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April 9, 1998
The Honorable Curtis Tyler
The Honorable John Ray ~
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Letter in Support of the Hawaii Island Humane Society.
Dear Councilmen Tyler and Ray:
This is to provide you with a letter of enthusiastic support for the Hawaii Island
Humane Society ("HIHS"). Over the past five years or so, I have been involved with
HIHS in a number of capacities; volunteer, lawyer, donor, participant at events, and a
recipient of HIHS services.
When I first became involved with HIHS, the organization had made a
decision to actively recruit members of the community to its board who not only had a
love for animals and a commitment to animal welfare, but who also possessed
financial, legal, fundraising and other skills that a growing nonprofit organization
requires to ensure its growth and stability. To that end, it recruited CPA's, lawyers,
bankers, and others with significant board experience to the board, and recruited
executive directors with strong leadership and managerial skill. I was and remain
impressed that the board had the humility to recognize the skills that it lacked, and
the commitment to its mission to attract those skills to the organization.
As a result of these efforts, HIHS is a financially sound and well-run
organization. My understanding is that one of the complaints currently lodged
against the organization is its "business" attitude. As a donor, and a lawyer who has
advised a number of nonprofits, I take that comment as a compliment and wish that
more nonprofit organizations took that attitude.
I have also been a consumer of HIHS services. I have reported injured and
stray animals, and have adopted pets from HIHS. On every occasion, I have
received prompt, courteous and helpful assistance.
Finally, I regularly visit the Kona HIHS shelter just to be around the animals. I
find it comforting to be there and around such wonderful creatures. There was a time
when I would not go to the shelter because it made me sad. Through the
tremendous efforts of the organization, from its board, to its staff, to its volunteers,
Cc;nrse. Dda.-_.
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The Honorable CuRis Tyler
The Honorable John Ray
• Page 2 ApRI 9, 1998
HIHS shelters have become something more than just "pounds". They have
become havens of hope for lost and stray animals.
I hope the County of Hawaii will continue to support HIHS.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
Very truly yours,
~J»~1'~ ~
EL/IZABETH A. STRANGE
CC: The Honorable Stephen Yamashiro
Ms. Christina Skaggs
Ms. Lisa Fowler