Woman Kills Peacock with Baseball Bat Causing Outrage in Hawaii

My husband and I own a condominium we rent to visitors in Makaha, Hawaii on the Waianae Coast where the incident took place. Makaha Valley Towers is located in a pristine area atop a hillside overlooking a stunning valley and ocean view. In this incredibly beautiful area wild peacocks roam throughout the area, from the ancient ruins located above the Towers to the areas around the condominium of more than 500 units and the nearby townhouses across the street. Years ago a few residents wanted peacocks moved or destroyed. There were offers from around Hawaii, and even outside the state, to take them as the controversy developed surrounding the peacocks. Most people, however, considered the peacocks added to the ambiance of the Towers and didn’t complain.

Carol Forsloff

Makaha Valley Towers grounds

We know about the controversy over the peacocks, as we lived at Makaha Valley Towers for more than a dozen years and continue to own property there we visit occasionally. We have also met Maloney and a handful of others over the years who complained about the peacocks. Controversy often develops with relative newcomers, as long-term residents have long grown used to the peacocks and many in fact enjoy them. In this case, the woman, Sandra Maloney, 68, who is accused of killing the peacock became angry and killed one of these birds. She did not appear at the scheduled arraignment at Waianae Destrict Court because, as her attorney explains, she is seeking a jury trial. Maloney is charged with second-degree cruelty to animals, and is represented by attorney Randy Oyama. Maloney wants a jury trial as opposed to a simple hearing. She has admitted killing the bird because its mating calls interfered with her sleep. As an excuse of her behavior, she explained she had complained to local authorities to reduce the population of wild peacocks but was unsuccessful in those efforts. If she is convicted, she can receive up to a year in jail and a $2000 fine. Here are some of the details of the incident, as reported by the Star-Bulletin and some of our acquaintances in Hawaii. Four people saw and heard Maloney kill the peacock on the Makaha Valley Tower grounds, then carry the bird up some stairs where she threw it in some bushes along the side. The peacock then wandered out of the bushes, stumbled, tried to fan its tail, then rolled over and died. This becomes the twelfth peacock killed on the grounds of the Towers and a nearby property during the past two months. Many residents at the Towers maintain they are glad the city is taking action as they were concerned about this behavior. Maloney explained to authorities she became frustrated when about a dozen peacocks began squawking so she grabbed a baseball bat, chased down and killed one of them. The Honolulu prosecutor, Peter Carlisle, believes this reveals considerable enough animal cruelty to warrant prosecution and said, following the incident: "We are pursuing the prosecution of it and plan to do it vigorously. Yes, there has been outcry about this. I think that that reflects one, the manner in which it has been reported to have occurred, two I think the people understand and cherish the wildlife here in Hawaii," said Peter Carlisle, Honolulu prosecutor. The attack has caused considerable upset in Hawaii, as reported in the newspapers and in newsletters sent to building owners we received. Maloney’s behavior has upset island residents, particularly those among the native Hawaiians who have been used to the birds for many years and value their significance to the area. Many of those who complain about the peacocks are recently from the mainland where culture and island animal inhabitants are unfamiliar to them. Maloney, however, has for several years been upset by the peacocks. She declared she tried to bring her grievances about the peacocks up at board meetings and was told by one of the board members the peacocks had been there first and she should get used to them. "I was told quite hatefully by one of the board members that the peacocks were here before I was and if I didn't like them I should move," said Maloney. Even though she says she's sorry for what she's done, Maloney explains she doesn't see how killing a peacock is any different from eradicating coqui frogs. My husband and I frequently heard peacock mating calls when we lived in Makaha. Those calls can sound somewhat similar to alley cats at night. I am a light sleeper but was never bothered by them nor was my husband. Many people wonder what the fuss is all about, as the peacocks add to the beauty of the valley. Residents, including Ted Pond, former Association President, have been astonished at this recent behavior that reached local papers and elsewhere. "I think it was just awful that it happened and it shouldn't have happened," he said.

Carol Forsloff

Makaha Valley Towers

Pond expresses the reaction of many Makaha residents and condominium owners, including my husband and me, several thousand miles away, remembering the paradise-like surroundings and the peacocks adding to it.