HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0091.015 2016-2018 I ,
P/5 PECIAL FC
Murashige, Laura COUNTY clicR
COur i X OF HAWAII
From: Ronda Page <rondapage@rocketmail.com>
Sent: Monday,April 10, 2017 7:22 PM 7017 APR I 1 All 7: 58
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Budget Testimony for Hawaii Police Department Regarding Animal Control Contract
Esteemed councilpersons:
I would like to add my voice to the many others in Hawaii County regarding the Hawaii
Island Humane Society (HIHS) contract.
As a taxpayer, I am appalled that there seems to be no accountability regarding HIHS and
their handling of the overpopulation problem. I have had many encounters with HIHS
personnel from the mundane to the emergent. Some of their officers/agents are exemplary,
others apathetic.
I have realized for a very long time that HIHS did not create the problem, yet they are not
solving the issues either. I have asked on several occasions why they do not do public
service announcements on the radio to education the public on spay/neuter programs,
responsible pet ownership, etc. PSAs cost nothing for nonprofits and the messages would
reach many more pet parents.
When so many business plans have been developed in so many states for "no kill" shelters,
I don't think it would be difficult for the strategy to be studied and implemented on our
island. We don't have to reinvent the wheel. I wish to see my tax dollars earmarked for
education and spay/neuter. I would like to see an association or partnership with an
organization like Best Friends (a no-kill Utah-based facility).
While watching the last hearing, I found it interesting that their leadership were at such a
loss when questioned about numbers. They seemed to have learned very well what they
wanted to say, but did not anticipate what the public and Council would ask. If there was
transparency in the organization, there would not have been so much shuffling of papers
and volleying the question to another cohort.
Though I have forced myself to acknowledge that HIHS did not create the problem, they
need to provide a solution. They need to think differently because what has been tried is
not working. It seems from their budget that the goal of HIHS (more money for
euthanization drugs than pet food) is to rid the island of unwanted pets rather than help
citizens learn how to prevent this issues. Kudos on the new facility,in Kona, but it will
serve very few...a sort of "let them eat cake" approach to a greater problem. Hilo and
Waimea will still have inadequate facilities and will likely continue to execute more
animals.
There are many of us with concerns of how HIHS operates. I hear it from other folks at our
Hilo obedience dog training group (where I participate as an instructor), on the agility field,
and in my social circles. I am also involved with pet therapy and training service
iaomm No. ct_‘ 15
Ref. Tov
Ref. Date 1 a,2017
animals. I have an overwhelming concern about what is happening here in Hilo to the
animals.
Lastly, I have picked up strays and dropped them off at HIHS with plans to return to adopt
if their owners didn't show up. When calling the facility, they tell me the dog was picked up
by the owner, but when stopping in later the same day, the dog was still there. I adopted
him with the intention of fostering and finding a permanent home. He is still with me four
years later. He's an awesome dog that might have been euthanized because the office
worker couldn't be bothered to look out the window. And when people adopt, the
employees need to foster a "this is just the beginning" helpful attitude for the new
adopters. Let them know of obedience classes. Partner with Petco or Del's or someother
animal business to get coupons or starter kits. I was told when I picked up my new
adoptees that they come with a leash, but nobody wants to bother with you, they just want
you out the door. Adoption is a beginning, not the end. They should want these people to
come back and maybe adopt another pet, renew their licenses, tell them their success
stories.
Please demand accountability for the money the county gives HIHS and help them create a
positive solution to replace their broken system. It can be done. It is being done, but not
here.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronda Page
HCR 1 Box 5400
Keaau HI 96749
982-8431
East Hawaii Resident 18 Years
Proud Dog Ma of Olive, Rosie, Howdy (adopted from HIHS), Buckshot (adopted from HIHS),
and Addie.
2