Spay Day Rally Saturday at Mo`oheau Bandstand

A non-profit organization dedicated to providing low-cost spay and neutering programs will be holding another rally and fundraiser at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Mo`oheau Bandstand in downtown Hilo.

The Spay Day Rally is coordinated by Hui Pono Holoholona and includes music, an “ask a veterinarian” booth and silent auction.

Auction items include restaurant and store certificates, a helicopter tour, zipline rides, a snorkel cruise and more.

Early bids are being accepted on the items up to 2 p.m. Saturday by calling 968-8279, emailing email@hphhawaii.org, with bidding to conclude at the rally.

 A list of the items up for auction, along with the musical lineup, is available at the organization’s website at www.hphhawaii.org.

Hui Pono Holoholona is an all-volunteer group which organizes low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Its mission is to prevent dog and cat overpopulation.

The organization notes that each year more than 13,000 domestic and wild animals are euthanized on the Big Island, and thousands more are abandoned or lost.

Hui Pono Holoholona is also an advocate for “trap, neuter and release” programs for abandoned and feral cats. The organization works with tourist businesses, hotels and others to establish healthy colonies of sterilized cats.

The efforts include not only neutering of the animals but also vaccinations and relocation efforts.

For years Hui Pono Holoholona has been instrumental in caring for a cat colony at the Keaau Transfer Station, but has been told by landowner W.H. Shipman that the service must stop by June 1.