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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0707.020 1996-1998 ~ OJN~V Oi H,w9' J. CURT'IS TYLER, III " Tel: (SOS) 961-8273 ~;,~6iy, Councilmember T Fax: (808) 969-3291 1>f Of ~N~'~ COUNTY COUNCIL County of Hnroaii Hawaii County Building Apri129, 1998 2b Aupuni Street Hilo, Hazuaii 96720 TO: Council Chair James Y. Arakaki Hawaii County Council ,,a, ~ ~~R,,, FROM: Council Member J. Curtis Tyler III RE: Humane Society Issues Attached are letters in support of the Hawaii Island Humane Society. These communications were inadvertently left out from the original packet (Comm. No. 777.11). The letters aze from: Kathy Rigg Cindy Thurston Shirley Spencer Laura Thompson Donna Chalmers William Wenner Karin Shaw Asta Miklius Kersten Johnson Duane Mendoza. Christina Skaggs Bindy Rushton Jeff Sutton Judith Knight Cheri Leeman Pamela Burns Deorna Ikeda Jenda Johnson Dorian Weisel Tamaz Elias Ross Oue Loreili Thompson Joane Nordstrom Jack Cox Shawn Nakoa Nancy Walden Kadie Harris Leigh Critchlow Carolyn Han Christina Heliker Kathie Dixon Jamsie Herbert Should you have any questions, please feel free to call. CT/lkc Attach. Ya 70 7 ,Z 0 n?. xa. B uD Presented Fc Aef. To: ~ 5 1998 Alwt. Plate~.~..._.Y._.~..._...__. 77-6399 Nalani St, Suite 1-A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 KOtld Telephone: (808) 326-5684 Fax: (SOS) 326-5697 - ~ March 6, 1998 ~"'~f~~~~~~ To whom it may concern: HUMAtNvE S~C~ GT i I have worked with the Hawaii Island Humane Society for eight years, since becoming the president of the Hawaiian Humane Society. zoo waialae Avenue Durin that time, I have had the leasure to visit their three Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 g P Telephone: 808-946-2187 shelters on several occasions and have always been most impressed Fax: 808-955-6034 with their programs. They are guided by an active and dedicated - volunteer board of directors who provide direction and oversight. soard of Directors Throughout the years, they have made improvements in addressing chairperson animal-related issues on the Big Island, including building new, James C. Tollefson improved animal holding spaces in their Keeau shelter, extended hours Vice Chairperson Pauline M. Osborne to better serve the community, and making more low cost spay/neuter treasurer certificates available. They are n progressive organization which Eric L. Teragawachi strives towards compliance through education and only as a last secretary resort, enforcement throw h citation. Gary T. Okamoto g Presiden(/CEO Pamela Burns Their executive director, Lisa Fowler is a member in good standing of Eric Ako, ovM the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, aprofessional society Marsha H. Bolson which strives for professionalism within the animal welfare and Gerri Cadiz control field. Under Lisa's direction, their stuff has attended ~a~e Devenot trainings at the Hawaiian Humane Society in animal care, Raymond J. Fujii investigations and customer service as well as attended national Diane D. Hastert conferences. In addition, our director of shelter operations, who is a Pamela s. hues veterinarian, and our manager of animal care, have been invited, lack Kellner visited and trained with many of their staff on the most current and i~"na Krncky humane methods of euthanasia, animal handling, health care and Matt Levi adoptions. We have always found their staff to be professional and lean c. Marcnant receptive to new and improved techniques for the difficult job they Lawrence D. Rodriguez do; they always seem to strive for excellence. Linda E Rays Please call me at 808-946-9067 if you hove any questions. ¦ cerely, 1 ho mission of (he I lawauan Humane 5oc ioty is to promule the human-animal bond and (ho humane trrahnen! of .dl animals. Pamela Burns President ¦ STRANGE Kailua Trade Center, Suite 208 & NAKOA 75-5706 Hanama Place Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 ATTORNEYS AT LAW Telephone (808)326-7777 Facsimile (808) 326-7779 esira nc a ~com ptim e. com snakoa~comptime.com March 27, 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 strong support for the Hawaii Island Humane Society ("HIHS"). As the former Executive Director of the HIHS, and as its current legal counsel, I have a substantial amount of personal knowledge about the inner workings of the organization, its key players, including the board of directors ,the executive director and other employees. Although there are apparently a myriad of irresponsible and unsubstantiated accusations floating about, it strikes me that the real issue for the County of Hawaii is whether the HIHS is performing its duties under the terms of the county contract. In short, the answer is yes. Here are some documented facts: Last fiscal year, the HIHS received and cared for over 16,000 animals. The organization provided help to over 15,000 calls for assistance. It reunited 668 lost pets with owners and sold over 1200 low cost spay/neuter coupons to the public. The organization sold 3,485 dog licenses and adopted out over 2,000 animals. The above facts are not innuendo, rumor or conjecture. They constitute hard, documented and provable facts about the organization. These facts, along with the voluntary financial auditor's report of the organization, evidence sound business and financial judgment on the part of the HIHS. Most important, these facts show that the HIHS is truly helping the community of people and animals. I hope and anticipate that the County Council is interested in provable facts and not mere conjecture from a few disgruntled former employees and other individuals who clearly have a personal agenda to achieve. As legislators, I ask the County Council to critically ) analyze whether the vocal individuals from the West Hawaii Humane Society honestly offer improved animal control services or whether this group is simply taking pot shots at the HIHS -the organization which happens to be servicing the contract the "West Hawaii Humane Society" so desperately seeks. I have personally witnessed the HiHS's board of directors donate literally thousands of hours simply in order to help make their community a better place. Through my work with the HIHS I have met the most remarkable, hard working and ethical people I have ever come across. I am proud to be associated with them and the important work which they do. Finally, I have learned first hand that animal control and animal welfare work inherently entails difficult controversial and philosophical issues. The fact is that although some people may not agree with every decision or outcome.. the HIHS has been and continues to perform its contractual obligations to the County in an efficient, legal and humane manner. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns. Ver truly yours, SHAWN M. NAKOA CC: The Honorable Stephen Yamashiro Ms. Christina Skaggs Ms. Lisa Fowler 2 March 29, 19ad The Honorable Gurtis Tyler Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni St. Hilo HI 96720 Dear Councilman Tyler In the early 1990s the County of Hawaii asked the Hawaii island Humane Soci- ety to take over the animal control contract for its Kailua and Waimea shelters after the West Hawaii Humane Society informed the County it would no longer handle animal control. I was president of the Hawaii Island Humane Society Board of Directors at that time and continue to serve as a member of the HIHS board. For decades the Hawaii Island Humane Society had owned and operated its own shelter in Keaau and at the same time had administered the County's animal control operations contract for East Hawaii. After much consideration, the Hawaii Island Humane Society agreed to expand to handle animal control for the County island-wide and operate the County-owned shelters in Waimea and Kailua. This didn't sit well with the West Hawaii group, which then launched a mali- cious public campaign of lies and innuendos against the Hawaii Island Humane Society to an effort to take back the County contract for West Hawaii. "Witch hunt" is the only term which could come close to describing what the group head- ed by Ginger Towle and her family and friends attempted. But the Hawaii Island Humane Society weathered that storm. And over the years our programs and efforts on behalf of the animals and people of this island have expanded in scope and quality and professionalism to offer an increasingly impressive level of service island-wide. The quality of service offered by the Hawaii Island Humane Society is far beyond what ever was, or could possibly be, offered by a few disgruntled persons calling themselves, among other things, the West Hawaii Humane Society. They obviously are motivated by ulterior motives which have nothing to do with con- cern for the welfare of the animals and residents of the Island of Hawaii. Sincerely, Leigh Critchlow P.O. Box 524 