JAMM AQUINO/JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
A flock of rose-ringed parakeets fly past the rising moon over Manoa.
Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
As the founder of parrot sanctuaries and author of articles and a book on parrots, I believe I am qualified to speak to the proposal to use lethal means to reduce the state’s parakeet population.
If the plan is to kill the birds by shooting them, like what was done unsuccessfully in Australia, it is very likely that even the best shot would leave many of these flighty creatures to die a painful death.
Parakeets, like all animals, deserve a more compassionate and lasting solution.
Instead, I recommend that the state mandate the end to the breeding of parakeets and make it illegal to release them into “the wild.” California has been living with flocks of parrots from owners who let their birds “be free” when they no longer want them. Ending the breeding of these birds is paramount because bird escapes, whether done deliberately or not, will inevitably occur.
Lorin Lindner
Frazier Park, CA
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter