The Hawai’i County Animal Control and Protection Agency (the Agency), created by Bill 22, took effect on July 1st, 2023, replacing the Animal Control department under the responsibility of the Hawai’i County Police Department.  In accordance with Bill 22, the Agency is required to report bi-annually to the County Council concerning the affairs and activities of the Agency, including shelters operations.  On February 6, 2024, the first of these hearings will be held.   

If you have questions, comments and constructive feedback for the Council and the Agency, PLEASE plan to submit testimony!  

We continue to experience a crisis regarding stray and abandoned pets, with community members taking on much of the load.  Under Chapter 4 of the County Code, the Agency is required to handle stray pets.  And, in accordance with the National Animal Care & Control Association Guidelines, shelters are to be open to the public, at a minimum, to allow community members to look for lost pets. 

For progress to continue and the Agency staff to be able to effectively perform their duties, County leadership needs to know what is going on out there.  Bottom line – YOUR VOICE, YOUR STORY, YOUR QUESTIONS ARE ALL HIGHLY IMPORTANT!!  

We will provide details on hearing time and place, and how to submit testimony (via email, Zoom, satellite office or in-person) as soon as they are available.  

Mahalo for being part of the solution ~