Lahaina, Maui – A 38-year-old man who resides in Covington, Washington, is facing federal charges after hurling a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal in Maui. According to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk was charged by criminal complaint on May 12, 2026, for harassing and attempting to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal by throwing a large rock at the seal’s head, in violation of the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The disturbing incident took place near Lahaina on the morning of May 5. Witnesses report the endangered seal, known as Lani, was pushing a floating log when Lytvynchuk picked up a large rock and hurled it at her head.
Horrified bystanders confronted the man, asking him why he would do that before telling him they were calling the police. Lytvynchuk reportedly responded with a statement that he was “rich enough to pay any fines” resulting from his abhorrent behavior.
Just over a week later, Lytvynchuk was arrested, and he now faces up to a year in prison and a hefty fine. U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson said:
“The unique and precious wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands are renowned symbols of Hawaii’s special place in the world and its incredible biodiversity. We are committed to protecting our vulnerable wild species, in particular endangered Hawaiian monk seals, like Lani. We pledge that those who harass and attempt to harm our protected wildlife will face rapid accountability in federal court.”
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Note: Video is Disturbing
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk must be held fully accountable for his aggressive actions. The rock hurled at the endangered monk seal’s head narrowly missed her. There are only an estimated 1,600 monk seals alive in the world; they are protected for a reason. Lytvynchuk could have killed Lani, and his dismissive response shows that he did not care. We demand full accountability under the law for the alleged targeting of a protected marine mammal.
Note: A U.S. District Court judge in Seattle allowed Lytvynchuk to be released from custody on May 14; the next scheduled court appearance is in Honolulu on May 27.
If convicted, Lytvynchuk faces serious federal penalties for allegedly targeting a protected marine mammal. Under federal law, he could face up to one year in prison for each charge, along with a term of supervised release. He also faces fines of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Federal authorities emphasized the seriousness of crimes involving protected wildlife, particularly endangered Hawaiian monk seals.
News
Department of Justice Press Release
Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.
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