Hawaii Island Humane Society

www.hihs.org   The Hawaii Island Humane Society is located on the Big Island. They have 3 extensions: One at Kona, Waimea and at Keaau. Like all shelters, they encounter many challenges. Licensing of Dogs is the cheapest of any U.S. state on this Island.

The pets have open air kennels to stay in until adoption. Currently, they are working on anti-cruelty laws and enforcing punishment for those who practice cock fighting, which has been illegal since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. Local, mutt or cur type of dogs on the Island are called Poi Dogs. Poi is made from taro corm (underground stem) that is cooked, pounded to a paste and fermented.