A sugar glider is shown in this image. People can turn in illegal animals with no questions asked and no penalties assessed under a state program. Hawai’i Department of Agriculture/Courtesy photo

The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture is offering an amnesty program that allows people to voluntarily turn in illegal animals, no questions asked and no penalties assessed.

An upcoming event Nov. 2 in Honolulu is part of the ongoing multi-agency “Don’t Let it Loose” public awareness campaign aimed at preventing the release of invasive marine aquarium species into Hawai’i waters.

“The state’s amnesty program was established to help prevent illegal animals, both aquatic and terrestrial, from being released into the wild where it could have devastating impacts if populations become established,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai’i Board of Agriculture, in a news release. “If you possess an illegal animal, just drop it off at the designated sites, no questions asked.”

Under the program, illegal animals may be turned in to any state Department of Agriculture office, municipal zoo, aquarium or the Hawaiian Humane Society on each island.

The department says that, if illegal animals are turned in prior to the start of an investigation, no criminal charges or fines will be assessed. Additionally, animals surrendered under the amnesty program will not be euthanized.

Depending on the species, illegal animals may be used for educational purposes, transferred to a municipal zoo or relocated to an appropriate facility on the mainland.

If caught, persons possessing illegal animals can be charged with a class C felony and subject to fines up to $200,000 and three years in prison. Sightings or captures of illegal and invasive species should be immediately reported to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).