KIHEI, Maui — The almost life-sized bronze sculpture of a nesting sea turtle

stolen from the Kealia National Wildlife Refuge boardwalk has been returned.

The 140-pound sculpture by artist Dale Zarella was turned in to the Maui

Police Department this week. Details of its return were not available.

The artwork was donated in 2006 by the artist and Hawai'i residents Warren

and Rose Gummow for display in the last kiosk on the new 2,200-foot Kealia

Coastal Boardwalk, which is not yet open to the public. It shows a sea

turtle nesting, complete with a chamber and eggs.

The sculpture is 5 feet in diameter and 18 inches high, and was mounted with

heavy bolts before it was stolen either Feb. 21 or 22, according to Refuge

Manager Glynnis Nakai.