Hawai'i’s beloved monk seal could have been seriously injured or killed when a visitor from Washington state allegedly threw a rock at his head while he swam in shallow waters along a Maui beach. 

From USA TODAY, May 14, 2026: Federal agents have arrested Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old Washington man, for allegedly throwing a large rock at "Lani," a beloved endangered Hawaiian monk seal in Lahaina, Maui. Captured on video on May 5, 2026, the suspect narrowly missed the seal's head, prompting federal charges of harassment and potential prison time.

The shocking incident outraged Hawai'i residents, conservationists,  and animal lovers around the world. Hawai'ian monk seals are among the rarest marine mammals on Earth and are protected under both state and federal law. Yet harassment of Hawai'i’s wildlife by uninformed visitors continues to happen far too often.

In response to the attack, Hawai'i State Senator Brenton Awa publicly called for collaborating with airlines and tourism partners to educate visitors about proper interactions with Hawaiian wildlife before they arrive in the islands. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen strongly condemned the attack, emphasized the urgent need for greater public awareness and respect for Hawai'i’s wildlife, and pledged accountability for the person suspected of attempting to harm the monk seal.

Now the public must urge Hawai'i leaders and tourism partners to follow through with meaningful action before another endangered animal is harmed.

We call on Senator Awa, Mayor Bissen, Hawai'i tourism officials, and airline partners to immediately implement visitor education programs about Hawai'i’s wildlife laws, safe viewing distances, and the cultural importance of protecting marine animals, including monk seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds.

Education can prevent cruelty. Education can save wildlife. This story must become the turning point.

You can also support this campaign on Care2’s Petition Site to help expand public pressure and reach more wildlife advocates:

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/377/466/059/