|
Kokua Line June Watanabe |
Law does not
limit number
of cats as petsQuestion: Is there any kind of state law about the numbers of outside cats in a residential area? Where I live, there is a "kind" lady (kind to cats, not to neighbors) who persists in feeding cats and they reproduce faster than they can be neutered. There are probably 30 to 50 cats. They don't live inside, they live outside -- in the driveway, on the walkway, on the porch, on the roof -- all over her property. She has had a few neutered, but new cats keep showing up and she refuses to take them to the humane society because she doesn't want them killed.
Answer: Although the city specifically restricts the number of dogs -- maximum of 10 over the age of four months -- and chickens -- maximum two -- in a residential area, there is no such restriction on cats.
"There is no limit on the number of cats one can own as long as they are adequately cared for," said KT Haase, of the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Neither is there a limit on the number of birds or other companion animals.
However, "if someone owns (or cares for) a cat, they have to provide it with identification and if the cat is allowed outside unsupervised, the cat must be sterilized," Haase said
If there is a health problem, such as with excessive fleas, urine or feces on any property, Haase said you should report it to the state Office of Vector Control, at 528-0506.
Your neighbor might qualify for the Hawaiian Humane Society's Feral Cat Sterilization Program, in which cats are sterilized at no charge.
However, the program is set up for people who care for a colony of stray or feral cats -- it's not for "household" cats. Your neighbor can call 946-2187, extension 285, for more information.
If cats coming onto your property are a problem, you can borrow a "humane trap" from the society. There is no charge, but you are required to put down a deposit, which is refundable when you return the trap. The humane society will not set the trap. You are allowed to trap the animal only on your property, Haase said.
If the captured cat does not have a microchip or is not claimed, it will be euthanized.
The bottom line is that people, with or without pets, should "remember to be a good neighbor," Haase said. But, "there's no law that forces you to be a good neighbor."
Q: What happened to the 9th Avenue Bakery and where did the baker go?
A: We haven't been able to find out why the popular Kaimuki bakery closed a couple of years ago. If any Kokua Line reader knows or has a lead on the couple who ran it, please call 529-4773 and leave a message.
In 2000, Star-Bulletin Food Editor Betty Shimabukuro wrote about the best neighborhood bakeries, among them 9th Avenue Bakery. She noted that the bake shop was opened by Chosei Zukeran in 1934, taken over by his son, Robert, then by grandson, Greg, and his wife, Sharon.
The bakery was known for its buttercups, large cupcakes filled with custard, haupia cream and other fillings; long johns; cinnamon rolls; cake doughnuts; and hot cross buns.
|
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
E-mail to kokualine@starbulletin.com
