Green Sea Turtle Rescued in Keaau,
Returned Unharmed to Ocean



KEAAU — A large female green sea turtle, that officials suspect may have been illegally harvested, was found along a roadside by passers-by in Keaau. Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) personnel, with the help of Hawaii County Police, returned it unharmed to the sea at Wailoa small boat harbor last Thursday.

“We thank the alert citizens, who promptly called for assistance, and the police, who helped assure that this turtle was given the best possible chance of survival by being returned to the ocean,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

"Sea turtles have played important roles in the environment and culture of Hawaii. They are listed and protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and wildlife laws of the State of Hawaii. These laws make it illegal to harass, disturb, harm, kill or keep sea turtles in captivity without a permit, or sell any sea turtle parts or products. All sea turtles, both dead and alive, are legally protected,” Young said.

The turtle was first reported to Hawaii County Police officers in Puna at 4:52 a.m. that morning. On their arrival in front of the southeast entrance to Keaau High School, police found a large female green sea turtle lying on the side of the road. It measured 34 inches long by 31 inches wide and weighed approximately 150 pounds.

HCPD officers were monitoring traffic on Route 130 near the Keaau High School in the early hours of the morning. They suspect that person(s) coming up that route from the lower Puna beach area, saw the flashing blue lights, then jettisoned the turtle from an unknown vehicle and fled the area. Concerned citizens protected the turtle at the roadside until police and DLNR officers arrived.

DLNR aquatic information specialist John Kahiapo and DLNR enforcement officer John Holley transported the turtle to the Wailoa small boat ramp, where it was tagged and released.

“She was healthy, her shell was intact, and she was very responsive when we put her on the ramp. She crawled into the water and swam vigorously toward the open ocean,” said DLNR-Aquatics education specialist John Kahiapo. “We believe she is over 20 years old, and of reproductive age,” he said.

Under state law, the penalty for anyone convicted of harassing an endangered Hawaiian sea turtle, including disturbing its nest, on first conviction, is a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $2,000, or by imprisonment of not more than one year, or both. For a second or subsequent offense within 5 years of a previous conviction, a fine of not less than $500 or by imprisonment of not more than one year, or both.

In addition, a fine of $5,000 for each specimen of a threatened species and $10,000 for each specimen of an endangered species intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly killed or removed from its original growing location, shall be levied against the convicted person.

Furthermore, an administrative fine of up to $5,000 may be levied for each specimen of wildlife or plant taken, killed, injured, or damaged in violation of state law.

DLNR Enforcement officers are actively investigating this incident and are asking for the public’s assistance to provide any information about this incident they have by calling (808) 974-6208. If a recorded message comes on, please provide a message and call back number.

To report violations of laws protecting sea turtles in Hawaii, call: NOAA Fisheries Enforcement at (808) 541-2727 (statewide), or call DLNR-Enforcement at (808) 587-0077on Oahu; 274-3521 on Kauai; 984-8110 on Maui; 974-6208 in Hilo; 323-3141 in Kailua-Kona; 885-0670 in Kamuela; 567-6618 on Molokai; and 565-6688 on Lanai. After hours or on weekends dial “0” and ask for “Enterprise 5469.”

Report nesting or basking activities, and dead, sick, injured or stranded turtles to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Honolulu laboratory at (808) 974-1276, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.