WATCH: Hawaiʻi County hosts first Animal Control and Protection Summit

About 100 people representing Hawaiʻi County departments and community organizations recently participated in the first Animal Control and Protection Summit.

The summit was hosted by Hawaiʻi County Animal Control and Protection Agency and the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Mayor on Feb. 27 at Kahilu Town Hall in Waimea. It brought together county officials and community members in an effort to improve public safety, animal welfare and community well-being.

More than 15 animal welfare organizations from around Hawaiʻi Island attended, focusing on cats and dogs, with their input to be used for development of a Hawaiʻi County Animal Control and Protection Agency strategic plan. The agency was established in 2023.

“As our newest department, we want to provide the Animal Control and Protection Agency with a strong foundation, and that starts with listening to the community,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda in a release detailing the summit. “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 Hawaiʻi County Animal Control and Protection Agency, animal emergency preparedness and other topics.

Attendees participated in group discussions at the end of the summit to identify Hawaiʻi County Animal Control and Protection Agency 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 Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society Chief Executive Officer Lauren Nickerson in the release.

Joining the panel discussions were representatives from the state of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi County Animal Control and Protection Agency, Hawaiʻi Police Department and Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

The mayor’s office extends a special mahalo to Hawaiʻi County Council Chairperson Holeka Inaba for providing snacks and refreshments, council member Heather Kimball for providing lunch and council member James Hustace for his support and participation.