Still no sign of Hana snake as Maui search continues

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

HANA, Maui — A multi-agency rapid response team continued its search for a snake last night after failing to see it during a four-hour search Thursday night.

Maui police received a call Tuesday night from a resident who reported seeing a 3-foot snake crossing Hana Highway. A trained team of wildlife officials was mobilized, led by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the state Department of Agriculture.

Officials have also set 24 traps using dead mice for bait. The traps will be checked daily.

The team is part of a recently developed Rapid Response Plan that allows for a swift response to credible reports of snakes.

There were 236 credible snake sightings in Hawai'i between 1990 and 2000.

Snake reports can be made to the Pest Hotline, 586-PEST (7378).

Captive snakes can be surrendered under the state's amnesty program.

Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.