Feral Cats, Chickens Subject of Maui Forum

Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A public forum focusing on issues surrounding feral cats and chickens on Maui, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium in Wailuku.

County officials announced the planned meeting today saying it is being run in between the Office of the Mayor, the Maui Humane Society, and the Humane Society of the United States.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said he is pleased steps are being taken to address this concern and issued the following statement:

“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; 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.”

Individuals identified to participate in the discussion include:

• Rob Parsons, Environmental Coordinator, with the Maui County Office of the Mayor;
• Jocelyn Bouchard, CEO of the Maui Humane Society;
• Inga Gibson, Hawaiʻi Director of the Humane Society of the United States;
• John Hadidian, Ph.D., Senior Wildlife Scientist with the Humane Society; and
• 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.

County officials say public testimony will be accepted at the meeting.  Members of the public can also send in questions ahead of time via email to communications@mauicounty.gov, according to the announcement.

***Supporting information courtesy County of Maui, Office of the Mayor.