Lahaina, Maui – A man captured on video, hurling a large rock at a protected Hawaiian monk seal, is in hot water. The Department of Land and Natural Resources launched an investigation after the video began circulating on social media accounts. Officials identified a 37-year-old Seattle, Washington, man as the suspect.
In a May 4 release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, information about the suspect have been released:
Yesterday, the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement’s (DOCARE) Maui Branch was notified of a case of monk seal harassment by Maui Police Department Dispatch. A DOCARE officer received the call and responded to the scene. While enroute, the officer was able to contact the reporting party and obtain a description of the alleged suspect. When the officer arrived at the scene, the officer contacted a 37-year-old adult male from Seattle, Washington, who matched the description of the suspect. The male was detained, identified and advised of his legal rights. The male declined to make a statement and invoked his legal rights by requesting counsel of an attorney.
Video of the incident below:
People outraged by the incident have speculated who the man is, but officials are not publicly releasing a name until charges are filed. The release states, “At this time, the alleged suspect has not been criminally charged, so DOCARE will not be releasing any information on his identity.”
Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and MMPA, as well as state law. It is illegal to disturb, harass, feed, or otherwise harm a monk seal. Violations may result in fines or criminal penalties. Violators can be reported to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964.
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