the island community are better for
their efforts.
There are numerous cat colonies on County land; some are well known to locals and tourists, alike. In
some instances, the cats are an attraction; a unique photo opportunity to share with people back
home. If the Council wants to make a difference, establishing a community similar to the Cat Sanctuary
on Lana'i - something that could potentially attract visitors and tourists and provide an independent
revenue stream to offset or replace any costs to taxpayers - would be a far better use of the Council's
power, resources and energy.
Shannon Herbert
Cor.m..N 3. 11 �/. 41
'dell. Toll
'Ref. t��e_i 1. UL 2 3 2025