Tourist Threw Rock at Hawaiian Monk Seal to Protect Turtles: Attorney
Summary
A man in Maui was seen throwing a rock near an endangered Hawaiian monk seal to scare it away from sea turtles resting nearby. His lawyer said he did not want to hurt the seal and was trying to protect the turtles.Key Facts
- The incident happened on May 5, 2026, in Lahaina, Maui.
- Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk of Washington was recorded throwing a rock toward the seal named Lani.
- The rock missed the seal but startled it and made it move out of the water.
- Lytvynchuk’s attorney said he was trying to protect sea turtles resting on rocks nearby.
- The lawyer said Lytvynchuk did not know Hawaiian monk seals are endangered.
- Lytvynchuk’s past experience with aggressive sea lions influenced his actions.
- The man is upset that people think he wanted to harm the seal.
- His first court appearance in Honolulu is set for May 27, 2026.
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