This petition arises from a deeply personal concern about the survival of the highly endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Succumbing to the heart-wrenching news of a deceased newborn seal pup is not something we should ever accept. It is more disturbing when the person responsible for the tragic incident is supposed to protect these precious creatures. A state employee under the Department of Land and Natural Resources, also residing at the park blatantly ignored the laws and allowed her dogs to roam freely in a known habitat for Hawaiian monk seals. This irresponsible act resulted in the negligent death of a newborn seal pup. 

This provokes us to question the actions of those who have obligations towards these endangered animals. The culpable person's role at the park was to protect these seals. Even more, she knew the rules and broke them willingly, as dogs are prohibited in Ka'ena State Park. Such behavior from a responsible personnel not only undermines public trust but also threatens the goal we all share; the protection and preservation of Hawaiian monk seals, a species estimated to be only around 1,570 in existence according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The killing of this female pup has also taken away future pups which would have contribute to this species' population.

This incident signifies a call for justice beyond the lost life of a newborn pup—it's a wakeup call to address the prevailing negligence around the habitats where these seals give birth, molt, and rest in order to survive. It's a matter of justice for the species, for the mother monk seal, and for our ocean. Therefore, we demand the immediate termination of said employee and a thorough review of the actions that led to this tragedy. Let's ensure that individuals placed in positions of safeguarding endangered wildlife are deserving of our trust and are truly committed to their protective roles.

Please, sign this petition and join the fight for justice and tighter regulations for the protection of Hawaiian monk seals.