A 38-year-old man has been charged with harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal after a disturbing incident in Maui. Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, from Covington, Washington, reportedly threw a large rock at the head of the seal while it was swimming near Front Street in Lahaina on May 5. This reckless act drew immediate condemnation and led to a swift response from authorities.
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The details of the incident emerged from video footage captured by a bystander, highlighting the serious nature of Lytvynchuk’s actions. Despite witnesses confronting him at the scene, he allegedly dismissed their concerns, remarking that he could easily pay any fines due to his financial status. Witness Kaylee Schnitzer, 18, expressed her shock, recalling how she had admonished him, only to hear him retort that he came to Hawaii every month.
Following the incident, the seal, known locally as “Lani,” exhibited behavioural changes that alarmed observers. Reports indicated that she remained largely immobile for a prolonged period, raising concerns about the animal’s welfare. According to the criminal complaint, the thrown rock narrowly avoided hitting her nose, startling the seal enough to cause her to rear out of the water.
Lytvynchuk’s actions constitute a violation of both the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. As a result, he was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which announced the details in a press release on May 12. He was subsequently apprehended by special agents of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on May 13 near Seattle, where he was taken into custody.
The case against Lytvynchuk is set to be brought to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, with a court appearance scheduled for May 14. If convicted, he could face penalties that include a maximum of one year in prison for each charge, as well as terms of supervised release following any jail time. Under the Endangered Species Act, he could be subject to fines up to £50,000, while additional charges under the Marine Mammal Protection Act could incur a fine of up to £20,000.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson underscored the importance of safeguarding Hawaii’s unique wildlife, emphasising the cultural and ecological value of species like the Hawaiian monk seal. He declared a commitment to pursuing swift justice against those who harm or harass vulnerable wildlife. The case illustrates the broader efforts underway to protect endangered species and maintain biodiversity in the Hawaiian Islands.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Nammar has been appointed to oversee the prosecution of the case, as the legal proceedings unfold. The incident has raised public awareness surrounding the protection of marine life in Hawaii, reaffirming the responsibility of individuals to co-exist respectfully with the island’s wildlife.
As investigations continue, the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains vigilant about comments and inquiries from the public, with assurances that further updates will be provided as the case progresses.