Tourist who hurled rock at endangered seal arrogantly said he'd get away with it because he's 'rich': witness
New York Post • • nation
Key Points:
- A 37-year-old tourist in Hawaii was caught on camera throwing rocks at Lani, an endangered monk seal symbolizing Maui’s recovery after the Lahaina wildfires, and arrogantly claimed he was “rich” and didn’t care about police involvement.
- After the incident, an enraged local man physically confronted the tourist on the beach, knocking him down and punching him, an act later praised by a state senator with a letter of recognition.
- The tourist was detained for questioning but has not been charged; however, harming monk seals is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and could result in fines up to $50,000 and jail time.
- The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has referred the case to federal prosecutors with NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement for potential prosecution under federal wildlife protection laws.
- Lani the monk seal holds special significance as a symbol of Maui’s recovery from the 2023 wildfires, with local authorities and residents deeply invested in her care and protection.