About Us
We hope you're interested in finding out a little more about us.
The Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary grew from Mary Rose Sinkin’s deep concern for the welfare of animals on the Island of Hawai'i.
In December 1999, Mary Rose and Lanny Sinkin visited the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. That journey solidified an earlier decision to establish an animal sanctuary on the Island of Hawai'i.
Sanctuary Trustees Hoku, the three-legged wonder dog, and Ehu, her mate, greet Rainbow Friends
founders Mary Rose Sinkin and Lanny Sinkin.
In March 2000, Mary Rose returned to Best Friends for formal training in the establishment of an animal sanctuary. She also traveled to Reno, Nevada for training in emergency animal rescue.
In May 2001, the Sanctuary purchased a 7.5 acre property near Kurtistown that contained a two-story home and a large shade cloth green house. In June, construction began on kennels and pens for the dogs and catteries for the cats. In October 2001, the Sanctuary completed Phase I of the construction plan. By January 2002, there were more than 50 dogs and 75 cats in residence, along with one guinea pig and six chickens.
The completion of Phase I began the journey toward a much larger vision that includes expanded facilities for dogs and cats, suitable homes for larger animals, and programs linking the Sanctuary to the community.
As of July, 2006, the Sanctuary has grown considerably. There are now approximately 80 dogs and close to 200 cats. The Sanctuary, and the community, is incredibly lucky to have a few very dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the animals fed and healthy. But without the assistance of new volunteers and funding from the community, we are having a harder and harder time meeting the costs to run such a large establishment. We need your help in many ways.
Wondering just who Rainbow Friends is? You can meet the Rainbow Friends team.