Hawaiʻi County Hosts Animal Control & Protection Summit
Hawaiʻi County Hosts Animal Control & Protection Summit
About 100 people representing County of Hawaiʻi departments and community organizations participated in the first Animal Control and Protection Summit held on Feb. 27 at the Kahilu Town Hall in Waimea.
Hosted by the County’s Animal Control & Protection Agency (ACPA) and the Mayor’s Office, the summit brought County officials and community members together to improve public safety, animal welfare, and community wellbeing. With a focus on cats and dogs, the event involved more than 15 animal welfare organizations from across Hawaiʻi Island. Their input will be used to develop a strategic plan for the ACPA, established in 2023.
“As our newest department, we want to provide the Animal Control & Protection Agency with a strong foundation, and that starts with listening to the community,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By working together, we can find solutions to any problem.”
Panel discussions and presentations addressed animal welfare laws, humane solutions to animal overpopulation, roles and responsibilities of the ACPA, animal emergency preparedness, and other topics. At the end of the summit, attendees participated in group discussions to identify ACPA priorities as well as challenges and solutions with animal control issues.
“We appreciated the opportunity to connect and engage with fellow dedicated animal advocates and openly discuss a vision for a happy, healthier community for our people and pets,” said Lauren Nickerson, Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society CEO.
Joining the panel discussions were representatives from the State, ACPA, Hawaiʻi Police Department and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The Mayor’s Office extends a special mahalo to Council Chair Holeka Goro Inaba for providing snacks and refreshments, Council member Heather Kimball for providing lunch, and Council member James Hustace for his support and participation.
Click here to watch a video of the summit.
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