Posted on: Saturday, September 4, 2004
Deadline passes, animal shelter remains
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
WAIMANALO — The deadline for the Sylvester Foundation to move from its location has passed, but the no-kill animal shelter remains at the site as its director tries to work out a solution with the state. In the meantime the group is seeking temporary homes for more than 300 animals under its care.
To offer animals a temporary home call 259-0064. Urgency is high because a new lessee is ready to move onto the present shelter site after winning a $36,500 per year lease bid for the property in late June. Winning bidder Landscape Hawaii has paid the state $20,000 for the property and was expected to move in last Wednesday, said Kyle Ushijima, company president.
"I'm waiting to hear from the state," Ushijima said yesterday.
The state has not pressed the foundation to move, but the foundation is calling people and looking for temporary homes until relocation plans are resolved, said Douglas Crozier, attorney for the foundation.
"We're working cooperatively in trying to find a solution that will save these animals," said Crozier, who said he is not charging the foundation.
The Sylvester Foundation has operated a no-kill animal shelter for about eight years, taking in all kinds of animals and unwanted pets. Its lease expired this year and the state put the shelter's 20-acre parcel up for bid, but not before offering the foundation a new home site on Saddle City Road.
"We continue to work on a constructive solution," said DLNR Deputy Director Dan Davidson.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
Uncertainty looms over the Foundation, which was to move from one Waimanalo location to another, both owned by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The new location has no facilities and needs considerable upgrades, including a caretaker's cottage, pens for animals and a storage room.
How to help