Volcano HI 96785 Ta: Councilman Curtis Tyle. Re: Hawaii island Humane Society Date: March 28, 1998 I understand that allegations are being made about the Hawaii Island Humane Society. While I don't know the details of these allegations, I would like to express my support of the Humane Society's mission and practices. I have utilized Humane Society services and personally know several members of the boazd of directors. In my experience, the people of the Humane Society are of high integrity and are dedicated to the purpose of preventing cruelty to animals and humanely eliminating pet overpopulation. Sincerely, Alta Miklius P.O. )3ox 1003 Volcano, HI 96785 967-7642 DONNA CHP,LMERS I•ICR 2 Box 11074 Keaau, Hawaii 96749 March 29, 1998 The Honorable Curtis Tyler Hawaii County (:ounc;il 25 Aupuni St. Hilo, klawaii 96720 Re: Letter of support for the Hawaii Island Humane Societ)~ Dear Councilman Tyler: I have been associated with the Hawaii Isl:nzd Humane Society, (HIHS) suite 1994. I was hired as an independent contractor from 1994-95. I have been a volunteer since then. My volunteer responsibilities have included recruiting other volunteers, coordinating fund raisers and writing grants. This included writing grants to secure fiords to expand the Keaau Shelter. My boyl'iiCnJ, Mark Heritage, has also been volunteering with the expansion. He has been coordinating the construction of the new dog kennels, cat. house and receiving kennels. I have had the opportunity to work very closely with members of the HIHS's board of directors. They are a diverse group of individuals. They reflect the different ethnic groups and represent the various geographical areas of the Big Island. They are employed in a variety of fields which brings an assortment of skills and knowledge to the HIHS. "They are dedicated, capable, professional, individuals who give their time and money to the organization. In the last four years, I have seen the great strides the HIHS has made in its programs: The number of animals they find homes t'or each year has increased greatly, along with the number of lost pets reunited with their owners and the number of sterilization. certificates made available to the public. They have upgraded their facilities with more housing for the animas and computerized cer[ain fimctions at the shelter. They have expanded Uzeir volunteer program and now have over 1 UU volunteers. They have dramatically increased the amount of funds raised from individuals, businesses and foundations. . I think it is important to note that the increases in volunteers and donations reflect the community's confidence in the HiHS's ability to do the job well. I have worked with, or fur, non-profit organizations for I S years, including five years at the Hawaiian Humane Society on Oahu. I firmly believe HIHS is serving Use needs o£ Big Island tax payers, animal lovers -and animals, while adhering to the highest standards of non-profit management. If you have any questions, please call me at 966-4452. Since/rely, Donna Chalmers Cynthia L. Thurston 78-261 Manukai St. Apt. 303 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-2545 Phone and Fax: (808) 322-4753 e-mail: cindyt@gte.net March 30, 1998 The Honorable Curtis Tyler Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni St. Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Councilman Tyler: I am writing to you in support of the Hawaii Island Humane Society and the outstanding job they are doing in animal control and animal welfare for the Big Island. I have been a volunteer at the Hawaii Island Humane Society ever since the first volunteer group was formed by Judy Knight back in 1994. I started out volunteering at the shelter two days a week; that quickly increased to three. Currently I volunteer five, sometimes six days a week as an administrative assistant. I don't think I am out of line in saying that over the years I have volunteered more hours for the organization than any other individual. Last year, I won the Governor's Kilohana Award as the outstanding volunteer of the year for the Big Island because of my work for the Hawaii Island Humane Society. I have worked very closely with both the current executive director Lisa Fowler and the previous director Shawn Nakoa. I have been greatly impressed with the integrity, hard work, and forward thinking of both these individuals and hold them both in high regard. Under their direction, I have seen a tremendous positive growth in the organization: in the care of the animals at the shelter, in the condition of the shelter itself, in the commitment to help solve the pet overpopulation situation on our island, in the humane education program, in the volunteer program. I could go on and on. Believe me, I would not volunteer so many hours at the shelter if I did not wholeheartedly believe in the organization, its goals, and the people who work there. Obviously, the public believes in the Hawaii Island Humane Society as well, because I have also seen the dramatic increase in donations over the last several years and have heard many comments about what a wonderful job we are doing. I also have the very highest regard for the humane officers. They all care very much about the animals and do a great job in what I know is a very difficult and oftentimes stressful occupation. The Honorable Curtis Tyler March 30, 1998 Page 2. In closing, I would like to say I think it would be a huge mistake to give the country contract for animal control services to the West Hawaii Humane Society. The accusations and lies they have been putting forth are totally unfounded. I believe their tactics show what type of individuals are running that organization. Sincerely, Cynthia L. Thurston Dear Curtis, We have worked together at the Kona Library Booksales and you mentioned receiving letters of complaint about the Humane Society. I have been a volunteer at the Humane Society since the begginning of the volunteer program. I have been at the Humane Society longer than anyone presently working there so I feel qualified to provide any information you need regarding any of the complaints that you have received regarding the Humane Society. I have seen many improvements since I started at the Humane Society. To mention a few a fenced in grass yard where potential adopters can take the dog they are interested in and get to know the dog by playing with it and watching its behavior. We have a new roof, new office space that was badly needed and generally a much cleaner facility then when it started. We now have a vaccination program in place where we are vaccinating all the puppies. This in itself has truly made such a wonderful difference in the number of dogs that we were having to put to sleep because of Parvo. It is very rare now to see a case of Parvo. We are also vaccinating al I the dogs for kennel cough and are getting ready to start a vaccination program for the cats. We now have an exercise room for the cats and for people to take a cat they are interested in to play and get to know how the cat behaves before adopting. We have fundraisers during the year where we not only receive money to improve the three shelters, but they give us a chance to meet the public and educate them about the Humane Society. We will be the first to admit there are many things still to do at the Humane Society but it all takes time and money. On of our big projects in the works is building a separate facility for the cats. I know two of the ladies that have written you with complaints and neither have been there as long as I have been and are in the habit of comparing our shelter with those on the mainland. As we all know Hawaii is facing hard economic times and raising money has become even harder but we are out there trying all year long. I am a nurse, have worked for a vet and have cared for many animals during my lifetime. I would not be at the shelter if I thought the animals were not getting good care and that the director and officers were not working for the good of the animals. If the West Hawaii group and their supporters truly want to help the animals and work for change then we welcome them to work with us. We are truly interested in hearing any constructive criticism. I am so proud to be a part of the Humane Society and put over 250 hours of volunteer work there every year. I enjoy and respect the staff and love all the animals and look forward to working toward making the Humane Society better every day. Please call me at 331-1620 if I can answer any questions you may have. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. A~ ~9,SL.