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Prior to former Gov. Linda Lingle's term, Maui and Hawai'i in general, had no pet problems like current negative issues.
The four-month-long quarantine period imposed deterred mainland owners from bringing (and later releasing) dogs, cats and exotic birds into the state.
Hawai'i's own fauna was able to survive and thrive. Po'i dogs on island were valued as working ranch dogs for herding and hunting, and stayed with their owners for life.
But next the governor, without public input, dropped the quarantine, allowing for the current invasive problems.
Why she was ever allowed to do this is obvious, via encouragement from the pet business and products.
Now, pets are released. Flocks of parrots strip fruit trees, horribly cruel and illegal puppy mills flourish, and pit bulls are in ring fights.
Results include injuries to humans, and some deaths via mauling. Irresponsible owners allow for unsanitary dog excrement in public parks, beaches and sidewalks. Indigenous wildlife/birds suffer to the point of extinction via (once pets) now feral cats devouring fledglings on shoreline, rocky nesting areas.
By the way, Cat Scratch Fever is a real malady, spread via cat scratches and pricks, as cat claws carry fecal residue since they tend to bury their feces.
The original quarantine law should be reimposed to "put the genie back into the bottle."
Anna Barbeau
Mā'alaea