HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.415 2024-2026From: Sherilyn Wells
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2025 8:17 AM
To: Alameda, Christian (Kimo); Brilhante Jr, William V; Victorine, Clifford c7
Cc: Council Testimony
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Subject: OPPOSE Bill 51 re denying food to unhomed cats on county -controlled [Rper1*9,
please VETO
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Aloha Mayor,
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The County Council made a serious error when it approved
Bill 51. We ;Agk you
to correct that error by vetoing the bill ASAP, please. -
Just imagine the first time our visitors see groups of pitiful, starving cats
and learn that it is our local government responsible for this reprehensible
sight. You can bet those cellphone images posted to social media will hit
the mainstream media, with anticipated outrage across the United
States. What will THAT do for our tourism industry?
And we, the volunteers who tried to warn you that this is NOT the way to
approach this problem, will be all too glad to point fingers at those
responsible, along with contact information.
An excellent rationale for how to work on this issue was summarized by the
testimony of Shannon Herbert, which I repost again, below. PLEASE READ HER
STATEMENT.
Shannon Herbert makes several crucial points about the effect this bill will have
re forcing cats to predate on the wildlife in order to eat, which is opposite of what
we want (!!!). What we want are secure environments for all our wonderful
indigenous animals and birds.
BILL 51 has the OPPOSITE effect - it is NOT protection for anything. It is an ill-
conceived and generally publicly -opposed approach (and isn't our government
supposed to reflect the will of the people, particularly when people are as
experienced and knowledgeable as our volunteers are?).
Shannon Herbert made these excellent observations when opposing BILL 51:
Dear County Council, I
There are numerous cat colonies on County land. The cat colony
caretakers are dedicated and selfless members of the community,
committed to the humane reduction of the colony cat population..
Scomm. �•
Ref. To:
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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 bellv - 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, thev 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 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
My own experience (Sherilyn Wells), including at work, regarding this issue, our
visitors and their love for our cats -
Bill 51 is a complete failure in so many ways that it's hard to fully
enumerate. It simply fails to recognize numerous aspects of the
unhomed cat/feeding issue on our island by its cruel and simplistic
approach.
Tourism industry/economic considerations: I work in a retail
establishment that, for many years, had a stray cat "greeter" we
would feed (he was neutered) and who would sit inside, near the
entrance, welcoming everyone.
Even now, two years after his passing, customers returning to our
store STILL ASK ABOUT THE CAT. Even before they ask about what
we are now selling, they remember this creature and are interested
in his welfare and are sad to learn that he's no longer with us. Some
of the cards we sell most frequently are THANK YOUR PETSITTER
cards and, during the purchase, people refer to the pet at home as a
family member... a love that, for them, extends to OUR populations
as well as we discuss the connections between animals and
humans.
I have also served as a residential volunteer on two federal refuges
for our native bird populations (Midway, Kaua'i) and can attest to the
accuracy of the points Shannon Herbert makes about cats that are
fed and cared for re the welfare of other species nearby.
have read no more intelligent and accurate testimony re Bill 51
than the letter submitted by Shannon Herbert, which I have copied
below and in whose points I join, legally speaking, as hers is an
eloquent, intelligent, and compassionate reminder that we need to
broaden our thinking and not devolve to narrow, draconian
solutions.
Cats are very like people, in that both are sentient beings, capable of
strong emotion and strong bonds. We diminish ourselves when we
act as though our fellow creatures need not be treated with
compassion, even as problem -solving is in process.
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I look forward to hearing that Bill 51 has been rejected and the
Council is seeking solutions more in conformity with information
provided by people that interact daily with these cats. Please rely on
your public "experts" (the volunteers who feed, spay, and neuter) for
new approaches, not with the short-sighted and cruel thinking we
find in Bill 51.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Sherilyn Wells
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