Home / Environment / Seattle Man Accused of Harming Hawaiian Monk Seal
Seattle Man Accused of Harming Hawaiian Monk Seal
8 May
Summary
- A Seattle man is under investigation for allegedly throwing a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal.
- The incident occurred near Lahaina, Maui, following social media reports.
- Hawaiian monk seals are protected by federal and state laws, making harassment illegal.
A Hawaiian monk seal was allegedly harassed near Lahaina, Maui, when a man from Seattle reportedly threw a rock at the animal. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) initiated an investigation on Monday after reviewing social media posts depicting the incident.
Authorities located and detained a 37-year-old man from Seattle who matched the witness description. He was informed of his legal rights but opted to consult an attorney and refused to provide a statement. The case will be forwarded to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Law Enforcement, as Hawaiian monk seals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Harassing, feeding, or harming Hawaiian monk seals is a violation of both federal and state laws. The man involved has not yet been charged, and his identity has not been released by officials.
