The Hawaii Island Humane Society commemorated the start of preliminary groundwork, including grubbing and rough grading, on its new 12-acre campus in Keauhou with a traditional Hawaiian blessing for the contractor at The Animal Community Center Monday.
“Thanks to the generosity of our capital campaign donors and community supporters, we have accomplished several major milestones in our quest to transform this 12-acre site into a community asset. With groundwork permits now issued, grubbing and rough grading is but the first of many steps in our journey to build The Animal Community Center,” said Scott Dodd, co-chairman of the Hawaii Island Humane Society Capital Campaign Committee. “As our capital campaign progresses, next steps include topography mapping, architectural drawings, fine grading and project construction. Every donation is another positive step toward fulfilling our mission.”
The $3-million capital campaign for Phase 1 of The Animal Community Center encompasses site infrastructure and construction of the Welcome Center, Cat Barn, Dog Pavilions and Dog Park. With over half the capital campaign now pledged, committee members are hoping to wrap up fundraising for Phase 1 this summer.
“Every gift counts and the Hawaii Island Humane Society has been blessed with incredibly dedicated funders, corporate supporters, local companies, service organizations and individual volunteers whose commitment to The Animal Community Center will provide this island with a wonderful place for animals and their people,” said Donna Whitaker, Hawaii Island Humane Society executive director.
Donations are welcome and may be made online at hihs.org.
The mission of the Hawaii Island Humane Society is to promote respect for all animals, prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals. HIHS holds a contract with the County of Hawaii to enforce certain animal-related laws and it offers 24-hour service for injured animals and other animal emergencies, humane education classes, low-cost spay and neuter services, lost and found assistance, micro-chipping and more. Learn more at hihs.org or call 329-1175.