AdvoCATS representatives said they recently received communication from Kamehameha Schools that it was terminating the trap/neuter/return, or TNR, programs for homeless cats at two of its properties on the Big Island, Keauhou Shopping Center and above the Lako gas station in West Hawaii.
They have been informed that AdvoCATS must stop unauthorized access and use of both areas “for activities related to the feral cats or be subject to civil and criminal trespass.”
AdvoCATS said they have pointed out to Kamehameha Schools that well-managed TNR programs are more in line with their priorities than unmanaged colonies of cats. If trapping is not allowed, these colonies will soon grow out of control (dumping of unwanted cats by irresponsible pet owners is a constant problem at both locations).
Also, the cats will be more likely to approach people looking for food.
“If Kamehameha Schools thinks that discontinuing the TNR programs will somehow magically make the cats disappear, they are sorely misinformed,” said the organization in an email.
AdvoCATS entered into an agreement with Keauhou Shopping Center over 15 years ago to control their homeless cat population through TNR.
The organization claims 15 years ago, there were well over 100 cats at the shopping center, none of them sterilized. Currently there are less than 30 cats, all sterilized. The locations of feeding stations were jointly agreed upon by Keauhou Shopping Center management and AdvoCATS, with input from the Hawaii Island Humane Society, in areas of the shopping center not generally accessed by the public. They also have had a TNR program in place above the Lako Street Shell.
In a letter to Kamehameha Schools, Rod Aries wrote that well-managed TNR programs are more in line with the priorities of Kamehameha Schools than unmanaged colonies of cats.
“If trapping is not allowed, these colonies will soon grow out of control (dumping of unwanted cats by irresponsible pet owners is a constant problem at both locations). Also the cats will be more likely to approach people looking for food. If Kamehameha Schools think that discontinuing the TNR programs will somehow magically make the cats disappear, they are sorely misinformed,” he wrote. “The cats didn’t decide to be born, and then all somehow decide to meet up at either the Keauhou Shopping Center or just go to the Lako gas station.”
Aries is concerned people will continue to dump unfixed cats there, adding to the feral cat over-population problem.
He also said with no food provided by volunteers, these abandoned cats will go to the restaurants and approach people to beg for scraps, as well as forage in the dumpsters. Kind people will feed them in the shopping center so they will continue to look for food there.
In response to his letter, Kamehameha Schools said “We prioritize the well-being of our community, native ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural sites. All perspectives and opinions were thoroughly considered in our decision-making process as land stewards.”
Kamehameha Schools did not respond to West Hawaii Today for a comment as of press time Saturday.
In April, Alexander and Baldwin removed cat feeders from Queen’s Marketplace over concerns that as many as a dozen nene were also eating cat food, putting the endangered fowl at risk of sickness or death.