-~'~a-~-a~ Kathie Dixon Volunteer 75-233 Nani Kailua Rd. #129 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 r'hristina Skaggs 1 Ainalaka Road Huo, Ha++ati. 9Ei720 March 3U, 1498 7 he I~cmor,tble Curtis Tyler }la~~aii L'ounty Couni~il 25 ltupuni Sfrcet TTilo, llat~ai! ~7b7Z0 Re Letter to Supt?orl pf the fiawait Island Humane Soclet}~ Darr Cpun~ilman Tyler: I arrt thr presid"tti pf the Ctc?ard of Directors of th.e }-lawaii Tsland ktumane Socfoty Cl-11Htij snd have served. a~ a board. rnclnber sittcc January of 199I. It is because of this lengthy celalionship that 1 am particularly distressed by the current ;tss~7u t being waged by the ipdn'iduals no++~ called the t~'eSl 1lawaii Hum;nte Society (b1'FTT~I`?). I vividly remember Cho l.ctng-la^tin~ injurious effect. the half truths and dccepti+~e falsehoods had on our organization and ultimately our missicnt fn the last attack. mnuntod by Ginger l ott'le, LVHI IS and her group track in 199U/ 1c791, ticcause T still. hold a file with the newspaper accow!ts and official memos of that era t endow just a few for your edification. Ir+ mush ~~-hen a musician plays the wrong notes both loudly attd consistently it is referred to as "strong wrong". I can't think of any rhrase tftat so perfe~-tly frames this picture. Tn the inlt'rest of being sometl+ltat brief I t+'ill tackle only one of the t}~pically mislcadtng criticittms being Stung by Wfil t~%: Board members not working/volunteering in the Shelters. The hu};e strides T-TTHS hats tnadc ut the i,tst few )rears has beep precibcly because the board troll' understand, its, li.otiled but crucial role of }?olio}'-making and fundraising. Vision. is the az~ of seeing titinys invi;il~le and charting the future a)urse of ntakink those +-isiuns a rcalih~. 1f we., as a board, do just that and do it well, we. will blue done Ih~~ iob .a'C set put to dp. FVe ate u(f to an impressive start and make no mista{.e, we arp v?ry prt,ud of our accnntt+lishntertts thus far. [.et's not forget that u.p ttntil just n fety years at;o no humane society on this island had ever had the wherewfthgl to wrl[e and obtain a tyrant. That was pne pf the many uphtll hurdles we have rnanat;cd to jump. tNe da not only meet the terms of out contract, we e~CCed tt in many ways. ~1 fe' xr~tnples of our cxtt'a service to th~ 'ounty are: the upgrading v.f our tneU, of euthanasia, hee}>ing longer he ,than our ~~ontract requires so that eve are mon' dceessit?le to the cutntllnJlltV and pruvidutg varrirt.alion }~rvl;ratn lur z+II ehellcr animals. 1~'hen +°ou separate the fr+cts from the sell~servin.g and. soriteQmes hitter fictinn at hand there will be nbsulutely nu qucslivn of +ti•hich urgan,ization has the trtrk recgrd, expertise, professionalism and yuali(icallons to best serve the anirnaf control contract. Let's remember who walked away leat'ing the aoun4v holding the bat; and why stayed the course. ~~Cv directly quote llten- Police <'huef Viers. from a 7~J91 newspaper account: "Since the 1-IIHS agreed to take rn-er West Ilau•aii operations, it Tvuuld be unfair not+' to cut their legs out from under them." C:ertainl}' +vith all the work +vluch has been done since, it would be e+~en mcre unfair toddy, nol only in FIIHS but to llu entire cnmtnutUty of people wha care and Have contributed. My fondeat hope is that ra'e take our cue fron? the past and that our legislative representatives will not give this small disgruntled group, with a rosistance to cfutnge, a reputable platfot7n with which to slander us further. Ginger Toevle recently toil me thal the "tNest ldawaii l lumane Society shelter t+'as ju:~t a little outba+'k and should nut iry to he more," 1 hope this is not ltow we want to meet the new mil,lertr,tiunt. It is certainly not the viewpoint o.f the HIL-IS. 'l n me personally, the most damaging thing about ttus is the 5ignilicant amount of time and energ}~ that will he siphoned a++ay from. all th«' ~rork at hand, an undue but unerluivocal cttnSequence. I'le~~,e feel tree to contact me sltuuld you have any questions ur concerns, 1. am grateful for Vt>ur tt~nte and interest in this matter. Very truly yours, C I IhlS'C'l~i~~~ SK~.Cc;;; ~ ° Fnclusuros rc: The livnorahle Stel}hen Y'artia~.htro ~ I Bank of Hawaii March 28, 1998 The Honorable Curtis Tyler The Honorable John Ray Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Councilmen Tyler and Ray: Over the past two months accusations have been brought against the Hawaii Island Humane Society by the West Hawaii Humane Society. In support of the Hawaii Island Humane Society I provide you the following. Four years ago I joined the Hawaii Island Humane Society as a shelter volunteer. My reason for volunteering was my love for animals and a strong commitment to protecting the well being of the animals on the Big Island. I found a wonderful group of people that shared by beliefs and commitment. At that time Shawn Nakoa was Executive Director. In time I was invited to be on the Board of Directors, a position I accepted without hesitation. I will complete by three year term at the end of this year. The Board of Directors is composed of a group of dedicated people with various professional backgrounds . We are not just a board that meets six times a year and feel we have fulfilled our responsibilities. Each board member works very hard on various committees as well as making yearly monetary donations . The progress and growth I have personally experienced over my 4 years with the Hawaii Island Humane Society has been exceptional, but what is even more exciting will be watching our plans for the future become reality. In 1996, Shawn Nakoa made the decision to return to practice law, The Hawaii Island Humane Society, after much searching, hired Lisa Fowler as the new Executive Director, One thing is always certain and that is, there will always be change. Two things happen when change occurs, people will accept change and grow with it or they will challenge and resist it. When the latter occurs people will decide either to leave or their performance declines. When this occurs, decisions including changes in personnel must be made. KTA KEAUHOU 7H-GH3t ALII DRIVE KEAUHUU, HAWnII Afyi39 Under the leadership of Lisa Fowler the Hawaii Island Humane Society has experienced positive change. Lisa has taken three separate shelters and united them. Shelter Managers have trained and become familiar with each shelter's operations, staff, and community needs. Changes have been made to ensure consistency, This unity has allowed the entire staff to function as one team during emergency situations at any shelter. This is a direct result of the training, direction, and support Lisa provides to her staff on a daily basis. An issue for the West Hawaii Island Humane Society is to obtain the Animal Control Contract for West Hawaii. The Hawaii Island Humane Society has more than fulfilled its contractual obligations as evidenced by facts published for our last fiscal year. The shelters cared for 16,500 homeless animals, responded to 15,522 calls for assistance, reunited 6681ost pets with their owners, sold 1,2001ow-cost spay/neuter certificates, sold 3,485 dog licenses, and found homes for 2,000 animals. As accusations are presented and future control for the Animal Control Contract are considered keep in mind the reason there is a contract, not to settle unsubstantiated personal issues but, for the well being of our animals and our community. Keeping this foremost, is there really a decision to be made ? The answer is no. Very Truly Yours, . ~Ic.nsYS~o'>L. Joane Nordstrom Officer & Manager Bank of Hawaii! ISB KTA Keauhou Branch 322-3380 To: Councilman Curtis Tyler Date: 3/30/98 12E: Support for Continuing services of the Hawaii Island Humane Society Dear Councilman Tyler, T am writing in support of the Hawaii Island Humane Sociery(HIHS). I strongly feel that thee' continuing operation of the shelters in both east and west Hawaii will provide the island with the best possible animal control and shelter services. I have volunteered with the HIHS on several occasions over the last 5 years and I found them to be an etI'icient team that knows how to work with community resources. Their ability to engage the community in a positive manner allows them to utilise their local government resources to the fullest. They have diligently provided services to both east and west Hawaii for the past 8 years, and their innovative contributions to animal popu]ation control, and responsiveness to emergency situations involving animals, help make our communities better places. In conclusion, I feel that to change service providers for the west Hawaii shelters would be a less efficient way ofusing our county money to meet the needs ofthe island of Hawaii. Sincerely, b~ Tamar Elias P.O. Box 901 Volcano, Hawaii 967-8826 Nancy F,. Walden P.O. Box 2229 Kamueln, HI 96743 ROR 8R5-213G March 2R, 199R The Honorable Curti, Tyler The i lunurahle John Ray Hawaii Camty Council 2.5 Aupuni Strcel Hilo, HT 96720 Dear Curtis and John' It has just been brought to my attention that you ore conniile~ring nut rene~~'ing the County's rurinutl vvelfare c'onUact with the f [awaii Island Humane Society. The purpose fur my writing