*STATUS* Fences Repaired, But Continue to Exercise Cation, They Can & Wll Get Out.

Although the area above Waikoloa Road is now fenced, much of it is old fence. Donkeys can knock down fencing; and even get through fence where just one wire is broken, if they feel threatened. As a reminder to motorists, there will always be some donkeys on Waikoloa Road, so drive with extra caution, especially at dawn and dusk. The S curve mauka of Waikoloa is the most problematic area.

Donkey Myth: There is Great Demand for Donkeys

I've had many suggestions to have the donkeys adopted, and that the resorts are eager to protected as a tourist attraction.

I explored both. I couldn't find anyone to adopt a donkey, except for human consumption. There may be a couple people out there who would adopt one, but there are at least 200 donkeys up for adoption.

**update August 2009 - now that we know most donkeys are currently fenced in, we are dealing some who could be claimed for adoption by worthy individuals with a way to get them, transport them, and care for them. **

Maintaining pasture land for a donkey is costly. A donkey will completely eat a small pasture and then need to be fed. Captive donkeys also need vet care. They need their hooves trimmed; roaming around on lava, nature provides that service. Individuals with those resources might more likely spend it to raise a calf or lamb. Or a pig or goat.

The resorts may realize these are not Kona Nightingales, hence they don't have a storied history. The only time, so far, a resort has participated in donkey relocation efforts was when the donkeys were feeding on golf courses and pooping in the yards of very expensive homes.

Frankly, I don't believe that the one time a resort arranged to have donkeys "moved" or "adopted", that that is what happened with most of them. There is supposed to be a donkey preserve somewhere, with a fence, pasture, water, feed, and a caretaker. This was supposed to be a way for tourists to see them. And that was for a very small number of donkeys. Do you know of such a place open to the public on Hawai'i? Me neither.

Waikoloa Donkeys in the News

Andrew Cooper, Waikoloa, author of the spectacular Blog "A Darker View", has posted three times about the donkeys he sees on his frequent commutes to the top of Mauna Kea where he works for Keck. "A Darker View" Waikoloa Nightingale Donkeys

*STATUS* Fences are now secure.

Completed fence survey and patches have been made. We now have donkeys that are "in" and donkeys that are "out". Determining how many are out and where they are located.

The County of Hawaii assisted by inspecting 9 miles of fencing. Public Works and the Fire Department repaired a gap in one of the fences. Landowners made some repairs. Waikoloa residents pitched in.

New Members!

Response to keeping the donkeys safely off Waikoloa Road been overwhelmingly positive! Supporters come from all over the Island not just Waikoloa.
The fence survey is nearing completion.

Meanwhile, here is last Decemberʻs article in West Hawaii Today.