SAND ISLAND, Hawaii (KHON2) — Police are investigating a disturbing crime at the Keehi Boat Harbor where a first-degree animal cruelty investigation was opened after a cat was shot in the neck on Saturday, Aug. 30.
KHON2 last reported about cat killings at Keehi Harbor in November 2024, when at least eight cats had been shot with what was believed to be a pellet gun. The latest shooting on Saturday involved just one feline, but is arguably more alarming.
“This one was a bullet. This one was no B.B. or pellet. It was an actual bullet. So, you know, that’s what makes it scarier because if someone is just going to fire a gun like that out in the open,” said Justin Giedrowicz, a boat owner at Keehi Harbor.
This cat was microchipped — her name was Sandy, and she was brought to a local emergency vet clinic.
“Sadly, there with the emergency vet, it was determined that the cat had a really poor prognosis. It appeared that it was a bullet that had actually struck her through the neck. Hit her spinal cord and entered in through her lungs,” said Hawaiian Humane Society communications manager Brandy Shimabukuro.
Folks in the cat rescue community said it is not just about feral cats being shot, they often trap microchipped pets that have been dumped in colonies and have owners with loving homes who are hoping their beloved animal will be found.
“Sometimes the neighbors will take it into their own hands to trap and relocate those cats,” said Leilani Ng, Aloha Kitty TNR founder. “We have found microchipped pets out here that have been dumped that come from various parts of the island. That could’ve been your pet.”
There is also the concern of what else the suspect is capable of if they were willing to shoot a cat in the neck.
“It all starts with people shooting animals when, and then it escalates into more violent crimes, you know, including humans,” Ng. said.
“It could be someone starting off experimenting with violence, getting into small animals, you know, and then work their way up,” Giedrowicz said.
“It really chills my bones, honestly, that there’s somebody out there who’s waving around a gun and thinks that it’s okay to kill animals. There’s no reason for it,” Shimabukuro said.
Police tell me the exact weapon that was used has not been confirmed, but they ask anyone with information to call 911 or CrimeStoppers.