HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0140.056 2000-2002
J!.IN-05-01 04:54 PM P-IIHS 8053294618 P. 02
HAWAII ISLAND
Junc S, 2001 ~U
Fax to all County Coeutril Ivlembers~
ItE; Anitt~al Control Budget for Fiscal Year 2001 and FII~ Pig Hunting Adoption
Policy;
Dcar County Council M~e~rtbers:
Mahalo for your support and hard work regarding E#nimal Control. Some of you have
actively helped to advocate for appropriate services and accountability. Sonee of you
have worked to introduce legislation that ultimately Hawaii Island Humane Society feels
will be a positive step in the right direction. some of you have ats® taken the time to v;.sit
the shelters and learn fir:~t hand what we do and why. ~°hank you. In spite of recent
complaint letters regarding the HIl°IS's new policy toward pig hunters, we feel that this
or~e~year vial is the carr~;ct thing to do.
~°his specific issue aside, the ~IifiS has grave legal, contractual, and non-profit board
rrtember authority and responsibility concerns about the attaching the pig hunting polic°~
to the Animal Control budget:
• Adoption policies are not part of the animal control contract. it is the responsibility
of the HI~IS non-profit board rnernbers to set those policies,
• The Adoption program is not funded by the County Anieraal Control contract.
• Non-profit laws diorite that only non-profit board members are able to make changers
and develop policies and procedures.
• L)oes this set a precaient where any and all policies and procedures can be changed or
influenced by the County Council?
Board members undergo extensive training and orientation to the their role,
responsibilities, and the philosophical position of the non-profit entity of which they arc a
part. In recent months, the la1IHS has been able to takc positive steps toward working
with Councilwomen Pissichio, West Hawaii Humane Society, Councilman Yagong, arui
the various pig hunting groups, because hIIHS board rneanbers have the authority to make
decisions that best acconeplish our mission. T~irectly or indirectly take away their
authority, and the ability to make positive change is also goa~e.
Ifthc County Council's intent with the recent pig hunting policy vvas to change it, I
believe that it has worked very well with the I-IIHS to make sure that what is best for th~s
animals and people of th,~ Big fsIand is upheld,
But is the intent of the County Council to talcs away the authority of the HIHS board
rnernbers7 Some may argue that b~ause this clause is attached to the budget, it is not
directly f®rcing or making any gfli"IS policy changes. T`cChnicalities a§Bde, v~rhert one
8083294518 P. 03
JL~N-05-01 04:55 PM HIHS
considers the spirit and Intent of the current animal control contract (which has specific;
parameters) non-profit authority and responsibility, and the fact that the 1iIHS has
changed the pig hutting policy, I believe it is in the best interest of all that are involvccl
that this clause not pass, because changing policies and procedures is clearly the
responsibility ofthe HII: {S board.
Mahalo f®r you time and coa~sidera#ion, if you have any questions or concerns please d~9
not hesitate to call nae at 899~892'I pgr. Or 329-8002.
Aloha,
Grayson I~ashida
executive I3irector