A viral Maui video showed a man apparently throwing a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, narrowly missing the animal. Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, pleaded not guilty to harassment charges and was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond; a magistrate judge has barred him from beaches while the federal trial proceeds on June 9. Conservationists say harassment threatens rare monk seals and called for tougher penalties to deter similar abuse.
Man Banned From Hawaii Beaches After Video Shows Rock Thrown at Endangered Monk Seal
Photo Credit: TikTok
A viral video shot on Maui sparked outrage after it appeared to show a man hurling a coconut-sized rock that narrowly missed an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Federal authorities have charged 38-year-old Igor Lytvynchuk of Washington with harassment and attempted harassment of a protected marine mammal, and a judge has barred him from beaches while the case proceeds.
What Happened
The video, shared widely on social media earlier this month, shows a seal swimming near shore when a thrown rock splashes into the water and causes the animal to rear up in alarm. Onlookers in the clip can be heard confronting the man: "What are you doing?! Why would you throw a rock at it?"
Court Action
At a federal hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Rom Trader allowed Lytvynchuk, 38, to remain free on a $25,000 unsecured bond but ordered that he be banned from Hawai'i beaches and prohibited from approaching marine wildlife while criminal proceedings continue. His federal trial is scheduled for June 9 in Hawai'i.
Prosecutors say Lytvynchuk faces potential fines of up to $70,000 under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and additional exposure of up to $100,000 under the Criminal Fine Improvements Act. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to Hawai'i Public Radio.
Why It Matters
Hawaiian monk seals are among the world's rarest marine mammals. Harassment can cause injury, significant stress, or displacement of animals already facing threats such as habitat loss, disease and limited food sources. Experts warn that provoking wildlife can create dangerous situations for both animals and people; animals that injure humans—whether provoked or not—are sometimes euthanized.
Public Reaction
The courtroom was reportedly full of wildlife advocates who said they were relieved the case is being taken seriously. Some supporters said they considered distributing flyers with the defendant's image at local beaches. Shui Mei Bassette, quoted by Hawai'i Public Radio, urged stronger penalties: "We are very, very privileged to get to witness these animals," she said, adding that current fines are too low to deter repeat misconduct.
Note: The case is ongoing; the video evidence and public response have intensified calls for stricter enforcement to protect endangered marine species.
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