is to encourage you, for the sake of the people and animal, of the Ric; Island and in p;trtieular, Wcst H;nvaii, to maintain your contntct with the I III IS. ;joined the Board of Directors of the. HIHS on the day thrrt attumey Shawn Nakoa was hired as Escculive Director. I rom that day in 1993 !have witnessed the gnnving effectiveness and abilities of IIIIIS. Sinic that time, from the regular and annual reports of the aFcney priwided to the. County, the growing numbers of animals handled, protected, adopted out, spayed and neutered has increased dramatically. These numbers have continued to grc,w throur:h today tmdcr the very able leadership of Executive Director, Lisa Fowler. I have also been impressed with the erceplionally fine and dedicated leadership of Board president Christina Skangs and her tali:ntcd and hard- working f3o;u'd, The agency has also sought to inercaso itn efficiency and effectiveness by providing the sholters with modern equipment such as computers, fax machines, copiers mul modern phone equipment - all paid fur by final raisers, grant writing artd the seeking in-kind and cash donations, Major improvements to all three shelters have also taken place and also paid fur through volunteer fund raising events. while t am no longer nn the Board, I continue as an aetivo and supportive member because 1 believe in the importance to a conununity' of protecting animals and have been most impressed with the outstanding abilities and successes of the {Iawaii Lsland {lumen Sncicry. 1 would hope, that when all the reports and Statistics have been read and studied, you might find yourselves guile ready to rencta~ the H]HS contract. Sincerely, ~J~r .cook ~ . ~~z ~ 1.~rt_ Nancy C. Walden Sl:~~ey S~etice~, ill ~t~~~A~l y 74-4912 Kiwi Sheet, Kallua-Kona Hawaii 96740 1 Telephone (808) 329-7006 Fax (808) 326-9817 1 spencer@Ilhawaii.net March 27, 1998 Curtis Tyler 25 Aupuni St. Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Mr. Tyler I have seen a vast improvement in the conditions and the personnel at the Kona shelter since the Hawaii Island Humane Society has been In charge. The animals are better cared for than they were previously. There is also a much improved situation for viewing and Interacting with the animals and the volunteers and staff are helpful and friendly. I would hate to see a change in management affer such marked improvement has taken place. Sincerely, Shirley Spencer ToTU~ r.~i Ms. Carolyn Han Y. 0. Box 11459 Hilo, Hawaii 96721 March 28, 1998 The Honorable Curtis Tyler Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Honorable Curtis Tyler, This letter is in support of Ms. Lisa Fowler, Executive Director, and the Hawaii Island Humane Society. Our animal companions and island, benefit from the constant work and dedication of Ms. Fowler and her organization. Sloss them from doing a wonderful job. With appreciation, Carol Han, M. A. 25-3532 Pakelekia Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 28, 1998 The Honorable Curtis Tyler Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Letter in Support of the Hawaii Island Humane Society Dear Councilman 7ylec punng 1994 through 1996 I served on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Island Humane Society. The reason I joined the Board was because I love animals and was impressed by the commitment of the Board members to operate an organization dedicated to protecting the well- being of the animals of the $ig Island. Every meeting of the Board addresses hard issues facing the community in terms of animal welfare, including overpopulation and animal cruelty, The Board diligently addresses issues that affect the present as well as the future. The Board is committed to maintaining a quality organization that will, among other things, shelter lost pets until they can be reunited with their owners, assist in the cost of spaying and neutering of pets, and provide quality care for homeless animals. These tasks involve many difficult decisions, but I was always confident that the decisions made were sound and humane. Why? Because each Board member Vuly believes in the Hawaii Island Humane Society's mission and will do what is best for the both the human and animal communities. The members of the Board back up their commitment with their time and wallets. Besides the many hours spent on taking care of Board business, many hours are spent organizing charitable events which benefit the animal community. Additionally, monetary donations are frequently made by the Board members to support the charitable events as well as to fund ongoing projects. Many strides have been made in the past few years under the guidance of the current leaders of the organization. It would truly be a loss to the Big Island if we did not take advantage of their commitment, expertise and vision to better our community. Very truly yours, Oeorna L. Ikeda Kersten L Joluteon P.O. Box 980 Volcano, IjJ 96785 March 28, 1998 Councilman Curtis Tyler 25 Aupuni St Hite 94720 Deer Mr. Tyler: I uoderaund that there Nava been recent allegations made charging the Hawaii Island Humane Society of various types of inappropriate activity. I am sending a few notes in support of the Hawaii Island Humane Soaoty's operations, based upon personal experiences I have had with the Society's staff and operations. Perhaps this will assist the Council in its deliberations. Some points I'd like to stress are' • I have become very acquainted with the character, style and ethics of one of the Board members, whose imegrity, commitment, and thoroughness in pursuing the best welfare of unwamed and last animals on the Big Island is beyond suspicion. I personally maimein very high standards in codes of conduct, and I am tiysply impressed with her involvement. • I am certain that this Board member would Haver allow any such activities to occur as financial mismanagement (the Board requires regular indapandent audits), practices hurttlil or inhumane to animals, or other questionable practices. • My perwnal visits to rho shelter in the past year hove been frequent, and I have had several dealings regarding stray animals that were very well handled (one animal, at least, was adopted right away), I was impressed with the cleanliness, courtesy, and quality animal care in evidence on each visit. • Lately, I have been wotidstg to make a donation inappreciation of the Society's work, and the staff have conacietttiously assisted me in finding special ways to give extra assistance. • It would distress mq as an animal lover, to sea the administration of Humane Society services split between two agencies. 1 feet that it is far more efficient, financially and administratively, to coordinate activities island-wide, with locally-run shahere. This also helps to unify communication within the island, building bridges between. our communities. I am very active in community affairs, working as en professional end volunteer educator in community leadership, enviranmcntal education, and healing services through my company, Community Education Services. I know that the Counry Council, loo, cares about the community. 1 tnrst you will use your best judgment as you deliberate the future of the Hawaii Humane Society. W]ith~bea~t regards, ~F~'u'Lri7~,L~y~n~B'~~ Keraten Johnson r,~illiem B. Wenner, M.tl. Pastaftice 8oti $95 Uolcana, Hawaii 96785 Mardi 28, 1998 The Honorable Curtis Tyler Hawall County Council 25 Aupixni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Hawaii Island Humane Society bear Councilman .Tyler: I am wr'it[rrg in support of the HIHS. My wife has been a board urember• for three years. I have attended the annual meeting and worked as a volunteer at fund raising events. In her absence I will i.ry to represent both of our views. 