A tourist accused of throwing a large rock at Lani, a beloved endangered Hawaiian monk seal in Maui, sparked outrage after witnesses said he aimed it toward the animal’s head while she rested near Lahaina’s shoreline. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Seattle visitor Igor Lytvynchuk, allegedly ignored warnings from bystanders and reportedly said, “Fine me, I’m rich.”
The incident, filmed by local resident Kaylee Schnitzer, quickly went viral online. Hawaiian monk seals are critically endangered and protected under federal law, making the act especially disturbing to locals who deeply care for Lani, a symbol of recovery after Maui’s 2023 wildfires.
Soon after, an angry local confronted the tourist physically, knocking him to the ground and punching him in front of shocked beachgoers. The video spread rapidly online, with many viewers praising the unidentified man for defending the seal, though officials stressed they do not support violence.
Hawaii state Sen. Brenton Awa later revealed the local man even received a recognition letter from lawmakers, calling him an “Ambassador of Aloha.” Maui Mayor Richard Bissen also defended Lani, saying she is part of Lahaina’s “ocean family” and promised authorities would pursue justice.
According to Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, the suspect was questioned but released after requesting a lawyer. The case remains under federal review under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.