The Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Board of Directors has decided to not respond to the County of Hawaii’s Request for Proposals for Animal Control Services for Hawaii Island. The present County contract between the Hawaii County Police Department and Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS) expires on June 30, 2020.

“The Hawaii Island Humane Society has been providing animal control services to Hawaii Island with three shelters in Keaau, Waimea and Kona for many years and the decision to not bid on the County contract did not come easily. With the opening of our new Animal Community Center in Kona and with plans underway to renovate our Keaau facility to help more animals in need, we felt it was time to turn our attention from Animal Control to increasing community outreach programs and services.  We will continue to promote humane education in schools, to share our dog parks for people and pets to enjoy and we will continue to work with dedicated volunteers, fosters and donors to improve the lives of pets around the island,” said HIHS Board Chair Adam Atwood.

“Compassionate care for animals is our priority and Hawaii Island Humane Society will work with Hawaii County Police Department on a smooth transition to a new entity.”

HIHS CEO Dr. Beth Jose says the 55-year-old nonprofit organization will vacate its current Kona site across from the Kona Police Station in July, and relocate to its new headquarters on Mamalahoa Highway in Keahou Mauka. Two dog parks, one for big dogs, one for small, are already in operation at the Keauhou Mauka site.  HIHS plans to provide outreach for more spaying and neutering in the community through it shelters, plus with a mobile Spay & Neuter ‘Waggin.  Dr. Jose says currently HIHS performs 4500 to 5500 spay and neuter surgeries annually.

The new facility includes a Welcome Center, Education Amphitheatre, Administration Building, Cat Barn, Doggie Dorms, and an Adoption Square.   Dr. Jose says the new facility doubles their capacity for dogs and triples their capacity for cats An Education Center is under construction and will be completed later this year.

The next phase includes a state-of-the-art Veterinary Center that will allow the Hawaii Island Humane Society added capacity to grow the spay and neuter program. Construction on the Vet Center begins later this year.

To adopt or foster a pet, volunteer or donate to the Hawaii Island Humane Society go online to hihs.org for more information, or call 808-329-1175.

Photo is the new Hawaii Island Humane Society large dog park, courtesy Jean Ann Hewitt.