1t would be tragic to dlsrnember the organisation by awarding a contract for West Hawaii to an unkaiown and urxpraven entity. The caunty really gets a bargain in the service that Hawaii Island Huurane Society gives to thr people of this Island. The county pays barely two thirds of the annual budget. In recent years the HIHS has been successful iu getting grants. There is a large core of dedicated volunteers. The current Executive Director, Lisa Fowler, arrd her predecesser Shawn Nakoa are outstanding leaders and the reason the society is in such good shape. I am sure after the issue has been weU studied you will find that the prudent course of aMion >s to maintain the status quo with a single humane society far the island. Sincerely, William B- Wenrrcr, M.R. March 28, 1998 The I-Ignorable. Curtis Tyler Hawaii County Council 25 Auptuxi Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Mr. Tyler: This letter is written in unequivocal support of Hawaii Island humane Society (HIHS). A the volunteer coordinator from 1994-1996, I have intittxate laxowledge of the members and activities of the board of directors as well as the policies azxd procedures within the individual shelters. I attended tlxe majority of boaJ-d meetings artd worked an average of 3Ci hrs/week in tkte. Kona shelter. The Tigard of directors are a diverse group of dedicated, honorable people fi'otn ntatty commtmities on the $ig Island a<ul their diligent eY3orts to align HIHS with other outstanding animal shelters are above reproach. I also knew Mrs. Ginger Towle wheat she was the. past president of the Kotxa shelter and my neighbor for many years. She did put a lot of tiuxe. and cffozt into the humane society in it's inception. Also, I believe she cares about the animals of the Big Island. However, the accusations and izuutendoes she has recently made against the Hawaii Island Humane Society arc totally unfrntnded, I believe that her motivation is anger and jealousy over what she was not able to achieve while. in charge of the Kona shelter along vvith a su'ong desire to exert her "power". Towards tlxat end, she has once again embarked o.n a crusade to discredit I~IHS with recent help from two disgruntled former HIHS employees. The Hawaii Island Humane Society has a good reputation and more conxmunity support than ever before, I was honored to be able to contribute to that reputation through ttxy efforts as the Voluttteez' Coordinator. The success of any volunteer program is a testatttent to the commtmity's support. Contrary to Mrs. Towle's statement, it is widely recognized that the first paid position to be created after the executive director's in arty nonprofit organization should be a volunteer coordinator. This realization by the board of directors of HIHS is one example of their forward thinking wlxich has brought the organization so far in the past few years. 1 invite you to call me collect if you would like clarifzcatiwt on any of the allegatiotxs brought against HIHS. I have enclosed a page from the HIHS newsletter explaining nxy extensive involvement with the organization for over two years. Sincerely, ~~(T~ ~l~u ~l' /v-~ Judith P. Kni t, RN, ASN 508-845-3558 • K.eGtGiu, f-tl r~<S lr~tC~w;n'%vt,tevpG~ ~tiE~ March 29, 1998 Councilman Curtis Tyler Dear Sir: I wish to express my high regard for the work the Hawaii Island Humane Society has been doing the last several years. In my work as a veterinary assistant, I have learned a great deal about what is humane and what is not. It was with great personal relief that I witnessed the replacing of gas induced death to the use of the injectable euthanasia drug. If you wish to know anything about this, please contact me and I will get some irrefutable data regarding the importance of this big step in humane animal control. I have spent many hours working with the board of directors and other volunteers in fund raising endeavors. I have come to know many of them personally. I respect their integrity and their high standards. I understand that there have been some rumors regarding misuse of funds. This is why outside audits are conducted. Please make use of these. The people who represent the HIHS are there for the animals and are mature enough to work for the common good of all. I believe that any dispute regarding allotment of funds can be handled by looking at the facts. Those of us who respect animals have profited by the uniting of the HIHS on an island wide basis. Despite the great distance, this is a small community and we all benefit when we work together. Sincerely, i~~ Curtis 'T'yler 25 Aupuni St. Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Nir. "I) Ter, This letter is meant to support the current management of the Hawaii Island Humane Society. I have dealt with them often and tied them nmch more compassionate to~~~ard the plight of animals in our island than any management in the past. Please support the cwrent people and do not change. I"ours Truly, Cheri Leeman Owner> The Book Exchange 74-SSRR Pawai Place Kailua-Kona, HI 95740 329-8192 March 29, 1998 To Councilman Curtis Tyler 25 Aupuni St ]Milo Hi 96720 Dear Councilman Tyler, I am writing this letter in support of the Hawaii Island Humane Society. Because of my acquaintance with, and volunteer work for several members of the board, I was vary surprised to hear that this organization is the subject of negative allegations from a group in Kona. ~hila 1 am not conversant in the inner workings of the Humane Society, l can assure you that they possess utmost integrity both with respect to the animals and the handling of county Funds. These people have devoted countless, undocumented hours over many years volunteeting for cause that they believe vary strongly in. The idea that someone has suggested that they might tolerate less than humane treatment of animals at the shelters is unbelievable to me. Re~ctfully yours, 1.,. Jam.-- i ~Jen a Ioh son P. .Box 14 VNP, 1, 96718 Ross A. due Ccrfi({cA I'uhlic,q r,. r,-unt~nl •-5i05 F~(aX~amn Place, Suite 11101 Ka.ilua Tradc Center ~ Ka,]va-Kona, Hawau 96740 ~ ?F.Cr (606) 32`J-3529 FAY. (BOft) J2G-2019 MitcL 30, 158 Mr. Cux'tis Tyler Dear' Mr. Tyler: Y have been associated with the Hawaii Island Humane Society for approximately four years now. I have served as a director and fvr the past three years as the Treasurer of the oiganizatio,t. T feel that we have made tremendous strides to protect the anim~:ils and people of the entire County of Hawaii, This has been accom~~lished by our ta;ained staff which serves the entire Island of Hawaii. Pie hope that youz canti.nued support of our organization can be coue:tcd on to ensure the future of our r_.ount.y. Sincerely yours, V~ ROSS Oue, CPP. Sunday, March 29, 1998 County Council of Aest Hawaii 77-6399 Nalani Street, M104 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 To Ahom It May Concern: I am the manager for the Hawaii Island Humane Society. I have held that position for six months. Prior to that, I was a Humane Officer at the HZHS for three and a half years. During that time, I have seen many posltlve programs implemented and many positive ideas put Into effect, to the betterment of our Shelters. I've seen a good working relationship with the Police Department become even better through communication and interaction. Our Officers are currently allowed to take classes at the Police Academy, something that was unheard of in the past. As an educational organization, we provide tours for school age children of our Shelters and teach them the correct way to care for their pets. The hands- on experience for the children also gets across to them the need to help control the explosive population of unwanted pets. Educating them to this now will pay off greatly in the years to come. Our Volunteer Program, which was non-existant four years ago has grown to over 100 vounteers who graciously donate over 10,000 hours of time to our Shelters. Time that frees up our Officers to respond to a multitude of emergencies and community needs and allows us to make better use our time in the performance of our duties. Thanks to the County and local veterinarians, our Spay/Neuter Program has increased dramatically. Our timely Spay/Neuter Certificate sales and follow-up on adoption spay/neutering has gone a long way in helping to decrease the number of unwanted pets on our Island. We have made improvements to all three shelters, which in these economic times has been no easy task. Thanks to our successful fundraisers and community support, we are constantly improving our facilities which in turn helps us to do our job more efficiently. Aith the upcoming increase of hours and days open to the public, we will be even more effective in achieving our goals. Our Director and Officers routinely attend training classes and seminars on a number of subjects in order to keep our knowledge updated and growing, and to better do our job, a job that is long and hard. Our Officers are trained in the use of Sodium Phenobarbital to euthanize sick, injured and unadoptable animals. Sodium PAenobarbital has been proven to be the most humane way to deal with this most distressing part of our job. It is administered by Officers in a caring and gentle manner with the animals beet interests in mind. All of our Officers are dedicated to their.jobs.. We all want to see an end to cruelty, something we deal with on a daily basis. Ae all want to see an end to unwanted animals. Through the professionalism and dedication shown by our officers, this is slowly coming about. The HIHS has worked hand-in-hand with the County for over 26 years. It has been a very successful relationship. One that we hope will continue on into the years to come as we all work towards our goals. Very truly yours, Tack L. Cox, Manager Hawaii Island Humane Society 1';adie H~,rri,~ P.LI. Fiox Bbd i:nmueta, F11 ~1v74y 0087 5~~5-~]~ ; 2 The Hori0rab1e Curtis Tyler Tha Honorable .John f~ai~ Hawaii County Council ~9 Aupuni street Hilo, HI ~t~'~r2C} Crear COUnciime?n. Ttie-board of dir'ectars of H5~'•raii island Humane ~r~cietr.l is rriede uF~ of peop1c trorrr various backgrounds island-wide with nne vary impor-tarn thing in cOrrrrrron khE~ Love of animals and their welf6re. I am a r-rev-r board member Of Har~raii Island Humane Satiety &nd em extrenrely impressed with all the Y,tnrk tl}et has and is being dotie by Lisa F~wier, her staff and a0lunteers. t have heard about ttie aCCUSratiuns against Hawaii Island Humane ~OCiety and ®m baffled by this slanderous conduct Ho~v can ~nyane with su rnur_.h hate. and vindictiveness be anu good for our animals? I am in tOt.al support Of the Ha~rr•eii Island Humane Societtd. ~iric/e+re~l/ut#ours, ~~Z~?