DLNR News Release – HILO WOMAN CITED FOR FEEDING NĒNĒ IN HILO PARK, May 1, 2024
Doreen Torres was issued two citations for violating state endangered and threatened species laws which prohibit the feeding of protected wildlife, since nēnē may eat the cat food. Torres is scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on June 21 for the misdemeanors she is charged with.
The incident occurred at Queen Liliʻuokalani Park, where the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has expressed concerns over the feeding of cats in public spaces. The DLNR's news release also highlighted the link between cat feeding and the recent death of a one-month-old nēnē gosling in the park, with toxoplasmosis being implicated in the gosling's passing.
In response to the incident, the DLNR has increased patrols in the park to prevent further violations of wildlife protection laws. The agency urges the public to refrain from feeding protected wildlife in order to safeguard their well-being.
For more information on this issue, the DLNR's news release can be accessed at: [DLNR News Release](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2024/05/01/nr24-48/)
The case of Doreen Torres serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting laws that aim to protect endangered and threatened species in Hawaii's natural habitats.