Washington Resident Throws Rock at Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal While Attempting to Protect Turtles

On May 5, 2026, Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a Washington resident, was recorded walking along the Lahaina shoreline on Maui. Video shows him pick up a large rock, aim it at a Hawaiian monk seal named “Lani,” and throw it toward the animal’s head. Authorities say the rock narrowly missed the seal’s nose, startling it and causing it to rear out of the water. The seal, an endangered species, was near two large sea turtles, one of which had been knocked off a rock by the seal.

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Hawaiian monk seals are listed as endangered, and their coastal habitat often overlaps with sea-turtle resting sites. At the time of the incident, two large turtles were on rocks, and one had been displaced by the seal.

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• Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk – Washington-state fisherman with prior aggressive sea-lion encounters.

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• Myles Breiner – Defense attorney who spoke to KHON-TV and Hawaii News Now.

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• “Lani” – The endangered Hawaiian monk seal involved in the incident.

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A criminal complaint unsealed last week alleges that Lytvynchuk’s actions violated state wildlife protection statutes, noting the act targeted an endangered monk seal. Attorney Myles Breiner said Lytvynchuk did not intend to harm the seal, believing the rock would scare it away from the turtles. He noted Lytvynchuk’s lack of awareness of the seal’s protected status and cited prior aggressive sea-lion encounters as influencing his response.

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The video’s circulation prompted public concern that an endangered animal was further endangered. Observers expressed disapproval, viewing the rock throw as a threat to wildlife protection. The criminal complaint reflects an institutional response to those concerns.

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The source does not include statements from wildlife officials, Lytvynchuk, or the witness beyond the video, leaving motivations and the seal’s post-incident condition unverified. No official wildlife agency response has been published, and the seal’s health assessment after the incident remains unknown.

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• “I want to be resoundingly clear to the public — he never intended to injure the monk seal,” — Myles Breiner, Defense Attorney

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• “He wanted to scare the seal away from the honu he saw there,” — Myles Breiner

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• “Apparently, there were two large turtles and one had already been knocked off the rock by the seal.” — Myles Breiner

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• “They’ll take your bait, they’ll take your fish — that’s been his experience.” — Myles Breiner

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Lytvynchuk is scheduled to appear in Honolulu court on May 27, where the criminal complaint will be addressed and potential penalties for violating endangered-species protections will be considered.

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