Mayor thanks community for stepping in after rock thrown at monk seal
By Jeremiah Estrada
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LAHAINA, Hawaii (KITV) — Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen spoke out in support of a Hawaiian monk seal after a rock was thrown at her in Lahaina in a viral incident.
A federal investigation began after a video appearing to show a man throwing a large rock toward a Hawaiian monk seal named Lani on Maui spread online. The viral incident involving the endangered animal led to swift response from law enforcement and widespread public outrage.
The County of Maui posted a video on social media on Thursday, May 8, with Bissen’s response to the incident. He said members of his team in Lahaina have been tracking and looking out for her for some time now.
Bissen went on to thank everyone who stepped in, protected her and reported the “unacceptable behavior.”
“Behavior like this will not be tolerated,” Bissen said. “I assure you that I will see to it personally that this individual is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Whether at the county, state or federal level, there must be serious consequences for anyone who harms or threatens protected wildlife.”
The suspect was detained and the case is expected to be referred to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement. At this time, he has not been charged.
“Lani, we have your back, and we hope to see you swimming by Front Street for many years to come,” Bissen said.
He concluded his message saying, “Let’s continue working together to protect our wildlife friends and preserve the deep respect we have for the creatures that share these islands with us.”
To find more information about NOAA’s conservation and management of endangered Hawaiian monk seals, visit fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawaiian-monk-seal/conservation-management.
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