From: Allen Offinitz <allenoffinitz@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 12:24 PM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>; Nikki Perry <Nikki@lanaicatsanctuary.org>
Subject: Lanai Cat Sanctuary

Dear Councilmembers,

My name is Allen and Tricia Offinitz. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

This is such a valuable resource and should be a shining example of what an animal rescue should be like, plus, it brings visitors from Maui to help the tourism economy of Lanai. Please help!

Thank you,
Allen and Tricia Offinitz

From: Gary Pfrehm <grfrim@ix.netcom.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 10:08 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Lanai Cat Sanctuary Funding

Dear Councilmembers,

My name is Gary Pfrehm. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Thank you,
Gary Pfrehm

From: Amanda Bierbauer <aebierbauer@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 9:46 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lanai Feral Cat Control

Dear committee members,

My name is Amanda Bierbauer. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

I have visited the Lanai Cat Sanctuary and have seen the work they do. They are a vital organization. Please support them.

Thank you,
Amanda Bierbauer

From: Debbie Anderson <dcande01@gmail.com>
Date: April 6, 2024 at 6:22:54 PM EDT
To: Alice.Lee@mauicounty.us, Yukilei.Sugimura@mauicounty.us, Tasha.Kama@mauicounty.us, Thomas.Cook@mauicounty.us, Gabe Johnson <gabe.johnson@mauicounty.us>, Tamara.Paltin@mauicounty.us, Keani.Rawlins@mauicounty.us, Shane.Sinenci@mauicounty.us, Nohe.Uu-Hodgins@mauicounty.us, Nikki Perry <Nikki@lanaicatsanctuary.org>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lana'i Feral Cat Control

Aloha, Councilmembers,

My name is Debbie Anderson. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so that organization can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

Lana'i and the work of the Lanai Cat Sanctuary are very near and dear to me. My father was Chief Fish and Game Warden for Maui County in the 1950s. I grew up aware of how much he cared for the animals it was his duty to protect and nurture. Traveling for his job, he always came home with warm stories of his actions on Lana'i. At home in Kihei, the Anderson family provided for the feral cats in the area, and I grew up particularly with Husky and Dopey, who were just smaller, furry family members.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but it is a leader in the industry because of its progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas. Unlike some so-called nature preservation organizations that I know are active in Hawai'i, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary sees the value of all life, caring for and containing the feral cats instead of killing them. Lanai Cat Sanctuary aligns with my values, and they are wonderful, life-affirming values. I donate when I can, but the support of the Maui County Government is critical to the good work that these dedicated people do.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii who are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3 to 5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Mahalo,
Debbie Anderson

--
________________________________
Deborah C. Anderson, Esq.
Barred in the District of Columbia
Washington, DC
Phone: 202.248.9327
Fax: 202.386.6029

From: Sara Elizabeth <hawaiianislandbeth@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 2:19 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Budget for Maui County

Aloha:
Here is my emailed testimony related to the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Budget for the County of Maui.
This email acknowledges receipt of your correspondence. If you would like to officially submit your testimony to the BFED Committee, please e-mail your testimony to BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us.

Sara Beth Russell
Registered Nurse
(808)561-6478

From: Donna Lefebvre <donnabewildered@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 8:58 PM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lanai Feral Cat Control

My name is Donna Lefebvre. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats roaming protected areas. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Thank you,

Donna Lefebvre

Testimonies received from BFED Committee.

From: Joe Bergeron <jbergeron002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 11:36 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY2025 Budget for Lanai Feral Cat Control

Dear Committee,

My name is Joe Bergeron. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Thank you,
Joe Bergeron

From: drlacerte@gmail.com <drlacerte@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 9:58 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lanai Feral Cat Control - PLEASE READ FROM LANAI RESIDENT

Dear Councilmembers,

My name is Dominique Lacerte, and I’m a resident of Lana’i. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Each island should be able to use the funds designated for feral animal control as they see fit to protect the environment and the animals within. Maui and Molokai may use this for controlling the deer population, or other animals. We desperately need it to control the feral cats. Trying to fund this by private donations from our small island is impossible. And frankly we are frustrated by being tasked with doing what the government should be doing.

Thank you,

Dominique Lacerte
30B Uhaloa Place
Lanai City, HI 96763

PO Box 630372
Lanai City, HI 96763

From: diane t. <strayfeather1@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 5:44 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lanai Feral Cat Control

Dear Councilmembers,

My name is Diane Thompson. I was recently fortunate enough to visit the Lanai Cat sanctuary and it filled me with gratitude that such a compassionate and effective solution to protecting both birds and cats is in place.

