Judge Sets Timeline for Hawaii Tourist's Monk Seal Attack Case
Summary
A man named Igor Lytvynchuk is going to trial in Hawaii for allegedly throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal named Lani in May 2026. He faces federal charges of harassing a protected animal, with potential jail time and heavy fines. The trial will start in November 2026.Key Facts
- Igor Lytvynchuk is 38 years old and from Covington, Washington.
- The incident happened on May 5, 2026, in Lahaina, Maui.
- Lytvynchuk allegedly threw a rock at an endangered monk seal called Lani, which startled the seal.
- He is charged with harassing and attempting to harass the seal under federal wildlife protection laws.
- If found guilty, he could face up to one year in prison per charge, supervised release, and fines totaling up to $170,000.
- Lytvynchuk has pleaded not guilty and claims he did not want to harm the seal but tried to protect sea turtles nearby.
- The trial is scheduled to begin on November 16, 2026, in Honolulu.
- U.S. officials say they are committed to protecting endangered Hawaiian monk seals and will prosecute harassment cases quickly.
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