Tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered Hawaiian seal was trying to protect sea turtles, lawyer says

A tourist accused of harassing a Hawaiian monk seal is scheduled to appear in Honolulu on charges of harassing and attempting to harass a protected animal. Prosecutors say a witness recorded video showing the accused throwing a rock at the seal at a Maui beach. The accused arranged to surrender in the Seattle area as NOAA special agents sought to arrest him. The alleged conduct drew widespread condemnation and calls for prosecution in Hawaii, including from Maui’s mayor. Scientists identified the seal as an adult male known as R404. The mayor described the seal as a beloved part of the ocean community and said residents have watched over her. A land and natural resources officer investigated a report in Lahaina and viewed video showing the rock narrowly missing the seal.

"The lawyer for a tourist accused of hurling a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal says his client was trying to protect sea turtles and has since been assaulted, threatened and doxed. Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, is scheduled to appear in court in Honolulu on Wednesday on charges of harassing and attempting to harass a protected animal. Earlier this month, a witness recorded what prosecutors say was a video of Lytvynchuk throwing the rock at a Hawaiian monk seal at a Maui beach."

"The video drew widespread condemnation and demands for prosecution in Hawaii, including from Maui's mayor, Richard Bissen. Scientists identified the seal as an adult male known as R404, according to Noaa. In a separate video statement, the mayor identified the seal as Lani, calling her our beloved friend and not just a seal to us [but a] part of our ocean ohana in Lahaina. Many of our residents know her, watch over her and care deeply about her wellbeing."

"He called Lytvynchuk's alleged behavior unacceptable, saying: As mayor, I not only have a responsibility to protect the people of Maui county, but also the wildlife animals that share these islands with us. Our connection to the ocean, the land and the creatures that call Hawaii home is part of who we are. According to prosecutors, a state department of land and natural resources officer investigated a report of Hawaiian monk seal harassment in Lahaina."

"A witness showed the officer a video of the seal swimming in shallow water when Lytvynchuk threw the rock, described by a witness as the size of a coconut, directly at the seal, narrowly missing its he"

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