Hawaii Launches Amnesty Program for Illegal Pets
State residents can surrender prohibited aquarium species to the Waikiki Aquarium without penalty to protect local waters.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Aquariums
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Would you use an amnesty program to surrender illegal or unwanted aquatic pets in your community?
The Waikiki Aquarium has launched its second Don't Let It Loose campaign to help residents surrender prohibited aquatic pets. This statewide amnesty program allows owners to turn in illegal animals, such as invasive fish and prohibited coral species, without facing legal penalties.
Why it matters
Releasing non-native species into the wild threatens Hawaii's marine ecosystems, which are already fragile due to the spread of invasive organisms. This campaign provides a safe, penalty-free path for pet owners to dispose of illegal animals.
This second iteration of the campaign offers statewide amnesty for residents surrendering restricted animals, such as prohibited fish and invasive soft coral, which are illegal to keep in Hawaii home aquariums.
The players
Waikiki Aquarium
An educational institution located on Kalakaua Avenue that focuses on marine life preservation and public outreach.
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
A state agency responsible for managing agricultural resources and enforcing regulations against the introduction of invasive species.
Department of Natural Resources
A state department tasked with protecting Hawaii's public lands and marine ecosystems from ecological damage.
The details
The program functions by allowing residents to drop off unwanted, non-native aquatic pets at the Waikiki Aquarium or designated statewide amnesty locations. To qualify for amnesty and avoid potential penalties, owners must voluntarily surrender these prohibited animals before any official investigation into their possession begins.
Timeline
The Don't Let It Loose campaign launched on October 29, 2026.
The Home Front
The amnesty initiative reinforces state regulations regarding the Hawaii invasive species prohibited list. It serves as a critical maintenance measure to protect local marine biodiversity from the accidental or intentional release of non-native aquarium pets.
If you have an aquarium in Hawaii, check your current livestock against the state's prohibited species list immediately. If you possess an illegal animal, bring it to the aquarium or a designated drop-off site before any investigation begins to remain eligible for the program's amnesty.
The takeaway
Responsible pet ownership in Hawaii includes verifying that your aquarium life is permitted under state law to prevent damage to local waters. Keep this amnesty opportunity in mind if you determine any of your current aquatic pets are on the prohibited list.
Further reading
For more tips on maintaining a responsible tank, see our guide to Aquariums.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawaiinewsnow.
Live Poll
Would you use an amnesty program to surrender illegal or unwanted aquatic pets in your community?
