Honolulu's feral chicken crisis sparks debate over lethal control measures
Wild chickens have become a growing nuisance in Honolulu, causing frustration for residents like Mason Aiona. The birds dig holes in gardens, squawk loudly, and attract feeders to local parks. Now, state lawmakers are debating new measures to control their numbers—including allowing residents to kill them.
Aiona has dealt with feral chickens in his neighbourhood for nearly a decade. The problem worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the birds multiplied and became more disruptive. Their constant noise, digging, and the mess left by people feeding them at a nearby park have made daily life harder for locals.
The city has tried trapping the chickens, spending thousands on a program that costs $375 per week per location. In 2025 alone, over 1,300 birds were caught, but the effort has had limited success. No official numbers exist for 2024, and long-term solutions remain unclear.
Two lawmakers have now proposed stricter controls. Rep. Scot Matayoshi introduced legislation after hearing reports of chickens harassing schoolchildren in his district. Meanwhile, Rep. Jackson Sayama supports a bill that would let residents kill the birds however they choose. The Hawaiian Humane Society opposes lethal measures unless all other options fail.
Not everyone agrees with culling the chickens. Kealoha Pisciotta, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner, argues against killing them due to their cultural significance. The debate continues as officials weigh the best way to manage the growing population.
Honolulu's struggle with feral chickens shows no simple fix. The city's trapping efforts have cost money but delivered little progress. With new laws under consideration, residents and lawmakers must now decide how far to go in controlling the birds.
