In a significant move to preserve Hawaiʻi Island's fragile ecosystems and honor Native Hawaiian cultural values, the Hawaiʻi County Council passed Bill 51, the legislation prohibiting the feeding of feral and stray animals such as cats, pigs, goats, and chickens on all County-owned or managed properties. Bill 51 focuses on public spaces, including County parks, beaches, and facilities where populations of introduced species often congregate due to people feeding them and other inviting conditions. The bill assigned as Ordinance No. 25-63 will take effect on January 1, 2026.

“This is a powerful step for protecting Hawaiʻi's highly endangered birds,” said Chris Farmer, Hawai‘i Program Director for American Bird Conservancy (ABC). “The iconic Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose), Endangered ‘Alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian Coot), Endangered ‘Ua‘u (Hawaiian Petrel), and other seabirds nest on the ground, so are extremely vulnerable to introduced mammals. The Hawaiian Islands have the highest number of endangered birds of any U.S. state, and tragically, eight were declared extinct in 2023. This decisive action will help our species recover, ensuring these birds remain for our keiki (children) and future generations.” 

ABC and partners, along with many residents and cultural leaders, have been advocating for Bill 51 since its start. At the core of the bill lies a deep resonance with Native Hawaiian values of mālama ʻāina (care and respect for the land). 

The issue of feral cat management is especially pressing in Hawai‘i, because outdoor cats are known predators of many imperiled Hawaiian bird species. They have also significantly contributed to the decline of the Nēnē through exposure to toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease that affects a wide variety of species, including the Endangered Hawaiian monk seal, other wildlife, domestic animals, and people. Feeding not only supports feral cats but also other invasive animals, including rats and pigs, that damage park infrastructure and pose serious risks to public health. Cutting off food sources on County lands is essential to reducing feral populations and safeguarding wildlife.

One testifier described the feeding of feral cats on County lands as “irreversible harm to our manu (birds),” underlining that this isn't anti-cat sentiment, but an expression of caring for ancestral heritage, land, and species alike.

Councilmember Rebecca Villegas emphasized the perspective that feral cats, as a human-introduced species, have imbalanced Hawaiʻi Island's ecosystem. This legislation, she asserted, is about rebalancing and honoring the voices of Native Hawaiians.

“While we appreciate cats as pets and acknowledge the important role pet cats play in many people's lives, it is clear that the continued presence of feral cats in parks and neighborhoods is having detrimental impacts on people and wildlife,” said Grant Sizemore, ABC's Director of Invasive Species Programs. “We hope that other lawmakers draw inspiration from this decision.”

Each year, outdoor cats kill approximately 2.4 billion birds in the U.S. alone, and feral cats introduced to islands worldwide have contributed to the extinction of 33 species. 

With the bill officially passed, ABC and partners are ready to support implementation, ensuring County outdoor spaces remain both safe and respectful of native flora, fauna, and traditions, uplifting stewardship that resonates with Hawaiʻi's ecological and cultural values.

“When we feed invasive species, we invite imbalance,” said Ben Catcho, Communications and Outreach Specialist for ABC. “It's encouraging to see communities across Hawaiʻi uniting and demanding stronger measures to remove invasive species and ensure our native wildlife has a future. This bill is a step towards restoration and pono (proper) stewardship of our shared spaces.”

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American Bird Conservancy (ABC) takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet's fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us! Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.

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