This task force concept is supported and approved by Council Chair Heather Kimball and Council Member Cindy Evans who drafted Bill 22 that resulted in the creation of our new Animal Control and Protection Agency.  Chair Kimball has discussed the proposal with Managing Director Lee Lord and assured us that he also supports our concept and approach.  The current version of this document is available for viewing on our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/997022537630163/permalink/1181476445851437/

We will be having a series of meetings with key, local nonprofit groups that touch the world of animal control to get their input on what type of qualifications and criteria should be included when building the community portion of the task force.  The first of these meetings is scheduled for Saturday, June 3rd, in Hilo.  If you have a 501c3 organization dedicated to the welfare of animals on this Island and we did not already send you an invitation via evite, please message me directly at lauren.turnbaugh@gmail.com.

This task force will be made up of community members from each of the Island’s districts as well as members from the animal care and welfare nonprofits who help the community.  Once the new Agency's Administrator has been hired, we will ask for a representative from that organization to join the team as well. Additionally, I would like to emphasize that the task force is in no way against our animal control organization.  We realize they are struggling on several different levels.  Instead, it is designed to pick up important areas that will build a communication and support infrastructure.

Our concept of the task force is temporary in nature – not meant to replace AC – but to help a get us out of a very serious situation.  Once the agency is formed and operational with team members, the nature of the task force may evolve, as appropriate.

Right now, we are looking for willing and experienced individuals who have the time to commit, and who would make a positive and productive contribution to the task force.  These individuals will allow the task force to work with the interim Animal Control and Protection Agency, as well as other organizations, to better serve this Island’s animal welfare needs.

Part of the design of this Task Force will involve recommendations on programs that can be realistically implemented, either island-wide or in specific districts.  That process will involve working with animal rescue and other welfare organizations to help roll it out and make it work.  There will also be research into other successful programs, for example, and other duties associated with working on the task force.

We will be reaching out to the community in a series of meetings that will be announced soon.  Mahalo!