Man charged after allegedly hurling rock at endangered monk seal
By Jeremiah Estrada
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LAHAINA, Hawaii (KITV) — A Washington man is in custody and faces federal charges after he allegedly threw a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal in Lahaina on May 5.
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, which happened on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, led to immediate response from law enforcement and widespread public outrage.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Hawaii announced that Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, was charged by criminal complaint on Tuesday, May 12, with harassing and attempting to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal after he allegedly threw a large rock at the seal’s head. This offense is in violation of the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Following the suspect’s federal charges he was arrested on Wednesday, May 13, near Seattle, Washington by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration special agents.
According to the complaint, Lytvynchuk was seen and filmed on May 5 walking along the shoreline of Lahaina. The suspect was seen tracking Lani’s movements as she playfully pushed a floating log close to the shoreline.
Lytvynchuk then picked up a large rock, aimed and allegedly threw it directly at Lani’s head. The rock narrowly missed her nose, startling her and caused her to rear up out of the water.
Witnesses immediately confronted Lytvynchuk and told him they contacted law enforcement. In response, he allegedly responded that he was “rich enough to pay the fines” before he walked away.
Witnesses also reported that Lani was immobile for a long period of time after the incident, which caused much concern over her condition.
Lytvynchuk is currently in custody and is scheduled to make his first court appearance at the Seattle courthouse at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 14.
If Lytvynchuk is convicted as charged, he could serve up to one year in prison for each charge, along with a term of supervised release. Lytvynchuk could also be fined up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and fined up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
“The unique and precious wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands are renowned symbols of Hawaii’s special place in the world and its incredible biodiversity,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. ”We are committed to protecting our vulnerable wild species, in particular endangered Hawaiian monk seals, like Lani. We pledge that those who harass and attempt to harm our protected wildlife will face rapid accountability in federal court.”
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