Department of Agriculture

Snake Sighting in Moanalua

Honolulu – A snake was reportedly sighted in a grassy hillside between the Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center parking garage and the roadway that runs alongside the freeway this morning. A medical center patient on his way to an appointment saw what appeared to be a snake go into tall grass and reported it to Kaiser Medical Center security, who reported it to police at about 10:30 a.m.

A security employee and a responding Honolulu police officer also saw what appeared to be a four- to five-foot-long tan and brown snake that slithered into the tall grass. Police officers surveilled the area until agriculture officials arrived at the scene. An intensive search of the brush by agriculture officials failed to turn up the snake.

Anyone sighting a snake in the area should report it to the department’s PEST HOTLINE at 586-PEST(7378) immediately. If a snake is sighted, do not approach it or handle it.

Snakes are illegal to possess or transport in Hawaii. Persons possessing illegal animals are subject to stiff penalties, including fines of up to $200,000 and up to three years in prison. Individuals with illegal pets are encouraged to turn them in under the department’s Amnesty Program, which provides immunity from prosecution.

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