CAUGHT ON CAMERA | Seattle Tourist Throws Rock at Endangered Defenseless Hawaiian Monk Seal

REPORT (FOX13): A Seattle tourist was detained after hurling a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. A witness recorded the Tuesday morning incident on a Maui beach, prompting NOAA officials to launch a federal investigation. The 37-year-old man, who has not yet been criminally charged, allegedly told bystanders he didn’t care because he is rich.

This video reports on a distressing incident in which a 37-year-old tourist from Seattle was caught on camera throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on a beach in Maui (0:00-0:15, 1:13-1:20).

Key Details of the Incident:

The Act: A witness, Kaylee Schnitzer, began recording after observing a woman approaching the seal in shallow water (0:30-0:46). Shortly after, the man accompanying the woman grabbed a coconut-sized rock and threw it at the seal’s head (1:11-1:15).

The Aftermath: The witness and her friends confronted the pair, who attempted to walk away. When told that authorities had been called, the man allegedly replied, “I don’t care. Find me. I’m rich,” and claimed he behaved this way where he was from (1:30-1:55).

Investigation: The man was detained by authorities (1:45-1:47). While he has not yet been criminally charged, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement has taken over the federal investigation (2:01-2:07).

Context on Hawaiian Monk Seals:

Status: These seals are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. With only about 400 remaining in the main Hawaiian Islands, harassing, touching, or approaching them—especially mothers and pups—is strictly prohibited and punishable by law (0:50-1:04).

Legal Penalties: Violating these protections can lead to significant federal fines (up to $50,000) and potential imprisonment, as such actions are considered felonies (0:52, 2:09).

The report concludes by encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any observed wildlife harassment to help protect these endangered animals (2:10-2:17).