Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

Hawaii Island Humane Society has finalized acquisition of approximately 12 acres in Kona, which will give the animal shelter much more room.

Executive Director Donna Whitaker said the Kona operation is moving to the former Kona Fuku Bonsai Center on Mamalahoa Highway.

This will help the organization better fulfill its vision and mission to prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation and enhance the bond between humans and animals.

During the next couple of months, the HIHS board of directors will formulate a strategic plan to determine a property occupancy timeline, a phased-in plan and to discuss launch of a capital campaign to finance their vision.

“Hawaii Island Humane Society has long outgrown the capacities of the aging Kona Shelter. The new center will one day offer more sheltering, adoptions, spay and neuters, and ultimately help us to save more lives,” board president Susy Ruddle said.

Whitaker said the new property has three existing structures to serve as a reception area and animal housing.

The property also will have room for rescue horses and large animals, which currently are housed at the Waimea shelter adjacent to the airfield.

One of Whitaker’s first priorities will be establishing a dog park, which will be open to the public.

For now, the Kona Shelter will operate as normal at its existing location at 74-5225 Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

More information about the land acquisition will be shared Friday, May 6 at HIHS’s annual fundraiser Tropical Paws.

— Find out more:
www.HIHS.org