Tourist yells ‘I’m rich’ after beachgoers beg him to stop attacking endangered seal - before he’s detained
The Independent • • nation
Key Points:
- A tourist in Maui was detained after being filmed throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal named "Lani," narrowly missing the animal's head.
- The man reportedly boasted about being "rich" and indifferent to consequences when confronted by witnesses who called the police.
- Hawaiian monk seals are protected by state and federal laws, and harassing them can lead to fines or criminal charges; the incident sparked widespread outrage online.
- Authorities are investigating the case and may pursue federal action through NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, though the suspect has not been charged and was released after requesting legal counsel.
- Maui officials emphasized the importance of respecting local wildlife and cultural values, condemning the tourist’s behavior as unacceptable.
