Hawaiian monk seal Kaiwi (RK96) and her newborn pup on Kaimana Beach, May 4, 2026. (file) (Department of Land and Natural Resources)

Federal investigation launched

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) launched its investigation after Instagram videos that appear to show a man throwing a rock at a monk seal swimming near Lahaina. In the video, the rock landed just inches away from the seal’s head.

A Seattle man is under investigation after social media posts showed him throwing an object at a Maui monk seal, wildlife officials said. (Credit: Kaylee Schnitzer)

Maui police notified state conservation officers about the incident on May 5, and officers detained a 37-year-old Seattle man who matched the suspect’s description. He was advised of his rights and requested a lawyer.

What’s next:

Since Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, investigators turned the case over to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement.

Warning sign of nursing seals near the beach area.  (Department of Land and Natural Resources)

What we don’t know:

Authorities said the man’s identity has not been released because he has not been charged. It is unclear what the object was that was thrown at the seal or if the seal suffered any injuries from the incident.

Wildlife safety warnings on O’ahu

On O’ahu, officials said there have been several instances of people breaking through a temporary fence on Kaimana Beach to get near a 15-year-old seal and her pup that was born on May 3.

What they’re saying:

“If the mother seal perceives any human or pet to be a threat, she may attack. This is what happened during a 2022 encounter between a swimmer and a mother seal at Kaimana Beach. The swimmer suffered lacerations to her face, back and arm,” Chief Redulla said.

Violating protections for these endangered animals can lead to financial penalties, which have resulted in fines of several thousand dollars in monk-seal-related incidents.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.