Daijiworld Media Network – Honolulu

Honolulu, May 14: A tourist from the United States has been arrested by federal agents after allegedly throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal off a beach in Maui, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage across Hawaii.

The accused, identified as 38-year-old Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk of Covington, Washington, has been charged with harassing a protected animal, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Honolulu. He was arrested near Seattle by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) special agents and is scheduled to appear in court in Seattle.

Authorities said the incident involved a Hawaiian monk seal named “Lani,” a critically endangered species with only around 1,600 remaining in the wild.

According to a criminal complaint, a witness recorded the man holding a coconut-sized rock, aiming, and throwing it toward the seal, which was swimming in shallow waters off Lahaina, Maui. The rock narrowly missed the animal but caused it to abruptly change direction and behaviour.

Officials said a witness confronted the man, during which he allegedly stated he was “rich enough to pay any fines” and showed no concern for the act.

The case has drawn strong condemnation from local authorities. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said the incident sends a clear message that cruelty toward protected wildlife will not be tolerated, especially as the seal known as “Lani” has become a symbol of resilience following the 2023 wildfires in Lahaina.

The mayor added that he personally urged federal prosecutors to pursue action in the case.

If convicted, the accused faces up to one year in prison per charge along with substantial fines under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.