ACTION 4 ANIMALS HAWAII
Feeding Community Cats
What's a community cat?
A cat that lives outdoors and is not owned by a single person, but is cared for—formally or informally—by one or more people in the community. These cats may be unsocialized, semi-social, or friendly strays. They often live in groups called colonies and typically rely on food, shelter, or medical care provided by local caregivers. These are called "managed colonies".
Sadly, in Hawaii, many of the community cats are actually "dumped" or relocated pets.
Is it legal to feed a community cat?
You might have heard of "Bill 51" which was recently approved by the Hawaii County Council despite overwhelming opposition. While we can't change that bill, we can clarify what it does and does not cover.
BILL 51 DOES NOT:
- Take effect till January 1, 2026
- Prohibit any feeding on private property
- Prevent any TNR activities on private property
BILL 51 DOES:
- After January 1, 2026, limit feeding on Hawaii County property (except though "authorized" programs which are currently undefined)
- After January 1, 2026, limit TNR activities on Hawaii County property (except though "authorized" programs which are currently undefined)
Feeding and TNR on state property was already regulated per DLNR.
Please be aware of any endangered or threatened species wherever you are feeding. Be a good citizen and remove all plates, extra food, and keep our island clean.
We highly recommend carrying a copy of Bill 51 with you no matter where you are feeding cats, to assure other people also understand the bill and its limitations.
Other Helpful Info
How to use a cat trap for TNR
Lost and Found Cat Resources
Spay/Neuter Resources
How to register a microchip (coming soon!)