(Photo courtesy of Hawaii Island Humane Society)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Island Humane Society has commemorated the start of preliminary groundwork, including grubbing and rough grading, on its new 12-acre campus in Keauhou with a traditional Hawaiian blessing for the contractor at The Animal Community Center.

“Thanks to the generosity of our capital campaign donors and community supporters, we have accomplished several major milestones in our quest to transform this 12-acre site into a community asset. With groundwork permits now issued, grubbing and rough grading is but the first of many steps in our journey to build The Animal Community Center,” said Scott Dodd, co-chairman of the Hawaii Island Humane Society Capital Campaign Committee.

“As our capital campaign progresses, next steps include topography mapping, architectural drawings, fine grading and project construction,” he said. “Every donation is another positive step toward fulfilling our mission.”

The $3-million capital campaign for Phase 1 of The Animal Community Center encompasses site infrastructure and construction of the Welcome Center, Cat Barn, Dog Pavilions and Dog Park. With more than half the capital campaign now pledged, committee members are hoping to wrap up fundraising for Phase 1 this summer.

“Every gift counts and the Hawaii Island Humane Society has been blessed with incredibly dedicated funders, corporate supporters, local companies, service organizations and individual volunteers whose commitment to The Animal Community Center will provide this island with a wonderful place for animals and their people,” said Donna Whitaker, Executive Director, Hawaii Island Humane Society.

Donations are welcome and may be made online at www.HIHS.org