Releasing pet fish is harmful
PET OHANA
Hawaiian Humane Society
Question: I'm leaving the state, and I can't take my fish with me. What are my options?
Answer: You have a few options for your fish and the aquatic life in your tank. You can give them away to friends or even a school classroom. Or, you can see if a pet store will take them back.
Whatever you choose, please do not release your fish into the ocean or streams. This can upset Hawaii's ecosystem by introducing alien species.
Also, flushing your fish down the toilet can cause the fish great pain as they enter -- still alive -- into the sewer system.
Q: What if I can't find anyone to take my fish and the plants in my fish tank?
A: On Oahu, aquatic life can be taken to the Waikiki Aquarium (fresh and saltwater species), state Department of Agriculture plant quarantine building, Hawaiian Humane Society and the Waimea Valley Audubon Center (freshwater species only).
On Maui, the Department of Agriculture and the Maui Humane Society (freshwater only) will take your fish.
On the Big Island, Stockley's Pets and the Department of Agriculture offices in Hilo and Kona (both freshwater only) accept fish.
On Kauai, go to the state Department of Agriculture, Kauai Humane Society (freshwater only) and Lihue Pet Shop (freshwater only).
On Molokai, visit the Molokai Invasive Species Committee in Kalamaula.
For phone numbers and locations, visit www.cgaps.org.
The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail,
hhs@hawaiianhumane.org. Indicate "Pet Ohana" in the subject line. Or, write "Pet Ohana," Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.