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COUNTY CLERK.
COUNTY OF HAWAII
From: Bill Walter
To: Council Testimony fn �!
Subject: Bill 192' 1018 OCT9 ryT 31 7' `° 0
Date: Monday,October 29,2018 1:25:41 PM
P/EMC BILL 192 (COMM. 1083)
Five or more years ago the statement that"there are 100 feral cats at the Keaau
Transfer Station alone" was likely accurate. HOWEVER, since that time and based on
agreement between the landowner and the County,the Spay and Neuter program at the Keaau
Transfer Station has ended. The Spay and Neuter program at the Keaau Transfer Station
included housing and feeding of feral cats. As you might guess, feeding and housing feral
animals - in this case cats - attracted the animals to the Keaau Transfer station. As the
landowner, W. H. Shipman received many community complaints about the program and the
dozens - if not more-of feral cats constantly roaming the transfer station. They were
underfoot, in the way and a physical hazard. Many studies have been published showing that
feral cats can increase the incidence of disease to birds, other animals and even humans:
https://www.motherjones.com/environment/201 1/07/cats-tnr-birds-feral/
https://abcbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Feral-Cats-Consequences-for-Humans-and-
Wildlife.pdf
In Hawaii Feral Cats are a particular problem as has reported in several places, even
encouraging the State Legislature to consider enacting a ban on any programs encouraging
their residence on State owned lands:
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/info/invasive-species-profiles/feral-cats/
Today if you were to visit the Keaau Transfer station you would find- contrary to the
testimony provided by council member Ohara-that there are no feral cats and no feral animals
at all at that location. (Given that you now have two extreme testimonies on the number of
feral cats at Keaau's Transfer station I encourage you to inquire with Environmental
Management about what the reality is. Better yet, swing by the Transfer Station and see for
yourself.) Advocates of the program that once existed at Keaau's transfer station predicted
widespread problems including a huge increase in rats and mice at the station. This has not
occurred. As the number of cats diminished so did the number of other feral animals.
If what the County desires is a"best practice" I suggest you putin place the program
now in existence at the Keaau Transfer Station. Outlaw all feeding and housing of the animals
that are causing the problem.
Bill Walter
President
W.H. Shipman, Limited
www.whshioman.com
808-966-9325 x 6
808-345-1890(cell)
808-966-8522(fax)
Comm. Noj 10%V-11
Ref.To: PILMC/.
Ref. Date OCT 3 1 2018