Overview
- The visitor, filmed throwing a large rock at the monk seal Lani off Lahaina on Tuesday, May 5, was detained by state conservation officers.
- DLNR’s enforcement arm said he declined to speak, requested a lawyer, and was released without charges as the case was sent to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement.
- NOAA confirmed a federal inquiry under wildlife protection laws, and officials have not verified whether the seal was injured.
- The viral clips fueled public anger, and a separate video shows a local punching the tourist, with a state senator later issuing a recognition letter to that local while noting they do not condone violence.
- Hawaiian monk seals number about 1,600 animals, and harassment can bring fines or jail under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.