I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'iFeral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Thank you,
Diane Thompson
Grateful visitor

From: Sandy Smith <sandekent@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 5:34 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lanai Feral Cat Control

Dear Committee Members,

My name is Sandy Smith. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Thank you,
Sandy Smith

From: Vacation MenehuneShores <vacationmenehune@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 5:02 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lanai Feral Cat Control

I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.
The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.
Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.
If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population.
Thank you,

--
Sharon George
Menehune Shores Vacation Rental #203
Call/text: (916) 206-3737
TA-029-636-5056-01

From: June Suppinger <jsuppin@q.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 4:51 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

Dear Councilmembers,

My name is June Suppinger. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

I'm sure you're aware of the important work that is done at the Lāna'i Cat Sanctuary, and am hoping that omitting their funding in your Fiscal Year 2025 budget was merely an oversight.

The Lāna'i Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lāna'i Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lāna'i Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Please reconsider including this vitally important Lāna'i organization to your Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

Thank you,
June Suppinger

From: karen j cohen <chaplainkarenjcohen@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2024 4:42 AM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 or More to FY25 Budget for Lana'i Feral Cat Control

Dear Councilmembers,

Aloha. My name is Reverend/Chaplain Karen j Cohen. I am not only a Minister and Hospice Chaplain for humans, but I am also a Certified Animal Chaplain. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island. If you want to know more about the success neutering/spaying has on a community I strongly suggest you go to Best Friends Animal Society at https://bestfriends.org for more information.

I am a UH graduate and was a long time resident on O'ahu and property owner on Moloka'i. After visiting the Lana'i Cat Sanctuary I have been a supporter ever since. I live off-island now but, if I can continue to support this Sanctuary I truly feel Maui County should too.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i and decimate the local wildlife. Plus, it's not healthy for the cats.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

I sincerely hope that you will do what is right for Lana'i and humane for its resident kitties. And if you can add more than the $285,000 requested, so much the better.

If you wish to speak with me please don't hesitate. My current cell# is 321-536-5984

Mahalo,
Rev/Chaplain Karen j Cohen (formerly Lie-Kwie)

chaplainkarenjcohen@gmail.com
321-536-5984

From: Tolentino, Michelle <michelle.tolentino@cbpacific.com>
Sent: Friday, April 12, 2024 11:43 PM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lana'i Feral Cat Control

Aloha Councilmembers,

My name is Michelle Tolentino and I grew up on the island of Lana’i. I am writing to kindly request that you please add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lana’i Cat Sanctuary, so that they may continue to provide feral cat services on the island.
The Lana’i Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas. Also, they lovingly took in all the cats from the devastating Lahaina fires last year and gave them a home and a second chance at life.
Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lana’i Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'I as there are only about 3,000 people and 1 small town.
If the Lana’i Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island. Many local residents and tourists from all over the world support and help care for this non-profit organization. Please join us and kokua.

Thank you so much for your time,
Michelle Tolentino-Monje

Ke Akua Pomaika’i ia oe,
MICHELLE M. TOLENTINO, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® | AHWD®, GREEN
Coldwell Banker Realty
Lic#: RS-79304
94-799 Lumiaina Street, #A1, Waikele, HI 96797
C. 808.330.9286 | O. 808.676.7200
Michelle.Tolentino@CBRealty.com
www.michelletolentino.realtor

From: cinnodvm@citlink.net <cinnodvm@citlink.net>
To: Alice.Lee@mauicounty.us <alice.lee@mauicounty.us>; Alice.Lee@mauicounty.us <alice.lee@mauicounty.us>; Yukilei.Sugimura@mauicounty.us <yukilei.sugimura@mauicounty.us>; Yukilei.Sugimura@mauicounty.us <yukilei.sugimura@mauicounty.us>; Tasha.Kama@mauicounty.us <tasha.kama@mauicounty.us>; Tasha.Kama@mauicounty.us <tasha.kama@mauicounty.us>; Thomas.Cook@mauicounty.us <thomas.cook@mauicounty.us>; Thomas.Cook@mauicounty.us <thomas.cook@mauicounty.us>; Gabe Johnson <gabe.johnson@mauicounty.us>; Tamara.Paltin@mauicounty.us <tamara.paltin@mauicounty.us>; Tamara.Paltin@mauicounty.us <tamara.paltin@mauicounty.us>; Keani.Rawlins@mauicounty.us <keani.rawlins@mauicounty.us>; Keani.Rawlins@mauicounty.us <keani.rawlins@mauicounty.us>; Shane.Sinenci@mauicounty.us <shane.sinenci@mauicounty.us>; Shane.Sinenci@mauicounty.us <shane.sinenci@mauicounty.us>; Nohe.Uu-Hodgins@mauicounty.us <nohe.uu-hodgins@mauicounty.us>; Nohe.Uu-Hodgins@mauicounty.us <nohe.uu-hodgins@mauicounty.us>; Nikki Perry <nikki@lanaicatsanctuary.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 02:03:40 AM MST
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lanai Feral Cat Control

