Hawaiian Humane Society CEO resigns following euthanasia protests

After 16 months on the job, Hawaiian Humane Society CEO and President Lisa Fowler has resigned “for personal reasons,” the organization announced Monday.

Fowler’s resignation followed a protest outside of the Humane Society’s headquarters in Moiliili in February.

Some of the 30 or so protesters carried signs calling out Fowler by name and alleging that the Hawaiian Humane Society kills animals that are healthy or suffering from easily treatable conditions; violates standard safety procedures and labor practices; and has created a hostile work environment.

Fowler will remain on the payroll until April 30 to aid in the transition to new leadership, the Hawaiian Humane Society said in an announcement.

In the meantime, board Chairman Bob Armstrong will serve as interim CEO.

“As board chair, I will step in as interim CEO while we conduct a national search for a new CEO,” Armstrong said in a statement. “Several board members will also be stepping in to offer support and guidance in key areas of our operations during the transition period.”

Following February’s protest, Armstrong said the organization would bring in a “third party” to assess whether the Humane Society was following euthanasia best practices.

At the time of the protest, the Hawaiian Humane Society provided the Honolulu Star-Advertiser with data going back to 1993 that showed the fewest number of dogs and cats were euthanized in 2018: 1,769 dogs and 9,084 cats.

Sarah Worth said during the protest that she worked at the Humane Society’s admissions desk, where she formed “The Underground Kitten Railroad” and removed cats until she was fired Dec. 24.

Worth was joined by Jana Moore, who told the Star-Advertiser at the time that she quit her “dream come true” job at the Humane Society after only three months because of “very low morale and very high turnover.”

Armstrong, the Humane Society’s board chairman, said there is no evidence of wrongdoing and stands behind the Humane Society’s euthanasia policies.

“As announced earlier, while we believe the society has adhered to best practice euthanasia policies and procedures, we have initiated a third party assessment to ensure that we are operating at the highest level with regard to our euthanasia practices. We will keep you posted on our progress on this front.

On behalf of all you do to support animal welfare, we extend our deepest thanks. We could not fulfill our mission without you, and we are grateful for all that you do.”

Fowler previously worked on the Big Island as executive director of the Hawaii Island Humane Society.

She joined the Hawaiian Humane Society in 2011 as its director of development, then became its director of operations.

After her predecessor, Pam Burns, died in September 2017, Fowler was named co-interim CEO.

In November 2017 Fowler was named the organization’s president and CEO.

Armstrong thanked Fowler for her eight years of service and said, “We appreciate her many contributions to the organization and her knowledge of animal welfare.”

Fowler said in her own statement, “It has been an honor and privilege to lead this great organization and to be part of the amazing welfare professionals who work there.”