How to Submit Testimony for HB1736 HD2

Support Effective Cat Population Management in Hawaiʻi

The Hawaiʻi Legislature allows residents to submit written testimony online. Submitting testimony only takes a few minutes.

We support the goal of HB1736 to expand spay and neuter services, but the bill needs one important amendment to ensure sterilization programs can actually reduce outdoor cat populations.

You can help by submitting testimony asking the Legislature to allow sterilized community cats to return to their colony after surgery.

Submitting testimony only takes about 3 minutes

Step 1: Go to the HB1736 Bill Page

Visit the official bill page:

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov

In the search bar, type:

HB1736

Click the bill titled:

HB1736 – Relating to Animal Control

Step 2: Click “Submit Testimony”

On the bill page you will see a button labeled:

Submit Testimony

Click this button to begin.

Step 3: Log In or Create an Account

The testimony system requires a free account.

If you do not already have one:

• click Create an Account
• enter your name and email
• confirm your email

This only takes about one minute.

Step 4: Select Your Position

Choose:

Comments

(or Support with amendments if available)

Step 5: Copy/Paste Your Testimony

You can write your own testimony or copy and modify the template below.

Sample Testimony For HB1736

Aloha Chair and Members of the Committee,

I support the goal of HB1736 HD2 to expand spay and neuter services in Hawaiʻi.

However, sterilization programs for free-roaming cats must be able to return cats to their territory after surgery.

Outdoor cats reproduce in the environments where they live, and sterilization programs must reach these populations to prevent future breeding.

Cats are territorial animals. When territorial animals are removed, new animals can move into the same area and reproduction continues.

When sterilized cats remain in their territory, they prevent new breeding and populations gradually decline.

Please amend HB1736 to allow sterilized community cats to return to their colony after surgery.

Mahalo.

Step 6: Submit

Click Submit Testimony.

Your testimony will become part of the public legislative record.

Why This Amendment Matters

Scientific population management shows that:

• Population growth is driven by reproduction
• Territorial animals removed from an area are often replaced
• Sterilized animals occupying territory prevent new breeding

If sterilized community cats cannot return to their territory, sterilization programs cannot reach the outdoor population where reproduction occurs.

Learn More

For more information and scientific background, visit:  https://www.hawaiianimaladvocacy.org/hb1736

Please Share

If you care about effective and humane cat population management in Hawaiʻi, please share this page so others can submit testimony.

Every voice helps inform policymakers!