/lit~ a4 adie Harri s P.O. 13oz 213 Hawaii Nat Pk, HI 9671$ March 27, 1998 Councilman Curtis Tyler Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni St Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Councilman Tyler, I have been on the board of directors of the Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS) for eight years and am well-qualified to address the allegations made against us by the West Hawaii Humane Society. I have summarized these allegations and my responses in the following list. 1. "T~HS has allowed inhumane practices in the shelters." The HIHS board is composed of a diverse group of individuals with equal representation on both sides of the island. In my experience of non-profit boards, we are an exceptionally hardworking group, volunteering hundreds of hours of our time each year, We put on fundraising events, write newsletter articles and press releases, organize community outreach projects, lobby the legislature for better anti-cruelty laws, and are currently designing a humane education program that will train teachers as well as children. We are people who have made our concern for animals one of our top priorities in life. This is riot a group of people that would tolerate inhumane treatment of animals at our shelters. 2. "PITHS has mismanaged county funds." The allegations of gross mismanagement of county funds are similarly absurd. We have paid for two outside audits of our organization in the last four years with our own (non- county) funds and have repeatedly requested that the caunty pay for an annual audit of our county funds. On the basis of these audits, a number of charitable foundations have awarded us over $7$,000 in grants. The generosity of these foundations is based on their confidence in our sound fiscal management and in our ability to carry out the projects for which the funds are designated. 3. "The HiTI5 executive du•ector has mismanaged the Kona shelter." When the HIHS board hired Lisa Fowler to be our executive director, we congratulated ourselves on our good fortune in finding exactly the person we needed. Ms. Fowler came to us with the highest recommendations from the director of the Hawaiian Humane Society on Oahu, by far the most progressive and successful humane society in the state. We have complete confidence in our director's management skills and are appalled at the smear campaign that is being directed against her by a disgruntled former HIHS employee, now aligned with West Hawaii Humane Society. 4. "Tbe West Hawaii Isla Humaue Society is better ualilteo .an T~IIHS to rua the q west-side shelters." when HIHS took over the island-wide contract for animal control in 1990, we were a much smaller organization, with far fewer resources, than we are today. In 1990, we had no fundraising events, no regular newsletter, no volunteer program, and received almost no grants from foundations. Since then we have grown at an amazing rate. We now have true annual fundraising events around the island, a flourishing volunteer program, a quarterly newsletter, and annual direct mail solicitation for donations and new members. In the last six years, our mailing list has grown from less than 200 to over 3,000 supporters. Our years of experience running the shelters and our commitment to constant improvement of our services and facilities have paid off in a high level of community support on both sides of the island. During the period that we experienced tremendous growth, the West Hawaii Humane Society was largely defunct, with few, if any, board meetings or fundraising efforts. T doubt that their organization has evolved much beyond the point that we were at in 1990. But the community and community's expectations have evolved. Since 1990, the number of animals brought to the Kona and Waimea shelters has doubled. At the same time, the services we offer have expanded greatly, due to our ability to fund services above and beyond what the county provides. Last year we spent $20,000 of our own funds to augment the animal control program. In addition, we fund many programs that are aimed at improving the adoptability of shelter animals and reducing the tremendous pet overpopulation crisis on this island. For example, we recently received a grant that will allow us to vaccinate all of the shelter animals held for adoption. And last year we sold over a thousand low-cost spay/neuter certificates in Kona and Waimea, in addition to the ones funded by the county. This is a five-fold increase over the number sold in 1990. We also fund part-dme volunteer coordinators in Kona and Keaau. This has resulted in a large volunteer work force at the shelters that greatly augments the efforts of the paid staff. How can an organization that has been out of the shelter-management business for eight years and has almost no donor base possibly be qualified Co meet the standards that HTHS has set? S. "Tbe county would be best served by splitting the animal-coatroi contract for east and west Hawau." HIHS has served the county well as an island-wide organization. In addition u> the obvious financial advantages of consolidating administrative costs, a single contract has resulted in consistent enforcement of animal control laws and in shared resources between all three shelters. During emergencies, such as the brush foes that threatened residential areas on both sides of the island recently, all employees of the HTHS are on standby to help evacuate animals. We are committed to helping animals--it makes no di„Q"erence to us whether those animals are on the west or east side of the lslarul. Three years ago, the chairtrtan of our facilities committee, a Kona resident, realized that our most pressing need was to expand the Keaau shelter, which receives over half of the 16,,000 animals that pass through our doors each year. The Keaau expansion was funded entirely by grants from foundation and individual donations specifically earmarked for Keaau. ' In closing, ]et me pc +ut a frustrating trend. l..ast year w. i to go to court when the privatization crisis threatened to close all three shelters. This year we are forced to spend far too much time countering groundless allegations brought by the West Tiawaii group. It is disheartening that after serving the county and our community to the best of our ability for years, we must divert so much of our energy and financial resources to these absurd side issues. Yet we wiU persist in fighting for the county contract, because we know that we can do the job mare humanely than any other group on the island. Our bottom line is not money, or status, or politics. Our bottom line is the animals. We would appreciate the support of the county council so that we may return our full attention to doing the work that we were contracted to do and have done very ably for the last eight years. Sincerely,-~-- Christina Heliker HIHS Board of Directors STEPHEN J. HERBErtT P.E., INC. 73-4921 MANUMELE STREET KAILUA-KONA, HI 96740 (8081 325-0774 JHERB@GTE.NET March 30, 1998 Mr. Curtis J. Tyler, III County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Deaz Mr. Tyler: I am writing this letter in support of the Hawaii Island Humane Society and the fine job they do in performing the duties of animal control for the County of Hawaii. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet you at Joane Nordstrom's office at KTA-Keauhou Bank of Hawaii, and as mentioned before, I am the bookkeeper for HIHS and get reimbursed from the contract budget to perform that duty. I donate at least a few months of my time to HIHS while doing this job, and also volunteer in other ways such as fundraising activities. My husband, Steve Herbert, is a general contractor and civil engineer who has lent his time and expertise in various renovation and construction projects for HIHS. I have been active with the Humane Society since 1994 and have witnessed tremendous, positive growkh in the operation and it's number of supporters in a short period of time. I have great confidence in Lisa Fowler, Executive Duector, and the Boazd of Directors who spend much of their time supporting, directing and promoting the activities of the Hawaii Island Humane Society. The humane officers in all three shelters are responsible, able employees who take their jobs seriously. In four years, I have seen the volunteer corps grow (I was the first volunteer "administrative assistant" to the very capable Shawn Nakoa) and these people would not be here if they didn't believe that HIHS was doing a great job for the community. I feel strongly that the council would be making a counterproductive and grave error by recommending the animal control contract be either split or given entirely to any other humane society when the current one is doing an outstanding job; and I urge you to support the Hawaii Island Humane Society. