Another Illegal Snake Turned In Under Hawai`i Amnesty

By Wendy Osher

HODA file photo. Pictured here is a boa constrictor captured July 4, 2011 near the Waiawa Correctional Facility. It is one of 5 snakes recovered by the state since June 29.

Another snake was turned over today under the Department of Agriculture’s Amnesty program.  The snake, recovered from a home in Whitmore Village, is the 13th illegal animal to be captured in recent weeks, and the seventh illegal animal to be turned in under the amnesty program.

Under the State’s Amnesty program, individuals who surrender illegal animals voluntarily are offered immunity from fines and prosecution.  The maximum penalty under State law for possessing and/or transporting illegal animals is a class C felony, punishable by a fine of $200,000 and up to three years in jail.

Since June 29, the state has recovered five snakes, and eight illegal lizards–including three bearded dragons, a blue-tongued skink, a tegu lizard, an iguana, and two leopard geckos.

The species and size of the snake recovered today, has not yet been confirmed.  Snakes have no natural predators in Hawai`i and, posing a threat to Hawai`i’s environment and endangered native bird populations.

Illegal animals may be turned in to any HDOA Office, Honolulu Zoo, Panaewa Zoo on Hawai`i Island or any Humane Society – no questions asked and no fines assessed. Anyone with information on illegal animals should call the toll-free PEST HOTLINE at 643-PEST (7378) or CrimeStoppers.