HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.369 2024-2026{
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWA1;
Aloha Hawaii Councilmembers,
1925 JUL 17 01 8= 19
I strongly support Bill 51, which seeks to prohibit the feeding of feral
animals on County of Hawaii property. Feeding feral animals, especially
cats, on all public lands, particularly where people often gather with `ohana,
has already contributed to unhealthy environments and an imbalance of
nature by this type of interference.
I was born in 1954 and raised in Ho`okena, South Kona. At the age of 9
years old I contracted toxoplasmosis on my optic nerve in my left eye from
my pet cats. I almost lost my eyesight but luckily was diagnosed correctly
and had the means to go to Oahu for years to endure treatment and shots in
my eye. I have had to deal with recurrences of the disease and complications
from it throughout my entire adult life. Toxoplasmosis is a serious disease
that not only kills animals but poses dangerous health risks to humans. These
areas of feeding feral cats are filthy and are ripe for passing on disease to
children especially who play in these areas.
I believe the practice of feeding feral animals needs to stop immediately.
I also firmly believe that feral cats are not endangered and do not need help
surviving. On the other hand, we have endangered birds that we are putting
at more risk by a new practice on our island. We really need to use our
common sense on this issue and start bringing balance back to our `aina and
that includes reversing survival rates in our weaker and more vulnerable
animals that really need to depend on us at this point in time.
I am a descendant of 10 generations of Ranch and Farming `ohana on
this island and we have always had the kuleana to manage animals,
resources and the environment that sustains all of us, animal and
human alike. The management included domestic animals as well as
feral populations of goats, pigs, and cats. When I see unmanaged or
damaging senseless practices and neglect, I pray for the sensibility to
make the right decisions. In this case, it's the passing of Bill 51.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Mitchell
jenny@kiholo.org
PO Box 2003
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
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