Washington Man’s Rock-Throwing Incident Leads to Expanded Travel Restrictions Ahead of Trial

On May 5, a video captured Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, allegedly tracking a Hawaiian monk seal as it nudged a floating log near a Maui shoreline. The footage shows Lytvynchuk pick up a large rock, aim, and throw it toward the seal’s head. The rock missed the animal’s nose but startled the seal, causing it to rear up and remain largely immobile for an extended period. The endangered Hawaiian monk seal population is estimated at roughly 1,600 individuals worldwide.

Newsweek

The criminal complaint alleges that Lytvynchuk violated the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. According to the complaint, each charge carries a possible sentence of up to one year in prison, a term of supervised release, and fines of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act, up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and up to $100,000 under the Criminal Fine Improvements Act. Lytvynchuk has entered a not-guilty plea.

Newsweek

After being released on bond, Lytvynchuk’s movements were initially limited to Washington’s western district and the island of Oahu for court appearances. In an order dated September 25, a federal magistrate judge in Hawaii broadened the restriction to include the entire state of Washington, allowing work-related travel while maintaining the requirement to appear in court on Oahu. The trial is scheduled to begin on November 16 before Magistrate Judge Rom Trader in Honolulu.

Newsweek

U.S.

Newsweek

The case underscores federal enforcement of wildlife protection statutes in Hawaii, signaling that violations involving protected marine mammals can result in significant criminal penalties and strict pre-trial travel controls. It also highlights the challenges of safeguarding a species with a small, isolated population amid increasing human recreation in coastal habitats.

Newsweek