A nonprofit organization is exploring the possibility of building a large-scale sanctuary for feral and homeless cats on Oahu’s agricultural land, next to the former Crawford Convalescent Home.
The organization, Popoki Place, has been granted a right of entry (ROE) by the state, allowing it to conduct a three-month investigation of the property. During this period, the nonprofit can gather data, conduct surveys, and map out the area, but no construction or ground-disturbing activities will take place.
In a submission to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Land Division, Popoki Place outlined its long-term plans for the sanctuary, which would include multiple fenced enclosures for the cats. The facility would primarily focus on housing cats relocated from areas where the state is concerned about the impact of feral cats on protected wildlife. Additionally, the sanctuary aims to serve as an educational resource, teaching both children and adults about Hawaii’s delicate ecosystem.
The proposed sanctuary would feature fenced enclosures, a visitor center, offices, caretaker housing, a spay-neuter clinic, parking, utilities, and an approved wastewater system. After the due diligence phase, the nonprofit will assess whether the property is suitable for the sanctuary. If it is, Popoki Place will need to comply with environmental regulations and other legal requirements before submitting a formal request for a lease from the state.
While the exact number of feral cats on Oahu is unknown, the Nene Research and Conservation group estimates that between 196,227 and 265,179 non-housed cats currently inhabit the island.
DLNR Chair Dawn Chang has expressed openness to considering the use of public lands for a sanctuary that could house cat colonies found near sensitive coastal and forest areas. These colonies pose a significant threat to endangered species due to predation and the spread of diseases like Toxoplasmosis. The proposed sanctuary aims to offer a solution that benefits both the feral cat population and Hawaii’s native wildlife.
