HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.355 2024-2026Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Monday, July 21, 2025 11:55 AM
maryrose rainbowfriends.org
Council Testimony
RE: Testimony regarding bill 51
From: maryrose rainbowfriends
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2025 11:51 AM
Subject: Testimony regarding bill 51
From Mary Rose Krijgsman
Founder and President Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary
am ryrose rainbowfriends.org
808-494-8700
July 21, 2015
Aloha Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Members of the Hawaii County Council,
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on Bill 51. I, Mary Rose Krijgsman and the signers below, oppose
Bill 51 in its current writing, criminalizing and fining people who feed community cats on Hawaii Island.
This is not the answer. I am the Founder and President of Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary in
Kurtistown Hawaii. Over the last 26 years we have conducted numerous TNR (Trap Neuter Return) of cats
of individuals around the Island in less or more remote areas and also many MTNR (Managed Trap Neuter
Return) at different transfer stations and parks. We have spayed or neutered more than 35,000 animals
free to the public and on top of that the thousands of animals who came through our doors who then
found a good home.
If we are serious about reducing free -roaming animal populations and protecting our communities, we
need a coordinated plan that focuses on prevention: spay/ neuter; community education, and support
for proven management programs - not criminalizing compassion.
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For the first time, Hawai'i County is piloting a comprehensive cat management program. It includes
certified caretakers, designated feeding stations, data collection and targeted sterilization - allthe
components needed to reduce populations over time, not just move the problem around. Designated
feeding stations, not put in areas sensitive to wildlife.
This pilot program is a well thought through program replicated from successful programs throughout
different parts of the world. It is organized and implemented by caring and responsible people around the
Island, who all have gone through a training program, who will be well identified in the field and who will
know what they are doing.
Please give this program the time and support it needs to show results. Humane, data -driven solutions
are possible - and they start with partnerships, not penalties.
Bill 51 risks undermining a program that is just beginningto gain traction and trust. We need community
buy -in, and we need people who are trained and supervised to stay engaged - not fear legal
consequences for doing the right thing.
The goal of bringing communities for mutual support will create a sustainable, peaceful future for our
island home and its animals. Please oppose Bill51, and let us embrace our partnership in continuing to
implement this pilot program.
Please vote for the mutually agreed upon pilot program,
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Sincerely,
Mary Rose Krijgsman
maryrose(Ebrainbowfriends.org
Sabina Ludwig
li allagher57@gmaiLcom
Laurette Martel -King
martelkin-2 a gmaiLcom
Linda Brooks
nhawaiiative.com
Gardenia Nisperos
gardenianisperos@gmail.com
Robert Mufalli
mail rainbowfriends.org