Tourist Charged In Federal Case For Allegedly Throwing Rock At Endangered Hawaii Monk Seal
A tourist was charged in federal court after allegedly throwing a rock at the head of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal nicknamed "Lani" on a Maui shoreline on May 5, 2026.[1]
The Department of Justice charged Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk with harassing and attempting to harass an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.[1] DOJ said the rock narrowly missed the seal's nose, caused her to rear up, and left her largely immobile for an extended period, prompting concern for her welfare.[1] Witnesses who recorded the encounter confronted the man on the beach and the video shows him saying he was "rich enough to pay the fines" if he faced trouble.[1] Federal agents arrested the man after investigators followed leads stemming from the video.[2]
On May 5, 2026, witnesses captured the episode on video on a Maui shore, and the viral clip plus online sleuthing helped identify the suspect.[1] Public business records show Lytvynchuk owns a logistics and trucking company based in Kent, Washington.[1]
U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson said federal prosecutors will pursue "rapid accountability in federal court" for people who harass protected wildlife.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 5, 2026, Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk allegedly threw a rock at the head of a Hawaiian monk seal nicknamed 'Lani' on a Maui shoreline, an incident captured on video by witnesses.
- The Department of Justice has charged Lytvynchuk with harassing and attempting to harass an endangered species in violation of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
- DOJ says the rock narrowly missed the seal's nose, causing her to rear up and remain largely immobile for an extended period, prompting concern about her welfare.
- Witnesses confronted Lytvynchuk on the beach, and the video records him saying he was 'rich enough to pay the fines' if he got in trouble.
- U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson issued a statement vowing 'rapid accountability in federal court' for those who harass protected wildlife.
- According to business records, Lytvynchuk owns a logistics and trucking company based in Kent, Washington, and the viral video plus online sleuthing helped identify him.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Article confirms that on May 5, 2026, Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk allegedly threw a rock at the head of a Hawaiian monk seal nicknamed "Lani" on a Maui shoreline, an incident captured on video by witnesses.
- The Department of Justice has charged Lytvynchuk with both harassing and attempting to harass an endangered species in violation of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
- DOJ says the rock narrowly missed the seal's nose, causing her to rear up and remain largely immobile for an extended period, prompting concern about her welfare.
- Witnesses confronted Lytvynchuk on the beach, and the video records him saying he was "rich enough to pay the fines" if he got in trouble.
- U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson issued a statement vowing "rapid accountability in federal court" for those who harass protected wildlife.
- The article notes that Lytvynchuk owns a logistics and trucking company based in Kent, Washington, according to business records, and that the viral video and online sleuthing helped identify him.