Full Breakdown
Recent Opossum Captures at Honolulu Harbor Raise Concerns
10/23/2025, 1:13:34 PM
Overview of the Captures
On October 21, 2025, two live opossums were captured at separate locations within Honolulu Harbor. The first sighting occurred at 6:45 a.m. when a shipping company reported an opossum running in the container yard at Pier 1. Agriculture inspectors from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB) responded promptly, capturing the animal after it took shelter under a shipping container. Later that morning, at approximately 11:00 a.m., another shipping company reported capturing a second opossum in a cat trap near Pier 51, prompting inspectors to retrieve it as well.
These recent captures follow an earlier incident on September 15, 2025, when a single opossum was trapped at Hilo Harbor. In that case, inspectors had to move a vehicle into a shipping container to successfully capture the animal after it crawled into the undercarriage.
Background on Opossum Sightings in Hawaii
Opossums, native to North America, are considered an invasive species in Hawaii. They have been spotted multiple times in recent years, often arriving as stowaways in cargo containers. Notable captures include incidents in January 2025 at a big-box store in Kona, and in December 2024 at a store in Iwilei, Oahu. Historical captures date back to 2005, with instances reported at Hickam Air Force Base and the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Health Protocols and Testing
As per health protocols, all captured opossums were humanely euthanized and submitted for rabies testing. The opossum captured in Hilo tested negative for rabies, while results for the two captured in Honolulu are pending as their tissue samples are being sent to the mainland for analysis. The Hawaii Department of Health emphasizes that Hawaii is the only state free of rabies, and all pets entering the state must adhere to strict quarantine regulations.
Criticism and Concerns
While opossums are less likely to carry rabies compared to other mammals, they can harbor parasites and other diseases. The presence of these invasive animals raises concerns about potential impacts on local ecosystems and public health. Critics argue that the continued sightings of opossums indicate a need for more stringent measures to prevent their entry into the state.
Official Statements
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity stated, “All opossums captured in Hawaii are humanely euthanized and tested for rabies to ensure public health safety.” They also encourage the public to report any illegal animal sightings to the statewide Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).
Verbatim Quotes
- “All of the opossums were humanely euthanized and submitted for rabies testing.” — Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity
- “Opossums are less likely to carry rabies than other mammals, however they are carriers of parasites and other diseases.” — Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity
Conclusion
The recent captures of opossums at Honolulu Harbor highlight ongoing challenges related to invasive species in Hawaii. As authorities continue to monitor and respond to these incidents, public awareness and reporting remain crucial in managing the situation effectively.
