Authorities are investigating after two men allegedly approached a juvenile Hawaiian monk seal at Diamond Head Beach and one reportedly threw a rock at the animal. Witnesses filmed the confrontation, and the seal did not appear to suffer serious injuries. The DLNR is reviewing video and witness statements and has asked the public to help identify the suspects. Harassing or harming monk seals is illegal under federal law and can carry fines and criminal penalties.
Authorities Seek Two Men After Rock Thrown at Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal on Diamond Head Beach
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Two men walking away from the camera on a sandy beach towards the ocean, Image 2 shows A seal lies on the sand near the ocean
Police and wildlife officials in Hawaii are searching for two men after witnesses say one of them hurled a rock at a juvenile Hawaiian monk seal resting at Diamond Head Beach on Oʻahu.
A nearby couple confronted the men moments later and recorded the heated exchange on video. Aly Ishikuni
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has opened an investigation and is reviewing witness statements and video evidence to identify the suspects. According to witnesses, the pair approached the seal and one man picked up a rock and threw it toward the animal before both left the scene.
In May, a Seattle tourist was accused of throwing a large rock at an endangered monk seal named Lani in Lahaina, Maui. Instagram/@countyofmaui
"They walked straight up to the seal, and then one of them picked up a rock and threw it," said witness Ashley Schilling to Hawaii News Now. "That's when we stepped in because we couldn't just stand there and watch it happen."
Bystander video of the confrontation has circulated widely on social media. DLNR officials said the seal did not appear to have sustained serious injuries but strongly condemned the incident and reminded the public that Hawaiian monk seals are among the world’s most endangered marine mammals.
Witnesses said the man picked up a rock "the size of a coconut" and threw it toward the seal's head. Courtesy Kaylee Schnitzer
Legal Protections and Penalties
Harassing, disturbing, or harming Hawaiian monk seals is prohibited under the federal Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violators can face significant civil fines and possible criminal charges.
Context and Public Response
The Diamond Head incident follows a similar case in May, when a visitor was accused of throwing a large rock at an endangered seal named Lani on a Lahaina beach in Maui. That episode also prompted investigations and public condemnation from local officials.
Officials have not released physical descriptions of the two men involved in the Diamond Head incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.
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