Dear Council Members,

My name is Christina Innocenti, an avid cat lover and Veterinarian. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island. The Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a wonderful organization and has been there for the intake of the burn victims and homeless cats as a result of the Lahaina wildfires. They are a very deserving organization to receive the support and financial assistance from the county to continue the wonderful and important work that they do day in and day out to care for these kitties of Lāna'i, and now of Maui.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Christina Innocenti, DVM

From: eileen mcgovern <eileenmcgov@icloud.com>
Sent: Friday, April 12, 2024 8:06 PM
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: please fun the lanai sanctuary

hello council members,
please add funding for the lanai sanctuary. without funding for that so many cats would be running around starving, multiplying, and killing birds and for survival... it would just be inhumane. no cat wanted to be homeless. the sanctuary makes sure all cats are fixed and taken care of. they have taken in many lahaina fire cats and maui cats in general as well.
thank you, eileen mcgovern
480 kenolio rd unit 6-201, kihei.

Aloha Maui County Councilmembers,

My name is Megan Nakashima and I am the President of the Kekaulike High School Foundation, as well as the President of Pukalani Superette and a part of King Kekaulike High School's graduating class of 2003.

I am testifying in strong support of the Kekaulike High School Foundation’s Upcountry Winter Festival 2025.

The inaugural Upcountry Winter Fest took place in November 2023. The festival included a craft fair, holiday display, food trucks and booths, non-profit information booths, keiki games, and entertainment – not to mention that Santa and Mrs. Claus graced us with their presence!

Here are a few stats from 2023:
55 - Small businesses/vendors participated
9 - Kekaulike complex clubs and organizations participated from 4 of the 7 schools within the complex
60 - Volunteers came from the Upcountry community to make this festival successful
9 - Non-profit organizations provided information to festival goers on their mission and impact on the community
1,096 - Attendees were counted!!!

For the 9 Kekaulike complex clubs and organizations that participated at the food booths and keiki games, they were able to generate almost $7,000 in sales. These clubs and organizations range from Kaiapuni Class of 2024 to Pukalani Elementary School Robotics to Na Ali’i Boys Soccer. Of the other 55 vendors and small businesses this festival supported, based on our after-festival survey, the vendors were very pleased and are looking forward to coming back this year.

The Kekaulike High School Foundation aims to support the ENTIRE Kekaulike complex, through scholarships for students and grants for teachers. In 2022, their initial year of supporting the community, they have facilitated providing $8,500 in scholarships to seniors pursuing higher education and $1,000 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers. This increased in 2023 to $9,700 in scholarships, with $500 of that total coming directly from funds the Kekaulike High School Foundation was able to raise, and $250 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers.

Because of the success of the 2023 Upcountry Winter Festival, the Kekaulike High School Foundation was able to allocate $1,000 in scholarships and $1,500 in grants to Upcountry public school teachers for this year. This event also serves as the Kekaulike High School Foundation’s main fundraiser for the year.

The Kekaulike High School Foundation is working its way to making the Upcountry Winter Fest more economically self-sufficient. Given that 2025 will be its third year in existence, we will still need a little help with funding it. As an alumni and as someone that runs a small business, I can see the value in this festival. It helps to strengthen and build community. It also helps encourage alumni like me to put down roots and give back. It also provides exposure to many small businesses and helps them connect with their customers. And as a plus, it also benefits public school students and teachers.

Mahalo for the opportunity to testify in strong support of the Kekaulike High School Foundation and Upcountry Winter Festival 2025.

Megan Nakashima
Pukalani, HI

From: Nancy Sabat <njsabat@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 12, 2024 2:46:04 PM (UTC-10:00) Hawaii
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Continued funding for Lanai cat sanctuary

Dear Councilmembers,

My name is Nancy Sabat, M.D. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to 3 litters a year, with 3-5 kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Thank you,
Nancy Sabat, M.D.

From: Susie Ernest <sa_ernest@aol.com>
Sent: Friday, April 12, 2024 2:35:50 PM (UTC-10:00) Hawaii
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Please Add $285,000 to FY25 Budget for Lanai Feral Cat Control

Dear Council members,

My name is Susan Ernest. I am writing to request that you add $285,000 to the Lāna'i Feral Animal Control line item in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and award it to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so they can continue to provide feral cat services on the island.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary has not only reduced the feral cat population on Lāna'i, but they are a leader in the industry for their progressive approach to saving endangered birds by providing humane solutions for cats predating in protected areas.

Unsterilized female cats in Hawaii that are 6 months or older can have up to three litters a year, with three to five kittens per litter. Without the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, feral cats would overrun the island of Lāna'i.

If the Lanai Cat Sanctuary does not receive the funding needed to continue accepting all feral and unwanted cats, it will severely impact the progress the island of Lāna'i has made in controlling the feral cat population and protecting the native and endangered birds on the island.

Thank you,
Susan Ernest