Cats continue to prowl the Queens’ Marketplace despite efforts by advocacy groups to rehome 98 feral felines last year.
In May, volunteers with local rescue agencies Aloha Animal Oasis, or AAO, and Hawaii Animal Kuleana Alliance, or HAKA, teamed up to capture and rehome cats from the Waikoloa mall.
After being captured, the cats were spayed and neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before being delivered to their new homes across Hawaii Island.
The relocation project was created in response to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ prohibition of cat feedings and the removal of feeding stations at the mall due to the increased presence of nene, which is a protected species.
Volunteers and an animal rescue group had regularly fed the cats around the mall, owned by Alexander &Baldwin, as the cat population grew over the years.
The DLNR gave animal advocacy and rescue groups time to trap and rehome as many cats as possible before completely preventing feeding and trapping.
“Unfortunately, we ran out of homes to take them to. We knew it would happen, and we still want to (trap, neuter and release) the cats that remain, but unfortunately, we don’t have the traps, money and manpower to do that,” said Lori Luchette, vice president of AAO. “Everything we did at Queens’ cost about $20,000 with all the traps, kennels and other necessities.”
Although the groups were able to rehome 98 cats, several feral cats still roam the area and were unable to be neutered and spayed, ultimately leading to the reproduction of more cats in the area.
A representative of Alexander &Baldwin did not respond to a request for comment in time for this story.
According to Luchette, the DLNR and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife have been speaking with AAO about securing land that would provide a safe haven for these cats and kittens.
“We would cat-proof fence the area, provide food, water and vet care as we work toward the ultimate goal of a cat sanctuary on the Big Island,” Luchette said. “We talked with DLNR and DOFAW, as well, and they said they are in favor of the cat sanctuary, it’s just a matter of finding land.”
According to DLNR spokesperson Ryan Aguilar, staff are unaware of any recent communications regarding efforts to create a sanctuary on the west side of Hawaii Island.
While the cat sanctuary is an important goal for the protection of both cats and local wildlife, animal rescue groups continue to press the importance of trap, neuter and release programs, or TNR, for reducing the amount of free-roaming cats.
The Keauhou Shopping Center was once inundated with over 100 feral cats until the nonprofit group AdvoCats spayed and neutered nearly all of them. About 30 cats now reside around the area.
“You couldn’t ask for a better situation when it comes to feral cats,” Luchette said. “I wish people understood the issue of not fixing cats. Cats can have four litters a year, and a 4-month-old kitten can become pregnant.”
Kamehameha Schools owns Keauhou Shopping Center and has allowed the public to feed cats since there is nowhere for them to go.
Allowing feedings has given volunteers the opportunity to find newly dumped or lost cats in the area, according to Luchette.
“One of our volunteers was feeding the cats at Keauhou when she found six kittens in the bushes,” Luchette said. “We do our best, but they really are dumped every day. We are always trying to find more fosters for the kittens and friendly adults we find, because we don’t want them out there either.”
In November, AAO was able to coordinate spay and neuter surgeries for 201 cats in one weekend. This year, Luchette hopes to host low-cost or free clinics at least once a month.
“It’s difficult, because we have to coordinate with our vet and her vet techs on Oahu to fly out here for a weekend to service hundreds of cats,” Luchette said. “Our clinics are a ‘pay-what-you-can’ price, and many people pay it forward, which is amazing.”
The first spay and neuter clinic this year will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Old Airport Pavilion in Kailua-Kona on Sunday, Feb. 11.
AAO has been operating since 2020 and hopes to continue addressing the feral cat population on the island and to “one day” build a cat sanctuary in West Hawaii.
“We are thrilled that DLNR wants to work with us, because it would be a win for everybody. We’re really hopeful that there are people out there who want to help,” Luchette said. “Sometimes, I don’t think we’ve done enough in our first year, but when I look back, it seems we have.”
To learn more about fostering, adopting, volunteering and donating to AAO, visit hawaiiaao.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.