The Oahu Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Oahu SPCA) broke ground on
Hawaii’s largest animal shelter at noon on Monday.
Click here to watch Paula Akana's report.
It’s
located on 2.2 acres in Kahaluu surrounded by 18 acres of preservation
land. The facility will be able to house more than 300 animals each day.
It will also include a pond for abandoned fish (ex: Japanese koi), to
be built by the USDA’s National Resource Conservation Service.
“We
will be housing rescue koi fish that live 200 years and also providing a
breeding ground for endangered birds and other wildlife,” said
Stephanie Ryan, Oahu SPCA President.
In addition, there will be a predator fence and within the one-acre pond will be an island for safe refuge.
Oahu
SPCA is continuing to look for donations to help. It was made possible
by state grants totaling $535,000 that Representative Scott Saiki and
others pushed for.
“The legislature really wanted to support
organizations that provide animal welfare services,” said Rep. Saiki.
“This one was particularly important because it’s a no-kill shelter.”
According
to Ryan, once the concrete pier foundation is up, their structures can
go up in eight days. They are hoping to be open in the next few months.
Currently, there are about 170 animals at the facility in Kalaeloa, all
anxious for a permanent home.
“It’s important to have a permanent
home for those who care for the homeless, so we are very blessed that we
have such an amazing property and support of the community to make this
dream come true,” said Ryan.
To learn more about the new shelter or to make a donation, visit the “As Seen On” section of KITV.com.
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