Man caught on video throwing rock at Hawaiian monk seal
A man in Hawaii is currently under investigation by state and federal authorities after a disturbing incident where he was captured on video throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal swimming near Lahaina, Maui. The shocking footage spread rapidly on social media, depicting the man’s rock nearly hitting the defenseless animal as bystanders reacted with shock and concern.
The event, outlined in a news release from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources on May 6, involved an adult male hurling an object towards the monk seal while it was in the water. The video snippet that has been circulating online prior to the incident showcases the man and a woman strolling along the beach just moments before the rock was thrown towards the seal.
According to officials, the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement’s Maui Branch was alerted to the incident on April 5. Following the report, a DOCARE officer made contact with a 37-year-old man from Seattle who matched the suspect’s description. Although the individual was briefly apprehended, he opted not to provide a statement and invoked his right to an attorney. Consequently, he was released without charges, and his identification was not disclosed to the public.
The case is now being forwarded to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement for further scrutiny under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. Chief Jason Redulla of the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement articulated in a media briefing on May 6 that they are in the process of finalizing their investigative report to pass onto federal authorities for potential enforcement action.
The Hawaiian monk seal is a species exclusive to the Hawaiian archipelago, and it is protected by both federal and state regulations. NOAA Fisheries has confirmed an active investigation into the Lahaina incident where a rock was aimed at a swimming seal, underscoring that any actions of harassment, hunting, or harm towards these animals can result in legal penalties.
The Hawaiian monk seal is an exceedingly endangered species, with a population estimated to be roughly 1,600 individuals. Despite a gradual rise in numbers, this species remains critically imperiled and is safeguarded under various laws. Hawaiian monk seals are predominantly found in the Papahānaumokuākea region, with a small percentage inhabiting the main Hawaiian Islands.
Notably, a 15-year-old female monk seal named Kaiwi recently gave birth to a pup in Oahu on May 3, shortly before the Lahaina incident. Authorities took the opportunity to remind the public to maintain a safe distance of at least 50 feet from monk seals and 150 feet from mother seals with their young. A number of violations were reported at Kaimana Beach, where people trespassed the temporary fencing enclosing Kaiwi and her pup, endangering their safety.
Officials emphasize the importance of respecting these marine animals and adhering to regulations to prevent harm or harassment. Reporting any potential issues or mistreatment of protected marine species can be done via NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement.