Hawaii resort city issues dire warning over exploding feral animal population: cannot tackle alone

Honolulu officials are begging residents and tourists alike to stop feeding the island’s out-of-control feral chicken population as the feathered pests destroy property and create a health hazard as they leave their poop all over the place.City and County officials say the birds have become a major nuisance across Oahu, crowing at all hours, tearing through residential areas, damaging yards and gardens and even agitating household pets.There’s now a public education campaign, with signs posted at parks and on public transportation warning people: “Do Not Feed Feral Chicken.”Officials have also released an animated public service announcement explaining the problem and deployed traps in an effort to capture the birds.But those efforts are being undermined by people tampering with and vandalizing the traps, HawaiiNewsNow reported.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story “While crews are actively trapping feral chickens and putting up educational signage, this is an issue the city simply cannot tackle alone,” Department of Customer Services Director Kim Hashiro said.“We need every segment of our community – from residents to business owners – to help us by not feeding these birds and letting our pest-control teams do their jobs safely.”The problem has frustrated Oahu residents for years, with some previously appealing to state lawmakers for help.In 2022, Hawaii lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 2195, which would have authorized state funding to address the feral chicken problem.The measure failed to advance.Residents who testified in support of the legislation described the damage the birds had inflicted on their homes and communities.“As a property owner, it’s frustrating to have to battle the feral fowl that have been so destructive of our yard a...