HONOLULU — Federal agents have arrested a Washington state tourist after a viral video appeared to show him throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on a Maui beach, in an incident that has sparked outrage among wildlife officials and conservation advocates.
The suspect, identified as Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, was taken into custody by federal authorities near Seattle and is facing charges of harassing a protected marine animal.
Video Shows Alleged Attack on Endangered Seal
According to prosecutors, the incident involved a Hawaiian monk seal known locally as “Lani,” which had recently returned to Maui following the devastating wildfires that struck Lahaina in 2023.
Witness footage reportedly shows a man picking up a coconut-sized rock, aiming toward the seal in shallow water, and throwing it in its direction. While the rock did not directly strike the animal, officials say it caused the seal to abruptly change its behavior.
A witness also told investigators that when confronted, the man allegedly dismissed concerns, saying he was “rich enough” to handle any fines.
Federal Charges Filed Under Wildlife Protection Laws
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Honolulu confirmed that Lytvynchuk is charged with harassing and attempting to harass a protected species under federal conservation laws, including the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
If convicted, he could face up to one year in prison per charge, along with substantial financial penalties.
Officials Condemn Incident as “Unacceptable”
Local and federal officials strongly condemned the alleged attack, emphasizing the importance of protecting endangered wildlife.
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world, with an estimated population of roughly 1,600 remaining in the wild.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said the case sends a clear message that harming protected species will not be tolerated. He also noted that the seal known as Lani had become a symbol of resilience following the Lahaina wildfire disaster.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
According to authorities, a state conservation officer began investigating after receiving reports of possible harassment. The case was later referred to federal agents after video evidence was reviewed.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Court records did not immediately list legal representation for him, and no public comment has been made on his behalf.
Conservation Concerns Highlighted
Wildlife experts say incidents like this highlight ongoing risks to endangered species that frequently interact with humans in popular tourist areas. Conservation groups continue to stress the importance of maintaining safe distances and following local wildlife protection guidelines.
Officials say enforcement actions will continue to be taken seriously in order to protect Hawaii’s fragile marine ecosystems.