Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) officials are investigating an incident in which two men are accused of attacking an endangered Hawaiian monk seal by throwing a rock at it. The alleged attack occurred Sunday afternoon at Diamond Head Beach on Oahu.
Witnesses told DLNR officials that they observed the two men approach the juvenile seal. One of the men then reportedly picked up a rock and threw it toward the animal. A couple who witnessed the encounter confronted the men, and the exchange was captured on video. The video, which has circulated on social media, shows the witnesses challenging the men's actions before they departed the scene.
The monk seal did not appear to sustain serious injuries, according to DLNR officials. However, the department emphasized that Hawaiian monk seals are among the most endangered marine mammals globally. Both the federal Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibit the harassment, disturbance, or harming of these seals, with violators facing significant civil fines and potential criminal penalties.
Officials have not released descriptions of the suspects but are reviewing witness statements and video evidence. This incident follows a similar alleged attack in May, when a tourist from Seattle was accused of throwing a large rock at an endangered monk seal named Lani on Maui. That incident also prompted an investigation by state and federal authorities, and Maui Mayor Richard Bissen stated that such behavior would not be tolerated.
Anyone with information that could aid in identifying the men involved in the Diamond Head Beach incident is encouraged to contact the Hawaii DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.