Key Highlights
- DLNR investigating incident of rock thrown at Hawaiian monk seal.
- Maui Police Department notified of harassment case involving monk seals.
- No criminal charges against suspect yet due to legal rights invocation.
- DOCRE advising public on safe viewing practices for monk seals.
The Rock Thrown Incident: A Critical Case in Seal Protection
HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is stepping up its efforts to protect the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, a species that has faced numerous threats over the years. In a recent incident, an adult male was caught on social media posting throwing a rock at a monk seal while it was swimming off the Lahaina shoreline.
Immediate Actions and Legal Protocols
The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement’s (DOCARE) Maui Branch received a call from the local police department regarding a case of monk seal harassment. Acting swiftly, an officer managed to locate a 37-year-old adult male from Seattle, Washington, matching the description provided by witnesses.
While the suspect was detained and identified, he exercised his legal rights by invoking attorney presence, thus preventing any immediate statements or further interaction with authorities. According to Governor Josh Green’s statement, “This is a serious issue not only for our wildlife but also for public safety.”
Legal and Enforcement Measures
In accordance with the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), DOCARE has decided to hand over this case to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement (NOAA-OLE) for further review. Despite the incident, no criminal charges have been filed against the suspect at present.
Public Safety and Seal Conservation
The public is advised to exercise caution around monk seals during their critical nursing period, especially on Kaimana Beach where a 15-year-old female named Kaiwi has recently given birth. DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla emphasized the potential dangers of approaching mother seals with pups: “We have seen severe injuries resulting from such close encounters in the past.”
To ensure public safety and marine life conservation, Redulla advises that people keep dogs on leashes, avoid swimming near seal resting areas, and maintain a safe distance. Violations can result in hefty fines, as Redulla noted: “Some NOAA penalties for harassing seals have been substantial, totaling several thousand dollars.”
For those witnessing potential violations of marine life protection laws, the public is encouraged to report incidents immediately to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964. The DLNR and DOCARE remain committed to protecting our precious seal populations and their habitats.
