Hawaii Statewide Rule
Hawaii Statewide Exotic Animal Importation Ban
Key Facts
- Statute
- HRS Chapter 150A
- Banned species
- Snakes, ferrets, hamsters
- Possession penalty
- $5,000–$20,000 misdemeanor
- Import-to-sell penalty
- Up to $200,000 felony
Summary
Hawaii has the strictest exotic pet rules in the United States. HRS Chapter 150A and Department of Agriculture rules prohibit importing or possessing most non-native animals, preempting any county attempt to allow them.
§150A-6 Soil, plants, animals, etc., importation or possession prohibited. No person shall transport, receive for transport, or cause to be transported to the State, for the purpose of debarkation or entry thereinto, any of the following: (1) Soil; provided that limited quantities of soil may be imported into the State for experimental or other scientific purposes under permit with conditions prescribed by the department; (2) Rocks, plants, plant products, or any article with soil adhering thereto; (3) Any live snake, flying fox, fruit bat, Gila monster, injurious insect, or eels of the order Anguilliformes, or any other animal, plant, or microorganism in any stage of development that is detrimental or potentially harmful to agriculture, horticulture, animal or public health, or natural resources, including native biota, or has an adverse effect on the environment as determined by the board
Full Breakdown
HRS Chapter 150A authorizes the Department of Agriculture to maintain lists of prohibited, restricted, and conditionally approved animals. The state bans private ownership of snakes, ferrets, gerbils, hamsters, monkeys, and many reptiles to protect Hawaii's fragile island ecosystem. HAR Title 4 Chapter 71 lists every regulated species. Counties cannot authorize species the state has banned; permits exist only for research, exhibition, or education. Under HRS 150A-14, importing a prohibited animal with intent to propagate, sell, or release is a class C felony fined $50,000 to $200,000, while merely possessing or importing a prohibited animal such as a snake or ferret is a misdemeanor fined $5,000 to $20,000.
Violations & Penalties
Possessing or importing a prohibited animal is a misdemeanor fined $5,000 to $20,000; importing to propagate, sell, or release is a class C felony fined $50,000 to $200,000 under HRS 150A-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pet snakes legal anywhere in Hawaii?
Can I bring my pet ferret to Hawaii?
Sources
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