Snake’s owner surrenders pet boa constrictor to police

A Nanakuli resident was persuaded by police to surrender a pet boa constrictor in order to avoid prosecution Thursday morning.

It is not clear where the seized 6- or 7-foot boa constrictor will end up. Officers from the state Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch joined HPD officers in retrieving the reptile from a Hale­akala Avenue home.

Honolulu police Sgt. Kim Buffett, CrimeStoppers coordinator, said an anonymous tip was received about the snake several weeks ago. But efforts to retrieve the animal were put off until resources could be pooled for a talk with the owner Thursday morning.

Importing or possessing a boa constrictor in Hawaii is illegal.

"The owner was very cooperative and turned it in," Buffett said. Otherwise, the owner faced a fine of up to $200,000.

As of Thursday afternoon officers had not yet determined the animal’s sex or age, although it appears to be an adult, said Keevin Minami, land vertebrate specialist for the Plant Quarantine Branch.

Minami said his biggest concern about boa constrictors is they deliver their young already squirming and ready to hunt.

"Instead of eggs, they just give birth to live babies," he said.

While boa constrictors are not venomous, they are considered dangerous because of their ability to squeeze humans or other animals to death, Minami said. They do not have fangs, but do have teeth that can cause substantial injury, he said.

Anyone with information about illegal animals is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or the Department of Agriculture at 643-7378.