No ‘large cat-like animal’ found at Manoa Falls, DLNR says

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After reports of large wild cats by Manoa Falls, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said it found no evidence that would require a trail closure.

Read more Salvation Army sends emergency meals to Guam after Super Typhoon Bavi

The DLNR Division of Conservation Resource Enforcement (DOCARE) officers received a report of a “large cat-like animal” at Manoa Falls on Friday.

DOCARE equipped themselves with the proper equipment to manage a potentially dangerous situation and responded at around 9:10 p.m.

Crews searched for more than an hour, and DOCARE officers did not find “hard evidence” of the animal, officials said.

Read more Viral Maui smoke shop video sparks discussion on youth violence prevention

DLNR said it has received about six reports of large wild cats in Hahaione Valley, Upcountry Pukalani on Maui and other locations over the last 30 years.

Last May, a mysterious animal sighting above the University of Hawaii at Manoa prompted a big search of the area.

DLNR said DOCARE officers have never found substantial evidence to support these claims.

Read more Sen. Lindsey Graham likely died after aorta rupture, medical examiner says