To: The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources

We, the undersigned, hereby petition the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to immediately cease and desist from the indiscriminate killing of the wild cat population around the Kawainui Marsh on Oahu Island.

As concerned citizens, we recognize the importance of protecting both native wildlife and domestic animals. While we understand the need to manage populations of non-native species, such as feral cats, we believe that lethal measures are not only inhumane but also ineffective in the long term.

The indiscriminate killing of feral cats can lead to a range of negative consequences, including:

Disruption of Ecosystem Balance: Feral cats play a role in controlling populations of pests such as rodents and insects. Their removal could upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem, leading to unintended ecological consequences.

Alternative Solutions: Non-lethal methods of population control, such as trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, have been proven to be more effective and humane in managing feral cat populations. These programs stabilize populations over time without resorting to lethal measures.

Ethical Considerations: Killing animals should always be a last resort and conducted in the most humane manner possible. Indiscriminate killing methods, such as kill traps, can cause unnecessary suffering and are inconsistent with ethical principles.

Building Cat Sanctuaries: We propose the establishment of multiple cat sanctuaries similar to the one on Lanai Island. These sanctuaries provide a humane alternative for managing feral cat populations by providing shelter, food, and medical care for cats in a controlled environment. The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has demonstrated success in reducing the number of feral cats on the island while also providing valuable community service.

Furthermore, we urge the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to work collaboratively with local animal welfare organizations, community groups, and experts in feral cat management to develop and implement sustainable solutions that prioritize the welfare of both native wildlife and domestic animals.

In conclusion, we respectfully request that the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources immediately halt the killing of the wild cat population around the Kawainui Marsh and instead explore humane and effective alternatives for managing feral cat populations.