At Solution 2003 the survey results provided us with the top 3 animals of concern and the top 3 concerns. Through our workshop time we brainstormed and came up with the outline below and the Solutions. We elected a new chairperson for Animal Control, created a committed Task Force and set a date for the next meeting.

Animal Control (24 people participated)
Top 3 issues:
Rodents
Dogs
Cats

1. Rodents
Barrier Identified: Over population

• Available food sources i.e. pet food left out Solution: feeding schedule, removal of food
• Lack of information Solution: create partnerships and public campaign to educate public
• Effects bird population Solution: reduce population through eradication programs
  Impacts Health by spreading disease through urine i.e. leptosporasis and contaminates water sources Solution: Raise awareness of community
• Improper composting Solution: the Green Machine or contained system
• Vacant lots Solution: reduce population through traps and eradication programs

Organize the Task Force to provide education via newspaper, flyers, schools, etc. Through collaboration with organizations and the community at large

Collaborators
Vector Control
Humane Society
Department of Health
Department of Education
Neighborhood Watch Groups/Community associations

2. Dogs
Barrier Identified: Irresponsibility

• Dogs running loose Solution: Containment, awareness of leash laws, stricter laws, grants for dog traps, having prison make dog traps, sharing plans for dog traps, sharing dog traps
• Noise Solution: Communication and Mediation skills, enforceable county codes
• Inhumane treatment Solution: Educational awareness for community and in schools
• Waste Solution: raise awareness and county codes
• Poorly written laws Solution: rewrite current codes and Laws
• Knowing who to call Solution: information shared with community
• Dogs attacking dogs and people Solution: Stricter Laws and more enforcement manpower, mandatory reporting

Task Force to create and disseminate information to educate community and supports Legislation that will provide safe and healthy practices that support responsible dog ownership.

Collaborators:
Humane Society
Police
Prosecutors
Hunting Clubs
West Hawaii Meditation Service
Neighborhood Watches/ Associations
Department of Education
Prison
Charter Schools
County Resource Center
Planning Department

3. Cats
Barrier Identified: Containment

• Too many Solution: Use of traps, partnership with prisons to make traps, sharing traps, increase available spade and neutering programs
• Feeding Solution: organize program
• Insufficient laws Solution: support legislation
• Abandoned Solution: I.D. Tags
• Feral population Solution: Increase spade and neutering programs, increase traps
• Spreads disease Solution: educate community on health practices

Task Force to increase education, legislation and partnerships that provide practices that included, Cat I.D., increase use of traps, and responsible ownership.

Collaborators:
Humane Society
Prosecutors
Neighborhood Watches/ Community Associations
Advo Cat
Prison
DOE
Department of Health
Charter Schools
County Resource Center
Planning Department