The Hawaiʻi County Council and Roth Administration are working together to improve animal control services on Hawai’i Island.

The responsibility for County animal control had historically been contracted to the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society until a couple of years ago when it declined to submit a bid during contract renegotiations.

In July 2021, the Hawai’i County Police Department assumed the animal control duties through a pilot program to help address the challenges while still fulfilling state law. While the pilot program was in place, a multi-agency collaboration concluded that care and maintenance of impounded animals requires oversight and operation by a dedicated agency. The result, a bill crafted through cooperation between Council Chair Heather Kimball, Council Member Cynthia Evans, the Roth Administration, and the Police Department, should receive its first reading on Feb. 21 before a County Council committee.

Proposed is the creation of the ‘Animal Control and Protection Agency,’ a separate governmental function that will better serve our island community and its animals, while fulfilling the functions and requirements of state and county law.

The Hawai‘i County Code and state law require the county to feed and shelter impounded dogs, cats, and domesticated animals. This includes dogs confiscated under the county’s dangerous dog law. However, other services formerly provided by the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, such as spay and neutering programs or accepting feral animals, are not required to be performed by the County. The Hawai‘i Island Humane Society and other non-profit organizations help to provide these services.

After the agency is created, collaboration will continue between the administration and other partners to determine how best to address issues currently outside the purview of the county’s responsibility, such as population reduction and feral animal control.

To testify on Bill 22, please contact Council Services at (808) 961-8255.