‘We must do all we can’: State wants new protections for native wildlife

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – To protect threatened and endangered indigenous wildlife across the islands, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced proposed changes to state law on Tuesday.

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In a press release, DLNR said the proposed amendments would:

Feral animals, particularly cats, are a major point of contention under these proposals.

Tracy, a regular at Kakaako Waterfront Park—which is not on DLNR land—has been feeding feral cats there for years.

“They definitely want companionship,” Tracy, who did not want to share his last name, said of his cat companions at the park.

On Tuesday, Tracy treated a trio of cats to ahi. He said he is among several volunteers who care for the felines at Kakaako Waterfront.

“Everyone has a favorite group of cats that they take care of,” he added.

But other parkgoers argue cat lovers are feeding a growing problem.

“I think it’s abhorrent,” Todd Danderidge said. “I think it’s wrong.”

Tracy believes his feline friends were once house pets, and notes that caretakers regularly trap, neuter, and release the animals to control the population.

However, longtime environmental attorney David Henkin of Earthjustice warned of the severe ecological impact.

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“They have a big heart and that’s good. But you can do a lot of harm,” Henkin said. He pointed out that cats are active predators to native birds and can spread toxoplasmosis, which is a known killer of critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals.

While Henkin supports DLNR’s goals, he admitted some of the proposed draft language is confusing.

“They have some language in here and I’m just looking…I don’t know what that means,” Henkin added.

To help clarify the changes, Henkin plans to submit feedback to the department and is encouraging others to do the same.

Native bird advocate Sabra Kauka also voiced strong backing for the initiative.

“I am fully supportive of protecting our indigenous wildlife. We must do all we can to support these native species,” Kauka said.

DLNR will host a public meeting on the proposals next Thursday and is accepting testimony until Aug. 26.

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