Public Forum to Address Issue of Feral Cats and Chickens

(Unfortunately Scheduled for the same time as the SIerra Club’s Talk’n Trash forum which will discuss the planned waste to energy plant and other solid waste issues on Maui.)

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawai`i – The issue of feral cats and chickens will be addressed during a public forum being held next week by the Office of the Mayor in partnership with Maui Humane Society (MHS) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The forum will be held on Wednesday, September 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium, 95 Mahalani Street, Wailuku. Public testimony will be accepted at the meeting, and the public is also encouraged to send in questions ahead of time via email to communications@mauicounty.gov.

Mayor Alan Arakawa said he is pleased that MHS is working closely with HSUS and other community groups to take important steps in addressing this concern among Maui residents.

“Feral chickens and cats have become a significant problem in our community, and both residents and visitors are impacted by the effects of these feral populations,” Mayor Arakawa said. “However, each feral group presents unique challenges and it is imperative that well-researched control methods are employed in a strategic and humane manner. It is my hope that this discussion will lead to workable solutions.”

Leading the discussion will be a group of Humane Society visiting wildlife scientists and Humane Society officials including:

· John Hadidian, Ph.D., Senior Scientist Wildlife & Habitat Protection, The Humane Society of the United States;

· John Boone, Ph.D., Senior Biologist, Great Basin Bird Observatory Biostatistical Consultant, Humane Society International, Scientific Advisory Board, Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs;

· Inga Gibson, Hawaii Director, The Humane Society of the United States;

· Jocelyn Bouchard, CEO, Maui Humane Society;

· Robert Parsons, Environmental Coordinator, Maui County Mayor’s Office.

Members of the media are invited to attend the forum. For more information, contact the Maui Humane Society at (808) 877-3680.