A tourist from Washington state is accused of throwing a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, prompting legal action and public outcry. 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. The incident, captured on video, shows Lytvynchuk throwing the rock at a monk seal identified as an adult male named 'R404' by scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The video, recorded at a Maui beach, drew widespread condemnation, including from local officials. Prosecutors allege Lytvynchuk threw the rock directly at the seal, narrowly missing its head, after a witness confronted him. According to the criminal complaint, Lytvynchuk reportedly stated he did not care and claimed he was 'rich enough to pay any fines.'
Defense Attorney Myles Breiner claims Lytvynchuk mistook the monk seal for an aggressive sea lion and was attempting to protect sea turtles, which he was familiar with from previous visits to Hawaii. Breiner also reported that Lytvynchuk was physically assaulted and doxed following the incident, though no police report was filed. The case has raised concerns about wildlife protection and public behavior toward endangered species in Hawaii.