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, , Jamsie K. Herbert CIVIL ENGINEER (CE-15891 WASTEWATER DESIGN 8~ INSTALLATION L %I- li l " l I , i 6'I I ~ J i. V I'. i K:~1I~ f. tZl(,(, ® a F-mail: ~:f_{:.._ir >t. . ~l' cb Site ri _ a,; ~ ~ dL? REAL FiTA1F ' y r Il 0 ~ox~ Y~calYx-~a.YZ ~s.~-~rt~.~ er k a1~ a~~ig'~~Y~.~ s .~ilol~a Cote r,.c z~ xx~ ~x:~ 'l`ylex~, N For years r~.ca~r ~ 1~:~~,~sre seers ]Ela~sraii Islaracl. ~uxa~r.a.xie Society irY action_ Tlxese gae«~p~~le are hard ~rorki~g axxd clLo t&xei~:- utmost ura~der sometimes spirYt a - breal~xxg cogxditaox-~s. 'Y'he circle of ~zoluxzteers suppcar~-tin.g them ha~re beeYx relenitless ixi their e~Yorts to rase a~ot only furid~. but azrsrarex-~ess si~r-i-~,~~ the public. ']~'h.ese pecslx~c ~~.r~: ac. ~:x_ edit to the c caalca.m~txxzaity ~ xAC~ c$ r? ex~~e ou.r best suppcxaMt_ `~`~y~.~,. ~x-e o1F~~cr~.xs Ix~ tl~elr lo"~1•e ~o.~~ f..b..:= :-ta~a~n-zxals, #.reat them. htxx~~.x-~.~~~y a,x~d_ ha.we ~?rxa~rxa~;ed resc~x:an-cep; Tarr the llyest laor~silble xgxFS~~xx~a~~x•._ ':~'°~~e~r deserve C}L1>_~ support ~Cxx? ~;om.~,fxiLZed rraari.a~emexxt a~cY aeration. of shelters island ~~z~rR+rile_ ' I10Kabalo, ic'" 'y ' March 28, 1998 The Honorable Curtis Tyler Councilman Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Councilman Tyler: Recently Ginger Towle, president of the West Hawaii Humane Society, told me that her organization is attempting to obtain the animal control contract for west Hawaii. As a member of the board of the Hawaii Island Humane Society, which is currently responsible for animal control island-wide I asked her why. She answered that WHHS could do a better job because it is located on the west side.This logic doesn't hold as our main office is in Kona and our executive director lives in Waimea. I have been connected with the animal welfare field for a very long time in many capacities: as a volunteer, a board member, including serving on the West Hawaii Humane Society board, as well as other local humane society and national boards, and as executive director of the Hawaiian Humane Society in Honolulu. I am well aware that humane work is rewarding, frequently difficult and often very emotional. Dealing with animals in the many ways one must in humane work, from the joy of retreiving a lost pet at the shelter to witnessing the many cruel acts which are inflicted on helpless creatures, can stir ardent and sometimes irrational feelings. Working in a humane society takes balance because caring for living creatures is subjective to each individual. The State of Hawaii and the County of Hawaii have enacted laws and regulations which the Hawaii Island Humane Society is responsible for enforcing in order to protect the public. Almost universally government entities have chosen to contract that work to animal welfare organizations because it is less costly and more efficient, the police have enough to do without worrying about animals.The West Hawaii Humane Society at one time had the County contract. It was a family run operation which chose to go out of business. That was good move because animal control then came under the authority of one organization. An island-wide operation is less costly, the county has only one entity to deal with. It is more efficient one organization takes care of everything and is responsible for it. The public is better served only one call is needed. Multiple jurisdictions will cause confusion. In your deliberations, do look at all of the facts, interview the principals, visit the shelters.I urge you to compare HIHS performance with what the West Hawaii Humane Society has done in the past and says it will do. That is the only real measure of accountability. Please call me is you wish. Our phone number is: 373-9387, our fax is 373- 4485. Sincerely, Laura L. Thompson 440 A Puamamane St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96821 P.S. I am qualified to serve on the humane society board on your island because our family has a wonderful home in the Volcano. cc: Mayor Yamashiro Lisa Fowler Christina Skaggs March 30, 199A The Honorable Curtis Tyler Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 The Honwrable Curtis Tyler: I atn writing on behalf of the Hawaii Island Humane Society alai the staius of the county contract to operate the three shehers on this island. I have been on the Board of Directors since November 199b. Prior to that I was a volunteer for two years. 1 have a darling dog named Punkin whom 1 adopted from the Shelter in 1993. It has come to my attention thaI Ginger Towle has been talkies with the County to award the animal control contract for Iit~na aztd Waimea [o the West Hawaii Humane Society. 1 am proud of the work of the Hawaii Island Humane Society and feel that we have grown to the point where it would be darnasing to the island to split the Couny contract. With the island wide operations under one umbrella, the sheher is able to respond to many different needs in the cotrutnrniry. Far example, the pet I adopted came &am one of the other shehers. Since I Gve is Kona, I would never have forted my special wtnpanian if there hadn't been an island wide operation. The Hawaii Island Humane Society provides many valuable services to our community for &ee or greatly reduced prices. These include: our new humane edutatian program that will soon be available to every student and reacher an the Big Island at no charge, the reuniting of lost pets and their Owners and rescuing pets in distress. IIr addition, we invested nwre than $115,000 (raised from private donations and fund-raising events) in providing low-wst spay/neuter surgeries w animals whose owners who could not otherwise a$'ord it. It is a very positive time for HIHS. We have established major firtrdraisers in the community such as Pet WaUc, Tropical Paws, artd Dog Day Afternoon. We are in the process of corrtpletins a major expansion in I:eaau; we have been awarded new grant nwnies (tno~~[ recently $5,000 for computer equipment); and we have a united volunteer force and a diversified and currnnitted Board of Director. ~ Page 2 March 3p, 1985 I urge you to look into ai aA of the positive contributions the Hawaii Island Humane Satiety has made to the island. fi Is imperative to otu operation to have our rnaney and energy go towards the hutttane treatment of animals island wide. We fee] we have a successful trat:k record and are committed to providing the trios[ extzptional services possible to the Big Island of Hawaii. Please feel lice to contact the if you have any queazions regarding this important matter. With aloha, r Kar in S w Board irectors 322-Q027(work) 334-I S4S (hntne) • HAWAII ISLAND ~tUM~ll~ SOCIETY Cvurrci] Members, 1 am currently worlvtg at the Hawaii Island Humane Society m Keaau I've been employed hire for lg years. I feel that the Hawaii ]stand Humana Society has grown tremendously, helping our cotntuurtity by enforcing the State and Count}' lflws, ofCrxvtg humane education, artd providing low cost spay/neuter eouporu. In my l8 years of working at the Hawaii Island Humane Societe' I have been given. many opportrrrities for both personal artd'pro£essional growth by attending classes, workshops, and seminars on a vaziety of issues including cruelty investigatiorve, enirnal care, and search and seinues. bast year, the mrmbar of dog kerotels increased from 17 to 32 at the Keaau facility. This has allowed more space, thus giving the dogs and pups a better chance o£ being adopted. \Va are currently vaccinating ell pups upon intake and vaccutating all dogs tot kennel cough which is at a high rate here on the Island. The new cattery, wtuch is close to completion, gill increase trre munber of cats and fattens we can hold for adoption. We are adding two kitty condos which will hold up to 10 in each cage, plus the original staulfess cages. The Hawaii. Island Humane Society has three shelters, Kesau, Wainea, and Kona. We have policies and procedures that are applied unifomily and consistently at all shelters. All three shatters communicate well with each other and assist another shelter when necessary. For e~nmple, during the recent brush fires that occwed in the Puna District, all Officers islandtvide were on standby. The Hawaii lsl¢nd Hutnane Society handled over 15,000 calls for assistance, over 