HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0396.035 1998-2000 OFFICE OF THE
l.EOtSLATIVE AUDITOR
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November 14, 2000
1:4s. ~ onstance R. Kiriu
Legislative Auditor
Office of the County Clerk
County of Hawaii
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Response to County of Hawaii's Special Study on the Status of
Animal Control in the Countv of Hawaii
Deaz Ms. Kiriu.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment upon the Special Study on the Status of Animal
Control in the County of Hawaii.
First, I found the study well researched and well written. Given the fairly short timeframe, the scope
and depth of understanding of the historical, legal and philosophical issues is impressive.
Secor.,d, the `Bxecutive Summary' section of the report underscores many of the concepts and
suggestions Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIIIS) itself has been putting forth for years. I think it is
important to note that the study deternvned that HIHS is "performing capably under the
circumstances." Although the study points out that the mission of HIHS is one of animal humanity,
and not especially one of law enforcement, HIHS has historically taken the position that as an animal
welfaze organization, it can undertake animal control in a more humane fashion than the County.
Third, the study emphasized that chronic pet over population drives animal control issues as well as
euthanasia of thousands of animals. The study accurately notes that public funding for spay-neutering
lags faz behind most comparable counties. The study also points out that the County fails to provide
resources and services commensurate with the needs of the animal population and pet-owning public.
It is tremendously important that the County has acknowledged the disproportion in resources when a 2
cbenrn. No.39b' 03?
File xo., RE?V
lief. To:
AFFILIATE MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION Rnf g}~~
745225 Ouaen Kaahumanu Hwy • Kailas-KOna, HI 98710 • Telepfgne x-1175 Fax (809)~3ZS'~8
Kaaau (808) 9885158 • Kamuela (908)88¢4658
compared to community need in this azea. In addition, we should applaud the study for grasping and
articulating that this is not simply a humane society problem or a County government
problem, but a problem that calls for a new community ethic toward pet ownership and social
responsibility. HIHS is (and always has been) prepared to work with the government and community
in this regard.
With regard to the Special Study's Three Major and Specific Recommendations, HIHS has the
following comments:
1. Authorize an Immediate Technical Performance Evaluation and Assessment.
HIHS is in full suppoR of a Technical Performance Evaluation and Assessment, specific to animal
control related functions, and evaluation by an unbiased and reliable animal welfare organization. In
this evaluation, HII-IS woukl also recommend that this assessment look into the pros and cons of
maintaining the current structure of the animal control contract (HII-IS as the single law enforcement
agency) versus an animal control program with two distinct service functions (model referred to below
in #2). HIHS is open to objective analysis and recommendations beneficial to the animals of the
island.
2. Establish an Animal Control Program With Two Distinct Service Functions.
Although the Humane Society would obviously need more time to analyze such a labor
division between sheltering/adoption/euthanasia services and the creation of a new Animal Services
and Assessment Division within the police department, I believe it is an idea which should be
explored cooperatively between the County and HIHS after the above mentioned Technical
Performance Evaluation and Assessment is completed. I think the study seized upon the very
difficulties that HIHS has faced in its simultaneous undertaking of both animal control and animal
welfare.
3. Adopt a New Animal Control Ordinance and Implement a Transition Plan.
HII3S has been urging the County to re-visit HCC Chapter 4 for years. As experts in the area
of animal control and animal welfare, IIIHS could and should be a moving force in helping to re-write
Hawaii County Code Chapter 4 and implementing any transition plan. Specific comments have been
sent to you for reference.
The following are specific and detailed comments to other areas of the special study:
Executive Summary, IS` page:
HMS's new mission statement is as follows: The mission of the Society is to prevent cruelty to
animals, eliminate pet overpopulation and enhance the bond between humans and animals.
Pg. 9, 6`~' paragraph:
We now microchip all animals adopted from shelter. This is not optional.
Pg. 23, table 4
The variance for the current fiscal yeaz should be negative
Pg.37, "comments about agreement "
I would like to add that HIAS tried to get the Corporation Counsel and the Director of Finance to write
a formal contract in 1999, but they refused, choosing just to use our proposal for a contract
Pg.40 3`d paragraph
Written recommendations and changes have been forwarded to your office.
Pg. 41 & Citations
In addition to the points made in the study. We would like to comment about the importance of
having badged officers. HffIS has made numerous unsuccessful attempts to ask other County
agencies to facilitate trainings for this purpose, as specified by the Department of Finance.
Unfortunately, so faz, these trainings have been very rare, leaving the IIIHS in a position of not having
enough officers capable of issuing citations. We are hopeful that recent press and editorial comments
will encourage agencies to work with us in fulfilling this requirement.
Secondly, HII-IS has made improvements in all of its services over the recent months, including the
issuing of citations. Recent citation, and overall enforcement figures more accurately reflect HIHS's
current commitment and performance in this area.
Pg.44
This one example is both one-sided, misleading and not generalizable and indicative ofHII3S's
commitment to working cooperatively with the police department. HIHS would be happy to share
specific facts, details and actual documentation about this case to help clarify our role in coordinating
efforts with the police. No matter who or where animals control services are provided, the police
department will always have to be involved because it relates to public safety, animal related conflicts
and neighborhood/domestic disputes. HTHS responds to a lot of calls for assistance each day, many of
which do require coordination with the police and most of which, especially during the recent months,
show successful coordination. HIIIS would be happy to provide comprehensive information and case
examples of this type of work.
Pg. 48 3'd paragraph
Please clarify the third sentence. What city or County is this?
Pg.48 2nd to last paragraph
HIHS has $71,000 in funds (not 60,000) eamrazked for Kona expansion/improvements, which are
currently underway. This is not just for a cattery, but for a veterinary surgery room, cattery, and
substantial improvements to dog kennels. In addition, we finished building a surgery room and new
office space in Keaau. Capital improvements are not just "from time-to-time", but almost continuous
for the last 4 years. Two years ago we finished a approximately $150,000 worth of Keaau
expansion-cattery and new dog kennels. FIIHS also recognizes the need to cornmunicate to the
County and potential donors the need and importance associated with the development and
maintenance of proper facilities. In addition, non-County funding goes to funding volunteer
coordinators who supervise a large group of shelter volunteers that substantially add to the quality of
care of the animals. )n addition, non-County funding allowed us to hire and outfit a staff veterinarian,
who will spay and neuter all adopted animals.
Under "community programs" this year we have contracted a teacher to do classroom presentations
for elementary school children.
Data and Projections
Some of the data is inaccurate- e.g. the animal numbers quoted for Honolulu. Also, the number of
owned animals projected for Hawaii via the AVMA study is questionable in that Hawaiian Humane
Society on Oahu has done actual research regardung pet ownership and their numbers are very
different then the AVMA numbers.
Finally, more information regarding the HIHS may be helpful for the County. For example, the fact
that we have a volunteer Board of Directors, representing various communities in the County and
occupations. (i.e.: accountant, private veterinarian, former executive director of Hawaiian Humane
Society on Oahu, etc.)
I hope this information is helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss these matters
further. Thank you for taking the time and effort to publish a comprehensive analysis of a very
complicated, yet very important issue in our community.
Sincerely,
Grayson Hashida
Executive Director