HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0396.025 1998-2000 ~ West Hawaii Humane Society
P.O. Box 2695 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96745 • (808) 329-2051 • Fax: 329-6721
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September 9, 1999
To -County Council
From -Ginger Towle, President W.H.H.S
Subject -Investigate the Animal Control Program in Hawaii County
It is very good that this study is being done and it is being done because of all the complaints from the
residents of this county. Animal control on this island is still in the growing pains stage and there seems to
be a real need for a detailed job description, even though it is pretty clear in Chapter 4 and related state
laws. Animal control is a diffcult job; it's like a domestic call for the police department. You need trained
officers to do the job right and an administration that understands their responsibilities under the contract
and that the contract is what you abide by, not personal philosophies. Over $600,000.00 is allocated for the
animal control contract this year. The taxpayers are paying the bill but the service is not there. There has
been no direction or oversight by the Finance Department, Harry Takahashi, is in charge of the program.
That responsibility is spelled out in Chapter 4. Harry and I have had more than one conversation about this
and the fact that it should be handled by the police department as it is law enforcement problem not simply
just another expenditure in the accounting department. I have spoken to the Chief about this also. The
responsibility was taken from the police and given to the finance department after a letter by Harry in 1992
that indicated he felt animal control was mainly a financial matter. Actually when an animal control problem
is called in to the police department it should be referred directly to the humane society. That is the only
way accurate records can be kept. Of course if the publics needs aren't met they then call the police. In
1996•Shawn Nakoa sent a long letter to Chief Carvalho outlining proper procedures in designating a dog
vicious etc. with instructions to the police department and an offer to train the police. The police are always
available for backup, however, they are not trained for animal control nor is it their responsibility. The
police department is shorthanded and should not have to spend time on animal related matters.
Comm. No. ? I~• ~~•`S
File No. R E V
Ref. To:PrezaafsdGOVN~'~~
Ref, Date ~ 9 ti~L