Man accused of throwing rock at endangered Hawaiian monk seal in Maui
A man has been accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal near Lahaina, Maui. The incident, reported to police on Tuesday morning, was recorded and later shared widely on social media. Authorities are now investigating the case as a potential felony offence. The Maui Police Department received a call about the attack at 10:51 a.m. on Tuesday. A witness claimed a man had thrown a rock at the seal, an act that could violate federal and state protection laws. The suspect has since been identified but has refused to cooperate, invoking his constitutional rights.
Hawaiian monk seals are classified as endangered and shielded under strict conservation rules. Deliberately harming or harassing one is a class C felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines reaching $50,000. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises keeping at least 50 feet away from these animals. For nursing mothers with pups, the recommended distance increases to 150 feet. The video of the incident spread quickly online, sparking public outrage. Police and conservation groups have reminded residents and visitors to stay far from monk seals and report any suspicious activity. Interfering with the animals is illegal and can disrupt their survival.
The investigation into the rock-throwing incident remains ongoing. Authorities continue to stress the importance of respecting wildlife and following distance guidelines. Anyone witnessing harmful behaviour toward monk seals is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
