Bill 59 was flawed but a
step in the right direction
I am very disappointed Mayor Kimo Alameda vetoed Bill 59. This proposed legislation would have addressed the homeless individuals who actively solicit money at intersections.
The mayor’s reasoning for vetoing this bill was on free speech grounds. I can see the logic behind his decision, but it puts the community back at square one.
Bill 59 was flawed, but at least it would’ve created a path to address this public safety issue. The majority of these homeless individuals don’t want help and would rather live on the streets, soliciting money from the public.
As a result, this isn’t free speech activity like soliciting donations for a sports team. It only benefits the homeless individuals seeking a handout.
I hope the County Council overrides Mayor Alameda’s veto of Bill 59.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona
Mayor should veto
the feral animals bill
It’s crucial to manage feral animal populations to protect native fauna, yet there’s no place for mistreating or starving them. However, without mayoral veto, Bill 51 will do exactly that.
Legislators claim it’s no big deal to ban feeding cats on county property, ignoring that the bill will crucially and negatively affect control efforts.
Bill 51 lacks expert input and creates division. It relies on punitive measures instead of community-driven, humane and proven solutions. It lacks clear and empathically stated goals to create community buy-in; and it’s unenforceable, unless fining kupuna and others with moral compunction becomes law enforcement’s priority.
Bill 51’s sweeping negation of the complexity of the issue makes it feel like a brutal edict handed down by detached legislators. The law ignores facts, including that the homeless cat problem is largely caused by humans dumping unwanted pets— a cruel choice made because of few existing alternatives.
Workable, enforceable, empathetic feral cat legislation must include:
County- and state-supported,
affordable and accessible spay and
neuter programs.
County- and state-supported sanctuaries for safe and humane protection of rescued cats.
Allowing cats to be fed where they are until they’re humanely trapped, including public county property. Feeding and rescuing feral cats on private property is tricky and often dangerous to animals and humans.
No criminalization or fines for people feeding homeless cats from the goodness of their hearts. People, especially compassionate kupuna, will continue to feed them since their morals won’t allow otherwise.
Widespread community outreach so people know there are alternatives to dumping unwanted pets.
No flying cats off-island. Many will be used in research, which is unpalatable to many people.
Ask the mayor (kimo.alameda@hawaiicounty.gov) to veto Bill 51 to allow new legislation that will effectively protect Hawaii’s native species.
Janice Palma-Glennie
Kailua-Kona
