MALUAFITI “I HEART ANIMALS” LEGAL DEFENSE FUND

Aloha My name is Gwenn Phillips (Friend/Supporter of Alicia Maluafitti) and I'm raising money to support the "I ❤️️ Animals" Legal Defense fund for Alicia Maluafiti.

Rescuing animals is an act of love, compassion and kindness. And it is not for the faint of heart. It can be a burden both emotionally and financially and it is a lifelong commitment. Once you realize the impact you are making on that animal’s life, you can’t just walk away ever again. You have to keep trying to save more lives.

That is the life of Alicia Maluafiti who has been rescuing animals on the island of Oahu in Hawaii for over 30 years. I’ve been by her side volunteering with her and have seen firsthand that she uses her own time and money to give abandoned and forgotten animals a second chance at life.

Starting a nonprofit animal rescue organization – Poi Dogs & Popoki (PDP) – was the logical next step. It was a lot of work, but that just meant more animals would be saved. She wrote the grants, managed the fundraisers, and secured corporate sponsors so that PDP could purchase a mobile clinic - The Big Fix – and provide low-cost spay and neuter services for low-income pet owners and rescued animals. In 6 years, PDP sterilized almost 20,000 animals - many were found living in homeless camps and the poorest areas on the island.

Sadly, in my opinion – an unethical veterinarian that previously worked for the mobile clinic made false allegations against Alicia. In an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), this veterinarian avoided losing his license by lying and covering up his role. As the volunteer board president, Alicia is being held personally responsible and has been wrongfully charged by the US District Attorney’s office.

Alicia has pleaded NOT GUILTY to this egregious overreach and is now fighting for her life and the lives of the animals that she cares for every day. As the founder of PDP, she embraces a No Kill philosophy, so animals that don’t get adopted, live out their lives with her. She also fosters rescued dogs and cats until a foster is found or until they are ready for adoption. Alicia built and paid for a 1,000-square-foot cattery and air-conditioned dog kennels on her property and spends 4 to 5 hours a day feeding and caring for them. She also bought 5-acres of vacant land to provide a sanctuary for 400+ feral and stray cats and pays for their care.

In a world full of hate and cruelty – Alicia Maluafiti has been the light and love for animals. While she has been a passionate advocate of animals, Alicia is also passionate about her reputation, character and integrity. And under no circumstances would she jeopardize the mission of PDP or put her rescued animals in danger by committing any crime.

Alicia is innocent but going to trial takes money. She has sold her house, is preparing to sell some of her sanctuary lands, and will be taking loans from family members. But that may not be enough. Alicia has spent her life helping animals, helping pet owners, and helping the rescue community. It's time for us to help her. If you are a PDP volunteer, had a pet sterilized by the Big Fix, received support from PDP for a stray or rescued animal, or are simply an animal lover - please donate to the Maluafiti “I Heart Animals” Legal Defense Fund.

All funds raised will be for Alicia's legal defense against these charges. I'm managing this fundraiser to benefit Alicia; all funds will be applied to her legal defense so she can continue her excellent work rescuing animals and helping animals in Hawaii. ~ Mahalo Gwenn