Full Breakdown
Washington Tourist Charged with Harassing Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal
5/28/2026, 1:58:51 AM
Incident Overview
On May 5 2026, Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old fisherman from Covington, Washington, was filmed throwing a coconut-sized rock at a Hawaiian monk seal (NOAA ID R404) near Lahaina, Maui. The rock missed the seal’s head, startling it. Lytvynchuk later surrendered in Seattle and now faces federal charges under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Background & Context
The Hawaiian monk seal, listed as endangered since 1976, numbers about 1,600 individuals and is regarded as part of the islands’ ocean ‘ohana.’ Major threats include habitat loss, pollution, entanglement and climate-driven sea-level rise. Federal law defines “take” to include harassment and attempts to kill protected marine mammals. Violations can carry up to one year imprisonment and fines up to $50,000.
Timeline
- May 5 2026: Rock-throwing captured on video.
- May 12 2026: Criminal complaint filed.
- May 14 2026: NOAA agents arrested Lytvynchuk near Seattle.
- May 26 2026: Federal Information filed under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
- May 29 2026: First court appearance scheduled in Honolulu.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Richard Bissen said, “As mayor, I not only have a responsibility to protect the people of Maui County, but also the wildlife animals that share these islands with us,” adding the seal is “a part of our ocean ‘ohana in Lahaina.”
Criticism & Opposition
Attorney Myles Breiner contends Lytvynchuk was protecting sea turtles, mistook the seal for a sea lion, and is being treated unfairly as a “white outsider.” He notes most monk-seal attacks are by locals and cites threats and doxing.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses filmed Lytvynchuk aiming a large rock, throwing it at the seal; the rock missed, causing the animal to rear briefly. He reportedly said he was “rich enough to pay any fines.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
NOAA identified the animal as adult male R404; locals initially called it “Lani.” The defense says Lytvynchuk thought it was a sea lion, while prosecutors treat it as a monk seal. No state charges accompany the federal case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today’s charges against Igor Lytvynchuk demonstrate our solemn commitment to not only protect Hawaii’s endangered monk seals, but all of our unique and endangered wildlife species from those who illegally harass, injure, or attempt to take them in defiance of federal law,” — Ken Sorenson, U.S. Attorney
- “The incident shows Noaa must do more to educate the public about protecting Hawaiian monk seals, said Brian Schatz, the US senator for Hawaii, in a statement.” — Brian Schatz, U.S. Senator
- “So his response was not to hurt this monk seal, but to get it away from the turtles,” — Myles Breiner, Attorney for Igor Lytvynchuk
- “he did not care and was ‘rich’ enough to pay any fines” — Igor Lytvynchuk (as reported)
