Following the March 8, 2023, County Council meeting - during which Bill 22 was approved - Hawai’i Island Pets Alive representatives met with Council Chair Kimball and Council Member Evans (introducers of the Bill) regarding the new County-based Animal Control and Protection Agency created by the legislation. This Agency will replace Animal Control operations currently under the responsibility of Hawai’i County Police Department, effective July 1, 2023.
The main topic of discussion during our meeting was the creation of a community-based task force to work in conjunction with and provide recommendations to the Agency through representatives of the County Council. Council Chair Kimball requested that we provide a proposal outlining the task force, with the intention of getting the ball rolling sooner than later.
Our proposal, updated with revisions based on 1st review with Council Chair Kimball and Council Member Evans, can be found at the link below. Please note that this is a high-level, evolving document - with details to be pinned down through collaboration with animal welfare nonprofits and others involved in the numerous facets surrounding progressive and successful animal care and control operations.