State and federal authorities are investigating after a man was captured on video in Hawaii throwing a rock toward an endangered Hawaiian monk seal swimming off the coast of Lahaina, Maui. The footage, which has been circulated widely on social media, shows the object narrowly missing the animal as onlookers react with alarm.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a May 6 news release that the incident involved “an adult male throwing an object toward a monk seal” while it was swimming near the shoreline.
Video shared online shows a man and a woman walking along the beach moments before the man appears to throw the rock toward the seal offshore.
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Suspect briefly detained
Officials said 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‑year‑old man from Seattle, who “matched the description of the suspect,” according to the release.
The man was briefly detained but declined to make a statement, invoking his right to an attorney. No charges were filed at the time, and he was released. Authorities did not publicly identify him.
DLNR said the case is being referred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement for further review under 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 said during 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 emphasized that Hawaiian monk seals are protected under multiple state and federal laws and that actions or attempts to “harass, hunt, shoot, capture, trap, kill, collect, wound, harm, or pursue” the animals can result in fines.
Redulla said that past monk seal cases reviewed by NOAA have resulted in penalties totaling several thousand dollars.
Maui mayor vows to prosecute visitor
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, in a video on social media, said he like others in the community was "shocked by what happened" and assured that he will "see to it personally that this individual is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," adding such visitors are not 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 said in 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 identified the monk seal as Lani, sharing that residents are very fond of 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 one of the most endangered seal species in the world, with their population estimated to be only around 1,600, according to NOAA.
While its population is witnessing slow growth, the species continues to be endangered and is protected under the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and State of Hawaii law.
Hawaiian monk seals are found throughout the entire Hawaiian archipelago, with majority of them found in Papahānaumokuākea area, while a small number of them live in the main Hawaiian Islands.
Newborn seal in Oahu
The Lahaina incident occurred just days after a 15‑year‑old female monk seal named Kaiwi gave birth to a pup on Oahu on May 3.
Officials used the incidents to remind the public to keep at least 50 feet away from monk seals and at least 150 feet away from mothers with pups. DLNR reported several instances of people breaching temporary fencing at Kaimana Beach, where 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 said. “If the mother seal perceives any human or pet to be a threat, she may attack."
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 sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man caught on video throwing rock at Hawaiian monk seal in Maui
