Story perspectives

Hawaii Detains Man for Throwing Rock at Monk Seal

5/8/2026

Summary

Hawaii Detains Harasser

Hawaii detained a man after footage showed him hurling rock at monk seal in Lahaina on May 5.
DLNR sent the case to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
DLNR chief Jason Redulla urged a 50-foot distance from seals and 150-foot from mothers with pups.
NOAA reported monk-seal penalties total several thousand dollars and urged public respect Kaimana Beach fencing, keep pets leashed, call 800-853-1964 to report harassment.

Summary

Suspect Invokes Counsel

The suspect invoked right to counsel and refused to speak when detained.
No criminal charges have been filed.
Officials sent the investigation, covered by Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Hawaii law, to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement for federal action.
DOCARE’s Maui branch, alerted by police dispatch, coordinated on-scene response.
Officials declined to release the man’s name, citing privacy and investigation policies.

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Hawaii Detains Harasser

Hawaii detained a man after footage showed him hurling rock at monk seal in Lahaina on May 5.
DLNR sent the case to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
DLNR chief Jason Redulla urged a 50-foot distance from seals and 150-foot from mothers with pups.
NOAA reported monk-seal penalties total several thousand dollars and urged public respect Kaimana Beach fencing, keep pets leashed, call 800-853-1964 to report harassment.

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