Relating To Animal Control.

Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the Committee,

I am writing in strong support of HB 1736, which advances responsible pet ownership while addressing Hawaiʻi’s ongoing cat overpopulation crisis.

HB 1736 takes a practical and balanced approach by requiring pet cats to be spayed or neutered by five months of age, with reasonable exceptions, while also establishing funding to help cat owners afford sterilization services. Importantly, the bill clearly states that these funds may not be used to sterilize and release cats into the environment.

Uncontrolled breeding of pet cats continues to contribute to high numbers of stray and feral cats across the state. As an introduced predator, free roaming cats pose a well documented threat to Hawaiʻi’s native wildlife, particularly ground nesting and forest birds. Hawaiʻi already has the highest number of endangered bird species in the United States, and predation by cats remains a significant pressure on their recovery.

Cat overpopulation also creates challenges for animal control agencies, shelters, veterinarians, and communities. Large unmanaged populations are associated with increased animal suffering, public health concerns, and the spread of diseases that affect people, pets, and wildlife. Preventing unintended breeding at the household level is one of the most effective ways to reduce these impacts over time.

HB 1736 focuses on prevention, not punishment. By supporting responsible pet ownership and providing financial assistance for sterilization, this bill helps protect animals while reducing long term costs to taxpayers and local governments.

I respectfully urge the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems to pass HB 1736 and move this bill forward. Mahalo for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,