Amnesty Program
About the Amnesty Program
Hawaii has strict regulations on the import and ownership of certain animals to protect its unique environment and agriculture. Many species are prohibited as pets, while others may require special permits.
The state’s Amnesty Program allows individuals to voluntarily surrender illegal animals without facing penalties, as long as the surrender occurs before an investigation is initiated. Please help preserve Hawaii’s ecosystems by not releasing prohibited animals into the wild.
Animals may be dropped off at local humane societies, municipal zoos, or any Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Office. Click on your island to find where you can voluntarily surrender any illegal animals, free of penalty:
Oʻahu Amnesty Locations Maui Amnesty Locations Kauaʻi Amnesty Locations
Hawaiʻi Island Amnesty Locations Molokaʻi Amnesty Locations
Illegal pets previously turned in through the amnesty program
Ball python turned in at Honolulu Zoo under amnesty 2023
California Kingsnake turned in under amnesty in 2019
Ball python turned in under amnesty in 2017
Coconut Crab and Emu surrendered in Hilo under amnesty in 2014