HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0707.017 1996-1998
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March 29, 1998 „
Mr. John Ray & Mr. Curtis Tyler III
Councilmembers
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Councilmembers John Ray & Curtis Tyler:
As you are aware, the West Hawaii Humane Society has indicated
that it is interested in applying for the animal control contract for the
Kona-Waimea area. I am writing this letter in support of the Hawaii
Island Humane Society ("HIHS") and would urge you to consider the
following facts and circumstances supporting that opinion.
I am employed as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Kona. In that
regard, I have worked closely with the HIHS in prosecuting cruelty cases
and have conducted a training session for their officers on fourth
amendment search and seizure law. My contact with the humane officers
and the staff at the Kona shelter has never been anything but positive.
The officers and staff have always acted professionally and have been
more than helpful in responding to questions about specific cruelty cases.
Their cooperation has proved invaluable as the prosecution of any case
largely depends upon the cooperation of all agencies/individuals
involved.
Further, Ms. Lisa Fowler, Executive Director, has inquired into the
possibility of cross-reporting between agencies with respect to domestic
violence cases, as this procedure is being implemented across the country.
This would mean that information would be shared between agencies
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such as CPS and HIHS. In many cases, when adults abuse their children,
their children learn to be violent. A child may hurt his family pet. If a
child hurts an animal, someone probably has hurt that child. By
reporting abuse of animals, we may be breaking the cycle of violence in
the family. Conversely, it is common that an abuser starts the cycle of
abuse with kicking or hitting the family pet. While the possibility of
cross-reporting still remains under discussion, domestic violence victims
are now asked if the abuser has mutilated pets.
Further, it is my understanding that the West Hawaii Humane
Society is only interested in taking responsibility for the Kona and
Waimea Shelters. If the animal control contract was divided, there would
be no consistency between shelters and hence, no consistency in
enforcement. It also appears that rural areas, such as Kau, who are in
desperate need of services, would be left unserviced. This cannot be in
the best interest of the Big Island.
Lastly, I have reviewed the facts supporting the West Hawaii
Humane Society's allegations against HIHS and I strongly urge you to do
the same. I am confident that you will conclude as I have, to wit, there
are none. Should you have any questions or comments, please do not
hesitate to contact me at 323-9667. Thank you.
Very truly yours,
Cynthia Tai