300 emergency caIl-outs, end have 6nken in over 15,000 animals for fiscal year 1996-97. We have sent Officers for training on the Mainland and to Honolrilu. R'e are wooking closely with Ute Hawaiian Fltrmane Society for added training for our stefY. Currently, I Itutrane Officers are attending the Police Recrtrrt classes which improves their investigvtiva skills and proiessimtalism. Finally, one Hawai Island Humane Sociel}~s gre¢test obligations to Animal ~lrelthre and Control is to provide the most humane deaUr possible £or tmwanted, sick, or injured animals. The Humlure Society ofUnited States believes that soditun pentobarbital, injacted by well-trained artd caring personrtal can provide the most hruttane death; art injection of sodium pentobarbital is the prefered method of euthanasia. In summary, the Hawai Island Humane Sottiety strives to bring all Ure communities together, islandwide, to share ilr our mission in solving [he overpaptilation of ar;:mals, the prcvandon of cruelty, curd to enhance the bond between i~~unarts and arw'nals Y. / J Dlaane E. Men oza Shelter Manager!Dir. oi'Uperetiorts March 30, 1998 AFFILIATE MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION 74-5225 Queen Keahumanu rrny Ka1luo-Kona, HI 96740 • Telephone (808) 3241175 • Faz (808) 329-4618 Keaau (808) 9665458 • Kanluela (8081 885.4558 3/29/98 T(): Councilman Curtis Tyler FROM: Jeff Sutton PO Box 30 Hawaii National Park, MI 96778 985-7042 SUBJECT: Letter of support for Mawaii Island Humane Society IHIHSI SerViCe5 Dear Sir- The purpose of this letter is to express my strong support for continuing the services of Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS) in both east and west Hawaii. During the 5 years 1 have lived here, HIHS has provided helpful and reliable service to the Big Island community. I have participated in their fundraising events, both as a patron and a volunteer. I am impressed with their creative use of a supportive community to achieve a healthier animal population. These fundraising events have not only earned money to offset shelter expenses, but have also helped educate the people of the Big Island on proper animal care. I have always felt that no matter where I am on the Big Island, 1 can count on the HIHS to give professional and helpful support. They have also, importantly, demonstrated their ability to listen to suggestions from the community. Furthermore, their progressively mare cooperative relations with vets island-wide has produced a mature partnership between HIHS, healthcare providers, and the public. The county has spent 8 years building strong, effective, and humane animal control island-wide. I strongly urge you not to destroy this robust and purposeful alliance. Keep HIHS as the animal-control service provider for the entire Island of Hawaii! ~~el~~ Jeff Sutton Dear Mr. Tyler. It has come to my attention that the integrity of the Hawan Island Humane Society has come into question. For this reason I am compelled to unite to you. Rs you may be aware the Humane Soe.iely has gone through a major U~ansformation in the last 5 years. R transformation that money alone could not [cruse to happen. It is bee.ause of the absolute dedication of the Board of Directors and their staff to the welfare of the needy animals among us that this has occurred. Rs a case in point allow me to share with you something. During the destrue.tion of Kelapana by lava in 1990 I was an associate of the USES at Hawaiian Volcano Obseniatory. I was a member of a small group of people that were responsible for obsennng the lava flows and reporting to Hawaii County Civil Defense our observations along with projee.tions of possible flour direction etc so that Harry Kim and his Staff could make informed deeisions in the [nurse of their job of orchestrating a orderly euacuation. Because of the flat terrain and the relative low volume of lava the advance of the leas flows was very slow thus allowing ample time Tor people to evacuate their homes. Harry Kim set up a system of notification, voluntary euacuation and finally forced euacuation so that everyone involved was given more then enough warning to sum up their affairs. In the course of my work monitoring the lava flows I was privileged to have daily access to all the areas already evacuated. Soon it came to the attention of myself and the team of people I worked with that even though people were given plenty of time to evacuate they for some reason left their domestic. animals. In fact all told hundreds of animals were abandoned during this disaster. LLlhen we first be[ame aware oT this we contacted the Hawaii Island Humane Society to ask for assistance in capturing the abandoned animals and do what could be done to find them homes etc. Rt that time the Humane Society pleaded lack of funds etc and was for the most pert unresponsive to our request for help. R coworker of mine, Christine Heliker, was not able to Uue urrth this and began to organize, as well to continue to seek outside help, a team of us to captw~e and [are far the abandoned animals. She was not allowed by her employer, the USGS, to do this on company time so she geue her evenings and ureekends to this end. She borrowed animal traps from everyone she knew and put into place a system of baiting them and checking each daily and hand carrying out aa~oss active lave flows every animal caught. She was successful in finding a priuete Veterinarian, Seeke Uersluys, who put at our' disposal her staff end all her services. Together this priuete effort saved, geue medical attention to, and found homes for more then 200 animals. This is only one of many examples of the type of dedication that I know to be at the heart of the current administration of the Hawaii Island Humane Society. If anyone is to stand up end bring public criticism of this organization, and the need arises to balanee this with true testimonials of the positive contribution that they have antl continue to make, I would appreciate being given the opportunity to add my voice to their support. io this end you are welcome to contact me any time at the numbers beloui. Thank you and aloha , Dorian Weisel Rkamai Design Post Office Boa 864 Uol[ano, Hauraii 96785 18081 967-7672 voice%fan design~~-akamaidesign.com (~(~('~~~\\\1 Ao,,,h,~n or Prope~~g Management Hatuaii, Inc. lnng Term G Var ,+I~nn hlpntals ? T,ave1 ~ ,q SSnC~J!IUn I`/t~ndfiPmCn) ? ~~Ri~i~~'~f u3 I, P.1011 i~J V:. oast ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ March 3 I , 1998 Ms. Lisa Nowtor Executive Dita-ta- HAWAII ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY Qtt«n Kaalwmatur Hwy Kailas-Kowa, Hawaii 96740 Dear Lisa, !t flea come to my attention recently that there has been an implication of lack, in the services which fife HAWAII ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETX provides to our eanununiry. I am wilting this !seer in hopes filet you may be able to use it in support of your organization. Since March 1997,1 was able to serve as We most recent Commtmity Programs Coordinator for the HAWAII ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY, aad as such, privy to observing flrstlland the development and growth of the organizadon over ills pal4 year. 1 have also ntet and worked wiW all three shelter mtrrtagera, Jack Cox (Kona Shelter), Larri Bannister (Waimea Shelter), and Duane Mendow (Kassa Shelter), as well as two Punnet sltcltcr managett;, Jim MataBishop and Madeline 6arrcra. Throughout this peal year, the current Shelter rnaaagers, along with Lisa PowlCr Ote k.xocutlve Dueclor have diligently and ofl'octively improved rate only the tlttaliry of care provided to tltotuartds of umvanted sad abandotted attirttals, (sirclt as ttcsv Vet Tah support scrviws as well as consistent evaluation of the animals), but also the thoroughacss of services provided to our wnuntrnity (through mono intense Aninwl Control response told reporting, ittertased Httroarte Education, and more extensive Flutdraising endevors). I know what thirtgs where like a year ago, and I know what things etc like now, :utd t can attest to the improvotttenW which !rave occurred in shelter tnanagarnent and the overall sltenKhUtening and growth of services provided by the HAWAII 15LAPID HUMANE SOCIETY ,which are the dose resull of We ExecutiVC Director and her management fauns' ePfor4S. Residents of rho Big Island have much to be appreciative of, uti the work ertd mission of the HAWAII 15LAND HUMANE SOCIETY. They carry their work fire extra toile, and do so with a dedication which is to be greatly admired. please feel Free to give ma a call at 329-42UU, should you have auy gttesiions, Rcspectfltlly Submitted, Loreli M. Thompson Managcr/Travol Aivicioq SIJNQUEST VACATIONS 77-6435 Kuaklnl Hwy. Kallua-Kona. HI 96740 Hawaii 18081 329.6488 Travel Olv, IHg81 329-420q Fax 1806) ?29 S~IPO Tgll Free Mainland I•t100-367-51158 Canada 1-000-000 roNN