Dear Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee,

This is Tess Herman of the Abandoned Vehicles and Metals Section submitting testimony on behalf of the Department of Environmental Management in regards to Bill 70. The Highway Beautification and Disposal of Abandoned or Derelict Vehicles Revolving Fund is projected to collect revenues around $1,977,728 for FY25. This is an estimate based off of how many people pay into the revolving fund, which means the total revolving fund budget could be lower. The projected expenses for projects operating within this fund, such as The Abandoned Vehicles Program, tree trimming, litter control and other illegal dumping programs are expected to expend $1,658,270 in FY25. This leaves only a projected balance of $319,458.00 in the revolving fund left. The Abandoned Vehicles and Metals Program would have limited opportunity to ask for additional funds if needs arise, such as an increase in abandoned vehicles or illegal dumping, should this roughly $300,000 be allocated to tourism-related traffic congestion. In addition, the Abandoned Vehicles and Metals Section has been working to expand programming to address illegal dumping, especially in response to the delays that residents are facing accessing the resident metals recycler Hammerhead Metals due to the influx traffic bringing in metal debris from the Lahaina wildfires. Although we are very supportive in the Council's efforts to address tourism-related traffic congestion, we are concerned that ~$300,000 may not be sufficient funding to solve such an important problem. Attaining greater funding through via a different revolving fund or from the general fund may be more advantageous.

Thank you very much,

Tess Herman
Abandoned Vehicles and Metals Section
Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division
Department of Environmental Management

Aloha Councilmembers,

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. While I am not a resident of Hawai'i, I have been so moved and encouraged by what the Lanai Cat Sanctuary is doing that I have virtually "adopted" one of the "Lanai Lions" in residence there.

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.

Mahalo,

Sandy Smith
sandekent@gmail.com
224-221-6339
Santa Rosa, CA

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

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