A man has been arrested and charged after an incident involving an endangered seal in Hawaii.
Video shared online shows a man appearing to try to hurl a large rock toward the head of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on the shoreline in the Lahaina area of Maui on May 5.
The seal, known to residents as Lani, is a familiar presence in the area. Locals are said to care for her “deeply,” and many were alarmed when word spread that a visitor had allegedly attempted to hurt her.
Several reports also claim a member of the public became so furious about what happened that they confronted and beat up the tourist.
Authorities believe Lani was not physically harmed, though she was understandably frightened by the incident.
In the wake of the footage, residents quickly pushed to raise awareness, and Maui Mayor Richard Bissen urged the US Attorney’s Office in Honolulu to identify the suspect and bring charges.
On May 13, officials announced that Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, was charged by criminal complaint on May 12, 2026. The complaint alleges he harassed and attempted to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal by throwing a large rock at the seal’s head, in violation of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to a news release from the US Attorney’s Office.
Lytvynchuk was arrested near Seattle by Special Agents with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The news release further states that when locals told Lytvynchuk they had contacted law enforcement about his alleged actions, he appeared unconcerned and reportedly said he was “rich enough to pay the fines”.
If convicted, Lytvynchuk could face up to one year in prison on each count, along with a period of supervised release. He could also be fined up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
US Attorney Ken Sorenson addressed the case, saying: “The unique and precious wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands are renowned symbols of Hawaii’s special place in the world and its incredible biodiversity. We are committed to protecting our vulnerable wild species, in particular endangered Hawaiian monk seals, like Lani.
“We pledge that those who harass and attempt to harm our protected wildlife will face rapid accountability in federal court.”
Lytvynchuk is set to make an initial court appearance on the charges at the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington today (May 14) at 9am.