Maui Humane Society agrees to lease three acres from the Mahi Pono agricultural group to expand its operation on the Valley Isle.
Recently, Maui Humane Society ("MHS") took an important step in expanding its services. The nonprofit organization entered into a long-term lease agreement to rent three acres of land from Mahi Pono. Mr. Shan Tsutsui, the company's Senior Vice President of Operations, met with MHS's Executive Director in December 2020, to complete the transaction. He indicated Mahi Pono welcomes the opportunity to make land available to the animal shelter under favorable terms (a $1 per year lease for the next 60 years).
An Important Community Mission
The Chief Executive Officer of MHS, Steve MacKinnon, envisions the provision of numerous services by the organization in the future. He hopes to address problems created by feral cats on Maui, for example. Additionally, his administration would like to expand educational programs available to the public through the organization. He also hopes to develop a pet food bank and other resources to assist low-income households on Maui in caring for pets.
The expansion of the Maui Humane Society grounds offers exciting opportunities for the nonprofit organization to extend important services to the local community. In addition to furnishing additional housing and exercise space for pets in the care of the shelter, the extra space may permit the expansion of public educational and veterinary care facilities. Mr. MacKinnon believes this step will ultimately result in the preservation of many animal lives.
Steve MacKinnon: Maui Humane Society's New CEO
Mr. MacKinnon accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer at MHS after spending five years as a chief law enforcement officer for the San Diego Humane Society. Previously, he enjoyed a successful 38-year career in law enforcement. He holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Public Administration. The previous CEO of MHS, Jerleen Bryant, resigned from leading the organization in order to work for a private foundation.
Steve MacKinnon led the nonprofit organization during some of its most challenging months during 2020. The global pandemic reportedly resulted in an increase in the number of pets requiring assistance due to homelessness. Some households on Maui experienced difficulty supporting their animals during the pandemic, a crisis that resulted in numerous business shutdowns and closures. Mr. MacKinnon hopes in the future MHS will have the resources to conduct educational programs for landlords. He would like the chance to discuss some of the positive aspects of renting realty to tenants who maintain companion animals.
Creative Fundraising Efforts
The proposed expansion of the Maui Humane Society came one step closer to realization with the acquisition of affordable rental acreage. In order to achieve its plans to furnish more services to pets and pet owners on Maui, the animal shelter will likely conduct fundraising campaigns in the near future. Its new CEO seeks to forge strong links with the community during this process.
During the past two years, the nonprofit offered a popular event entitled the "Bad Pet Art Fundraiser." For a modest $20 donation, staff members and volunteers created portraits of pets using donor photos. Jenny Miller, the organization's Director of Development and Marketing, described the popular campaign as "fun" for everyone. She noted residents of Maui responded enthusiastically and generously to efforts to raise funds for the animal shelter.
A Bright Future
The acquisition of additional long-term rental acreage represents a significant step forward in plans to enhance MHS. The facility will certainly require the ongoing support of the local community in order to implement its programs. However, this effort represents a win-win for both animals and pet owners on Maui!
