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State and federal authorities are investigating after a person was captured on video in Hawaii throwing a rock towards an endangered Hawaiian monk seal swimming off the coast of Lahaina, Maui. The footage, which has been circulated extensively on social media, reveals the item narrowly lacking the animal as onlookers react with alarm.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources mentioned in a May 6 information launch that the incident concerned “an adult male throwing an object toward a monk seal” whereas it was swimming close to the shoreline.
Video shared on-line reveals a person and a girl strolling alongside the seaside moments earlier than the person seems to throw the rock towards the seal offshore.
Suspect briefly detained
Officials mentioned the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement’s Maui Branch was notified of the incident on May 5. A DOCARE officer later contacted a 37‑12 months‑previous man from Seattle, who “matched the description of the suspect,” based on the discharge.
The man was briefly detained however declined to make a press release, invoking his proper to an legal professional. No expenses had been filed on the time, and he was launched. Authorities didn’t publicly determine him.
DLNR mentioned the case is being referred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement for additional assessment beneath the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
“We are preparing to complete our investigative report and turn our investigation over to the federal government, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, so that they can pursue potential federal enforcement action with this case on Maui,” DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Chief Jason Redulla mentioned throughout a May 6 media briefing.
NOAA confirms federal investigation
A NOAA Fisheries spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY on May 7 that the Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident in Lahaina involving “an individual who appears to throw a large rock toward a swimming Hawaiian monk seal” on May 5.
The spokesperson emphasised that Hawaiian monk seals are protected beneath a number of state and federal legal guidelines and that actions or makes an attempt to “harass, hunt, shoot, capture, trap, kill, collect, wound, harm, or pursue” the animals may end up in fines.
Redulla mentioned that previous monk seal instances reviewed by NOAA have resulted in penalties totaling a number of thousand {dollars}.
Maui mayor vows to prosecute customer
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, in a video on social media, mentioned he like others in the neighborhood was “shocked by what happened” and guaranteed that he’ll “see to it personally that this individual is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” including such guests will not be welcome in Maui.
“Whether at the county, state, or federal level, there must be serious consequences for anyone who harms or threatens protected wildlife,” Bissen mentioned within the video. “Behavior like this will not be tolerated. As mayor, I not only have a responsibility to protect the people of Maui County, but also the wildlife and animals that share these islands with us.”
Bissen recognized the monk seal as Lani, sharing that residents are very keen on her and “care deeply about her well-being.”
“Lani, we have your back, and we hope to see you swimming by Front Street for many years to come,” Bissen added.
Hawaiian monk seals
The Hawaiian monk seal is without doubt one of the most endangered seal species on this planet, with their inhabitants estimated to be solely round 1,600, according to NOAA.
While its inhabitants is witnessing gradual development, the species continues to be endangered and is protected beneath the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and State of Hawaii regulation.
Hawaiian monk seals are discovered all through your entire Hawaiian archipelago, with majority of them present in Papahānaumokuākea space, whereas a small variety of them stay in the primary Hawaiian Islands.
Newborn seal in Oahu
Hawaiian monk seal and her new child seal pup on Kaimana Beach
Video clips captured the Hawaiian monk seal Kaiwi and her new child pup on the sand at Kaimana Beach.
Fox – Seattle
The Lahaina incident occurred simply days after a 15‑12 months‑previous feminine monk seal named Kaiwi gave start to a pup on Oahu on May 3.
Officials used the incidents to remind the general public to maintain at the very least 50 toes away from monk seals and at the very least 150 toes away from moms with pups. DLNR reported a number of situations of individuals breaching non permanent fencing at Kaimana Beach, the place Kaiwi has been resting.
“This is a very crucial time in the life of this pup, so for these people to be breaching the area and getting close is not a good idea at all,” Redulla mentioned. “If the mom seal perceives any human or pet to be a menace, she could assault.”
Officials also urge beachgoers to keep pets leashed and follow posted warning signs and barriers.
Anyone who witnesses potential harassment or harm involving protected marine animals in Hawaii can report it to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement at 800‑853‑1964.
This story was updated to add more information.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
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