Viral posts on Instagram appear to show a Seattle man throwing an object toward a Hawaiian monk seal off the Lahaina shoreline on the island of Maui.
LAHAINA, Hawaii — Hawaii officials are investigating Instagram posts that appear to show a Seattle man throwing an object toward a Hawaiian monk seal off the Lahaina shoreline on the island of Maui, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
The department said the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement’s Maui Branch was notified by Maui police dispatch Tuesday about a reported case of monk seal harassment.
“He was picking up was like a rock the size of a coconut. Like it wasn’t no small rock, it was the size of a coconut, and he threw it right directly aiming towards the monk seal’s head,” said Kaylee Schnitzer, who witnessed the incident.
She said the suspect said “I don’t care, I’m rich,” when he was confronted.
When the officer arrived, they contacted a 37-year-old man from Seattle who matched that description of the suspect, according to DLNR.
The man was detained, identified and advised of his legal rights. DLNR said he declined to make a statement and requested an attorney.
Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and state law. It is illegal to disturb, harass, feed or harm a monk seal. Violations can lead to fines or criminal penalties.
Anyone who witnesses a possible violation involving a marine animal in Hawaii is asked to report it to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964.
Investigation underway
No criminal charges have been filed against the 37-year-old suspect. Officials are not releasing the man’s name.
The state investigation was turned over to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement for further review and possible action under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA is investigating the incident, according to reports.
The suspect could face steep fines for harassing the seal, named Lani.
Maui’s mayor posted a video on Facebook, vowing to personally make sure the suspect is “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
He said people in the area care deeply about Lani and they have her back.
Hawaiian monk seals only live in Hawaii and are the most endangered seal species in the world. Only about 1,600 monk seals remain.
Monk seals can live to more than 30 years old.