Aloha,

On July 8, 2025, the Hawaii County Council passed Bill 51 from Committee to be heard and voted into law on July 23, 2025.  This Bill 51 criminalizes anyone who feeds abandoned or stray cats on County land.  Many of the colonies on County land have been there for the past 30 years.  These cats will starve to death or be poisoned by County officials which did happen two years ago. 

As a passionate animal rescuer and a Volunteer at an animal sanctuary, I have witnessed the heart-wrenching effects of animal cruelty firsthand. In Hawaii County, countless unowned animals, especially cats, are subject to unimaginable suffering. These innocent creatures are often tortured, killed, or left to fend for themselves in environments that do not sustain them.

Each year, it's estimated that thousands of stray cats suffer from neglect, abuse, and violence. This persistent issue needs our urgent attention and to have Hawaii County Council perpetuate this issue is unconscionable.  We must demand comprehensive protections for unowned animals, not legalized animal cruelty.

The animal welfare non-profits of Hawaii, the feeders and colony managers are dedicated to their colonies by providing:
--Trap/Neuter/Return at free clinics or with their own money
--food and supplies
--Vet treatment for sick or injured animals and
--Fostering and adoption services for kittens and puppies
These are mostly seniors living on social security benefits, yet they use their own money and resources to care for these animals.

TNRM has been implemented on this island and needs to be expanded.  Such initiatives not only reduce the population of stray animals but also improve their quality of life. We urge local authorities to collaborate with animal welfare organizations to promote these programs and ensure that the ALREADY funded Cat Management Pilot program be allowed to continue.  If Bill 51 passes, it would kill this program. 

The non-profits, volunteer feeders and colony managers, are dedicated heros/sheros and they are asking you to sign this petition and to also send an email of your opposition to the County officials listed below. Public support and awareness can drive the change we need. By spreading the word and championing for the voiceless, we can create a compassionate community that respects and protects all animals. Sign this petition to take a stand against cruelty and forge a safer, kinder environment for the unowned animals in Hawaii County. 

Email with Subject: OPPOSE Bill 51 with any comments to:

County Council (9 members)      counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
Mayor Kimo Alameda                       kimo.alameda@hawaiicounty.gov
Mgr. Director Bill Brilhante            william.brilhante@hawaiicounty.gov
Public Safety Clifford Victorine   clifford.victorine@hawaiicounty.gov

Mahalo nui.