- A tourist from Seattle allegedly threw a rock at a beloved Hawaiian monk seal, Lani, prompting outrage and a federal investigation.
- Video of the incident circulated widely, sparking anger among Maui residents and wildlife advocates.
- The suspect was detained but has not been criminally charged as authorities refer the case to federal officials for further action.
LAHAINA, HAWAII — A viral video showing a tourist allegedly throwing a rock toward a beloved Hawaiian monk seal has sparked outrage across Maui and prompted a federal wildlife investigation. The suspect was identified as a 37-year-old man from Seattle, the same city recently shaken by another caught-on-camera case where surveillance cameras captured the brutal attack of a 77-year-old man.
The incident happened off the Lahaina shoreline, where the endangered Hawaiian monk seal known as Lani was swimming near the water’s edge. Witnesses said the man picked up a large rock and threw it toward the seal as bystanders yelled at him to stop.
Lani is well known in the community and has become especially meaningful to Lahaina residents following the 2023 wildfires.
Video Sparks Outrage
Footage of the incident quickly spread across social media, drawing anger from residents, wildlife advocates, and local officials.
Witnesses said the man had been warned to stay away from the seal before the rock was thrown. Maui resident Kaylee Schnitzer told local media the rock was about the size of a coconut and appeared to be aimed toward the seal.
The seal reportedly swam away after the object landed nearby.
Tourist Detained and Questioned
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement responded after being notified by Maui police.
A DOCARE officer contacted the reporting party, obtained a description of the alleged suspect, and later detained a 37-year-old man from Seattle who matched that description.
Officials said the man was identified and advised of his legal rights. He declined to make a statement and requested legal counsel.
Because he had not been criminally charged at the time of the official update, authorities did not release his name.
Local Man Seen Confronting Tourist
A separate viral video appeared to show a local man physically confronting the tourist after the alleged seal attack.
The footage drew mixed reactions online, with many praising the local man for defending Lani while officials also emphasized that violence is not being encouraged.
State Sen. Brenton Awa later displayed a symbolic letter of recognition for the unidentified local during a public meeting, while noting that officials do not condone violence.
Mayor Condemns Attack on Lani
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen condemned the alleged attack and said disrespect toward Hawaii’s wildlife would not be tolerated.
“Let me be clear, this is not the type of visitor we welcome on Maui,” Bissen said in a video statement.
The mayor said respectful visitors are welcome, but those who harm or harass Hawaii’s environment, culture, or wildlife are not.
Maui County officials also said Lani has been watched over and cared for by residents and members of the mayor’s team since returning to Lahaina after the wildfires.
Case Referred to Federal Officials
Hawaiian monk seals are protected under federal law, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act. DLNR said the state investigation is being turned over to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement for further review and possible action.
Officials said attempts to harass, harm, or disturb monk seals can carry serious penalties.
As of the latest official update, no criminal charges had been announced.
To watch more cases about attacks caught on camera, check out our video here:
