She explained that many of the euthanized cats at the Maui Humane Society are put down because of their health, not because they’re homeless. The Maui Humane Society is responsible for countless free spay and nuetered cats.

Here at THE MAUI GOODNESS we’re glad to see people like Candy give us more information on the topic. Please read about how the Maui Humane Society is helping to remedy the Kitty Crisis on Maui and also how you can help.

See Candy’s Kitty Comment.

There are 2, among many, reasons why the Cultural Commission has failed in their thinking.

- They feel that the Halloween event takes away from the cultural identity of the town. Please keep in mind that Lahaina is as well known for its whaling than the Ali’i that used to congregate here. Does every event have to reflect ancient Hawaiian history? It’s important to continue promoting the cultural significance of an area, but shutting down a successful event just because it doesn’t directly have historical references is rediculous.

When we say “successful event” we mean to state that it is one of the more peaceful and positive celebrations in Hawaii. Opponents will refer to the 24 arrests made last year for disorderly conduct. We ask them to name any event with anywhere from 25,000-35,000 attendees where there haven’t been some bad apples. When you do the math, the fraction of disruptive individuals compared to orderly attendees is miniscual.

- The one event being granted a permit for this Halloween in Lahaina will be the Keiki Costume parade. In their thinking, Keiki’s dressed as ghosts and cowboys are far less culturally destructive than an adult wearing a similar costume. What the Commission seems to be ignoring is that with less outdoor activities, adults will be forced to spend more time in the various bars that will be holding costume contests. This will lead to more alcohol consumption and more arrests due to drunk driving and disorderly conduct. If they would continue to allow outdoor activities (where alcohol is forbidden), Lahaina is more likely to see order and cheerful behavior.

The nighttime excitement of Halloween is always positive. This atmosphere is conducive to family fun and the Aloha Spirit. Lahaina Town is famous for its gatherings through the centuries. Promoting Ohana and Aloha is the real historical significance that should be respected and upheld.

Even though the events will be trimmed down, Halloween in Lahaina, Maui will again thrive this year with vehicular traffic being traded for costumed foot traffic. Hopefully after the commission sees how their ill attempts and closing the event are ineffective, maybe they will bring back permits for the many fun activities that we’ve enjoyed for almost 2 decades.

Some of the statistics claimed are:

• There are anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000 homeless cats on Maui.
• As many as 250 cats are euthanized EVERY MONTH at the Maui Humane Society.
• The organization of 9th Life Hawaii is expected to have reduced kitten births over the next 5 years by as much as 50,000!

Our previous stance was that people should be giving money to Maui Humane Society to help. We now realize that donations would be better put towards organizations like 9th Life Hawaii that are actively working towards “No-Kill” solutions to the kitty overpopulation. If you’re in favor of non-lethal neuter/spay programs, please contribute a few bucks to 9th Life Hawaii by calling (808) 572-3499. Phyllis Tavares is the executive director and can be easily reached if you’d like to donate, volunteer or just learn more.

Mahalo Phyllis and everyone else involved for putting so much time, energy, and love into reaching out to our troubled feline friends.

Donations can also be mailed to: 9th Life Hawaii P.O. Box 476 Makawao, HI 96768

Please read the comment from Candy Aluli.  She has some very insightful information on the Maui Humane Society.

Those getting married on Maui will have no worries concerning permits for beach weddings. The permits are easy to get and very inexpensive. The initial confusion over the process spawned from the DLNR’s inability to explain how it would work. Since then, the wedding industry has been given adequate information to make the process simple. For those getting married on a Maui beach without a wedding coordinator, your chosen officiant should be able to take care of everything for you.

Meanwhile, condominium communities zoned for vacation rentals will continue to prosper as well as hotels and resorts.