A Washington state tourist is facing federal charges after allegedly throwing a coconut-sized rock at a Hawaiian monk seal on a Maui beach.
Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Honolulu on charges of harassing and attempting to harass a protected animal under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Incident on Maui Beach
Prosecutors say a witness recorded Lytvynchuk throwing a rock at an adult male Hawaiian monk seal known as “R404.” The video shows the rock narrowly missing the seal’s head while it swam in shallow water near Lahaina, a community heavily impacted by the 2023 wildfire.
According to the complaint, when confronted, Lytvynchuk reportedly said he did not care and boasted he could pay any fines. Witness Kaylee Schnitzer, 18, told HawaiiNewsNow the rock was “the size of a coconut” and thrown directly at the seal.
Defense Claims He Tried to Protect Sea Turtles
Lytvynchuk’s attorney, Myles Breiner, said his client was not trying to harm the seal, but believed it was an aggressive sea lion and aimed to protect nearby sea turtles. Breiner also said Lytvynchuk has been physically assaulted, threatened, and doxed since the incident, including receiving a package containing what appeared to be feces.
The lawyer argued that his client is being unfairly targeted as a “white outsider,” noting that most attacks on seals and turtles are reportedly committed by local residents.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Lytvynchuk faces violations under:
- Endangered Species Act – up to one year in prison per charge, fines up to $50,000
- Marine Mammal Protection Act – fines up to $20,000
Ken Sorenson emphasized that Hawaiian monk seals are critically endangered, with only around 1,600 remaining in the wild, and that federal authorities are committed to protecting these vulnerable species.
Broader Implications
The case has sparked calls for increased public education on protecting Hawaiian monk seals. Senator Brian Schatz said the incident demonstrates the need for NOAA to provide more guidance for visitors interacting with wildlife.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and Lytvynchuk’s court appearance will determine how the case proceeds.
