The Maui Humane Society is Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

Picture Credit to Maui Humane Society

The Maui Humane Society is Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

The Maui Humane Society is overcoming challenges with innovation. Recent events have presented challenges to the Maui Humane Society which has long served the Maui community and its animals in need. As recently reported in a news article by KITV Island News, Federal funding cuts that impact its ability to care for animals and a growing number of pets surrendered due to housing issues are some of the new challenges that the shelter is facing.  Maui Humane Society is responding to these challenges with innovative answers and community outreach programs like Dog on Demand and Kama’āina Beach Buddies which are making a significant difference in the lives of shelter dogs and the people who care for them. They are also partnering with other community organizations like the Lanai Cat Sanctuary.

Funding Challenges and Their Impact

The Maui Humane Society recently suffered a significant cut to its budgeted revenue when federal funding from the National Dislocated Workers Grant program was unexpectedly cut. This program had employed Lahaina wildfire survivors, providing crucial support for both the workers and the shelter’s daily operations. With the loss of three full-time employees, the already resource-strapped organization now faces even greater difficulties in maintaining the level of care required for nearly 5,000 animals annually.

Lisa Labrecque, CEO of the Maui Humane Society, expressed the severity of the situation, emphasizing that “every single team member is essential for us to be able to provide the care that our animals need.” The funding cuts not only impact the shelter’s ability to staff its operations but also place additional strain on already displaced Lahaina families who relied on these jobs for stability.

Rep. Jill Tokuda, representing Maui, has vowed to fight for the reinstatement of these funds, highlighting the inhumane nature of cutting jobs for wildfire victims who are already experiencing trauma. Other organizations, like the Hawaiian Humane Society, have also voiced concerns that these cuts could increase demand for pet support services statewide.

Dog on Demand and Kama’āina Beach Buddies

Despite these financial setbacks, the Maui Humane Society continues to find innovative ways to improve the well-being of its animals. Hawaii Public Radio in a recent article provided great information on two standout programs, Dog on Demand and Kama’āina Beach Buddies, allow shelter dogs to escape the stressful kennel environment while also increasing their chances of adoption.

These programs invite visitors and local residents to take shelter dogs on outings, whether to the beach, a hiking trail, or a dog-friendly restaurant. The benefits of these outings are twofold: the dogs get a break from their confined living spaces, and they are exposed to potential adopters in a more relaxed and natural environment.

Makena Sullivan, a dedicated volunteer, describes the impact of these programs: “My absolute favorite part about it is the first time you go up to their kennel and pick up their harness and their leash, and they act like it’s the best day of their lives.” For many of these dogs, a simple afternoon out can be a game-changer in their behavior and adoptability.

The initiative has gained national recognition, with the Maui Humane Society leading workshops at over 40 shelters across the country. The program’s success has inspired similar initiatives elsewhere, helping shelters nationwide ease overcrowding and improve animal welfare.

The Growing Need for Community Support

The continued affordable housing crunch on Maui has increased the number of pet surrenders further pushing the shelter toward maximum capacity. Approximately 25% of recent surrenders are due to owners being unable to find pet-friendly housing. It is a heartbreaking reality that forces people to choose between a home and their beloved pet.

To combat this issue, the Maui Humane Society has been working with landlords and renters to facilitate pet-friendly housing arrangements, offering financial assistance for pet deposits and insurance. But with limited funding, community support is crucial to sustain these efforts.

How You Can Help

The Maui Humane Society continues to rely on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and advocates to carry out its mission. Here’s how you can support their work:

• Volunteer: Sign up for the Dog on Demand or Kama’āina Beach Buddies programs to give a dog a much-needed break from the shelter.
• Donate: Financial contributions help the shelter provide food, medical care, and housing for animals in need.
• Adopt or Foster: If you have space in your home and heart, consider adopting or fostering an animal to reduce overcrowding.
• Advocate: Contact state and federal representatives to push for the reinstatement of funding for programs that support displaced workers and animal welfare.
• Support their community partners like the Lanai Cat Sanctuary and the Cat Café Maui by visiting the Cat Sanctuary on Lanai and the Cat Café’s location on Maui.

In response to the challenges, the Maui Humane Society remains steadfast in its mission to care for Maui’s animals, one dog at a time. As long as the community continues to rally around this essential organization the future will be brighter future for both the animals and the people who love them.

Sources: Maui Humane Society, KITV Island News and Hawaiian Public Radio.

Day-Trip to Lāna‘i

A day-trip to Lānaʻi is an easy ferry ride from Maui, departing from Maalaea Harbor.  You can book your day trip itinerary with Lost on Lānaʻi that includes your round trip Maui to Lānaʻi ferry and transfers at the same price as doing it independently. With the added time saving convenience of not having to book the ferry and call the shuttle yourself. Visit the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary, Lāna‘i City or Hulopo‘e Beach.

Have you visited Lānaʻi or have questions about a day-trip?  Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

(Picture Credit to Maui Humane Society.)