The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is asking the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for killing an adult female green sea turtle at Onekahakaha County Beach Park in South Hilo.

The turtle was estimated at 250 pounds with a shell measuring more than 30 inches.

According to DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, a couple walking through the park spotted the turtle floating belly-up in a cove. Conservation officers found the turtle’s two front flippers had been chopped off “and it appeared the suspect was interrupted and left the scene without the turtle,” a news release said.

The turtle’s remains will be flown to Oahu for examination.

Tips can be phoned into the DOCARE statewide hotline at 643-DLNR or the Hilo office at 933-3460, or reported via the free DLNRTip app.