Onyx and her foal, Uhani (photo courtesy Craig Burkholder)

• Earlier this week, news was shared of the September 18 shooting death of the Friesian horse, Onyx, in Honomū. The incident left owners Craig Burkholder and Hal Fansler “and the entire community devastated and heartbroken.” The death of Onyx also left her 12 week old foal, Uhani, alone without a mother.
• It was explained that the Honomū residents suspected Onyx had been shot and killed by a hunter who was hired by a neighbor to rid their property of wild pigs.
• On Friday, police issued a news release, confirming that the incident is under investigation. Police reported that a suspect has been identified, and after conferring with the Hawai’i prosecutor’s office have generated criminal cases in connection with the shooting.

From a police news release issued on Friday:

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating a horse that was allegedly shot and killed in the area of Akaka Falls road in Honomu on Monday, September 19, 2022.

On September 19, 2022 at 9:22 a.m., Hilo patrol officers responded to a report of a horse that had been shot and killed in the area of Akaka Falls Road in Honomu. Upon arrival officers observed a deceased horse with what is believed to have been a single gunshot wound to the animal’s torso. Through the investigation, it is believed that the animal was accidentally shot earlier in the night by hunters after it was mistaken for a feral pig.

Police have identified a suspect in the investigation and after conferring with the Hawai’i prosecutor’s office have generated criminal cases for Hunting Licenses Required, Night Hunting on Private Lands Prohibited, Cruelty to Animals in the second degree, Reckless Endangering in the second degree, and Criminal Property Damage in the first degree.

This incident is currently an ongoing investigation and once completed will be deferred to the prosecutor’s office for their review.

The Hawai’i Police Department would like to remind the public that it is illegal to hunt at night on either public or private lands and that hunting in residential neighborhoods is strictly prohibited. The safety and well being of the community is of the highest importance and violations of these laws will not be tolerated.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have witnessed it is encouraged to contact the Hawai’i Police Department‘s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.