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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0777.006 1996-1998 RECEIVED Rtna. a-6!2-_ By !!h County CounGl FUKU-BONSAI a''t CULTURAL CENTER ~Ip~li;~lU & HAWAII STATE BONSAI REPOSITORY ShAring A blessing since 062! Olaa Road (PO Box 6000), Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760 Phone (808) 982-9880 or 982-9881; FAX (808) 982-9883 www.fukubonsai.com April 10, 1998 James Arakaki, chairman Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Request for support for a Hawaii County animal control contract for West Hawaii Humane Society Aloha! In 1990 the killing of all stray animals within 48 hours was unilaterally imposed upon true and dedicated Humane Society advocates. As a matter of principle, West Hawaii Humane Society refused to forward an animal control proposal. Hawaii Island Humane Society saw no problem, assumed island-wide animal control responsibilities, and took over the Kona and Waimea facilities in addition to their Keaau facility. A major distinction must be clarified. Humane Society activities are totally separate from the Hawaii County animal control contract to provide services normally associated with the word "dog pound." That is, to capture, kill or otherwise resolve illegal stray animals, to sell licenses, to issue citations, etc. Contract funds are not to be co-mingled and humane society activities must be supported by separately raised funds. In spite of not having the Hawaii County animal control contract, West Hawaii Humane Society has continued educational activities and in 1995 was cited for their outreach programs. I'm involved because two sisters are close friends. Ginger Towle and Janice Biltoft are both stockholders of Fuku-Bonsai Inc. and; just as they keep up with our activities, I follow theirs. These two gals are outspoken, high-energy, dedicated, and passionate people of the highest integrity. Their contributions to the community are well-known and include support for the Kona Outdoor Circle and the Kona Crime Prevention Committee. I've always been deeply impressed with the amount of their volunteer time and the number of Kona community leaders on the West Hawaii Humane Society board of directors. i~ ,n r s Z f F "A community-oriented project co-sponsored by Fuku-Bonsai Inc., a Hawaiian corporation -s with over 200 mostly Big island stockholders, and the non-profit IRS tax-exempt Mid-Pacific . Bonsai Foundation. Both are committed to promoting and sharing the art and cultures of bonsai, - to benefit the community, and to compliment the visitor industry." i". L 4y w - . I understand that the onerous clause requiring killing of all strays within 48 hours is no longer a requirement and that West Hawaii Humane Society is applying to service their former area of Kona and Waimea. As much as I have been an advocate for an all-Big Island orientation, in this instance, I recommend splitting the island into manageable areas. It will eliminate the need for an island-wide director and two regional managers. It's time to get more animal control officers in the field, to stop discouraging volunteerism, and for the county to get more bang for its bucks! This is prudent. It will allow each organization to demonstrate their ability and to compare capabilities. Assuming the responsibilities of animal control is a thankless task. Ginger, Jan, and others associated with them do so as a special form of community service. By example, they encourage others to assist and volunteer. Their educational programs increase the awareness of unwanted animals and directly address the root cause of the problems. They are strong advocates of spay-neuter and effectively obtain the cooperation and assistance of the veterinarians in their region. But commendably, they are of sufficiently high-principle and created an exemplary record of training their animal control officers, enforcing the law, and issuing citations. Hawaii County is being short changed. In recent years, how can there be so many animals redeemed with just such a tiny number of citations? Isn't the contracted organization supposed to implement the law? Why are there so few animal control officers, less volunteers, and increasing overhead expenses? West Hawaii deserves better! Compare dedication, educational efforts, professionalism, effectiveness, and community support. Examine the record of the past few years under Hawaii Island Humane Society and the previous few years under West Hawaii Humane Society. I'm sure that you'll come to my same conclusion. It's time to go back to a winning team! I request your support in awarding the West Hawaii animal control contract to West Hawaii Humane Society. Please feel free to call me at my private office-home phone 966-7668 if there are any questions or if I can be of assistance. Sincerely, David W. Fukum6to, presiden FUKU-BONSAI INC. cc. Ginger Towle Janice Biltoft