Multiple news outlets report that a Washington state tourist has been arrested on federal charges for throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal named ‘Lani’ in Lahaina. The incident, which was captured on video and sparked widespread outrage, highlights ongoing tensions between tourists and local wildlife protection efforts.
- Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, was arrested by NOAA special agents near Seattle and charged with harassing a protected animal
- The May 5 incident occurred in Lahaina, where Lytvynchuk threw a coconut-sized rock that narrowly missed the head of ‘Lani,’ a beloved Hawaiian monk seal
- When confronted by witnesses who filmed the incident, Lytvynchuk said he ‘did not care’ and was ‘rich enough to pay any fines’
- The seal remained mostly immobile for an extended period after the incident, raising concerns about her welfare
- Lytvynchuk faces up to one year in prison per charge and fines up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
- Maui Mayor Richard Bissen called the U.S. attorney to advocate for prosecution, stating that Lani’s return after the wildfires brought healing and hope to the community
- A local Hawaiian physically confronted Lytvynchuk after the incident, with State Sen. Brenton Awa later presenting a letter of recognition for the ‘Ambassador of Aloha’ (Nypost, Brobible, Alohastatedaily)
- Hawaiian monk seals are critically endangered with only approximately 1,600 remaining in the wild
Sources
- Abc7Chicago: US agents arrest tourist after video shows a rock hurled at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal’s head
- 5Newsonline: Man arrested after video shows a rock hurled at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal’s head
- Nypost: Arrogant tourist arrested week after viral video caught him hurling rock at beloved seal Lani in Hawaii
- Brobible: Hawaiian Tourist Who Threw Rock At Endangered Seal Hit With Federal Charges After Catching A Beating From A Local
- Alohastatedaily: Aloha State Daily | ‘Mister ambassador of aloha’
- Maui News: Man accused of throwing rock at Hawaiian monk seal charged
- Abc11: US agents arrest tourist after video shows a rock hurled at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal’s head
- Aol: Washington Man arrested for throwing rock at endangered monk seal on Maui
- Kauainownews: Man charged with harassing endangered monk seal on Maui
- Abcnews: US agents arrest tourist after video shows a rock hurled at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal’s head
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Feds charge Washington man for throwing large rock at monk seal on Maui
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