Eds: APNewsNow.
HONOLULU (AP) — Kauai prosecutors are investigating allegations against a Hawaii homeowner suspected of killing at least four nene geese with a BB gun.
Officials say they are not identifying the suspect because charges have not been filed.
Hawaii News Now reported Tuesday that the case was turned over to Kauai prosecutors after a 10-month investigation into the allegations by the Federal Fish and Wildlife Services.
The birds are federally protected and are native to Hawaii.
The species came close to extinction in the 1950s.
It is believed that there are only 2,000 of these geese left in the wild.
The homeowner could be charged for misdemeanor animal cruelty if found guilty. Each count can lead to up to 30 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
———
Information from: KGMB-TV, http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/
