Department of Agriculture

HONOLULU – Twelve illegal animals have been turned in to the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) between June 29^th and July 13^th.

One snake was caught in the wild on O`ahu; while three other snakes, two from Hilo and one from O`ahu, were turned in under the State’s Amnesty law.  In addition, eight illegal lizards were turned in, including three bearded dragons (two from Kona and one from O`ahu), one blue-tongued skink, one tegu lizard, one iguana and two leopard geckos (all from O`ahu).  Some of the incidents were prompted by the Honolulu Police Department’s Crimestoppers program which offers rewards for tips on illegal animals. (Full list of animals attached)

Snakes and large lizards have no natural predators in Hawai`i and pose a serious threat to Hawai`’s environment because they compete with native animal populations for food and habitat.  Many species also prey on birds and their eggs, increasing the threat to our endangered native birds.  Large snakes may also kill pets and even humans.

Individuals who have illegal animals are encouraged to turn them in under the State’s amnesty program, which provides immunity from prosecution. Illegal animals may be turned in to any HDOA Office, Honolulu Zoo, Panaewa Zoo in Hilo or any Humane Society – no questions asked and no fines assessed. Animals turned in under amnesty will not be euthanized and will be sent to a reptile facility on the mainland.

The maximum penalty under State law for possessing and/or transporting illegal animals is a class C felony, $200,000 fine and up to three years in prison. Anyone with information on illegal animals should call the PEST HOTLINE at 643-PEST (7378) or CrimeStoppers on your island.

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