{"id":123521,"date":"2026-05-07T15:46:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T18:46:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ubirataonline.com.br\/5-6-26-update-on-investigation-into-rock-thrown-at-monk-seal-and-breaches-of-seal-resting-areas\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T15:46:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T18:46:14","slug":"5-6-26-update-on-investigation-into-rock-thrown-at-monk-seal-and-breaches-of-seal-resting-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ubirataonline.com.br\/en\/5-6-26-update-on-investigation-into-rock-thrown-at-monk-seal-and-breaches-of-seal-resting-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"5\/6\/26 \u2013 UPDATE ON INVESTIGATION INTO ROCK THROWN AT MONK SEAL AND BREACHES OF SEAL RESTING AREAS"},"content":{"rendered":"


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5\/6\/26 \u2013 UPDATE ON INVESTIGATION INTO ROCK THROWN AT MONK SEAL AND BREACHES OF SEAL RESTING AREAS<\/h2>\n

\t\t\t\t\tPosted on May 6, 2026 in Aquatic Resources<\/a>, News Releases<\/a>, slider<\/a>, slider<\/a> <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
<\/b>GOVERNOR<\/td>\n		\n

RYAN KANAKA\u02bbOLE
<\/strong>\u00a0ACTING CHAIRPERSON<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

UPDATE ON INVESTIGATION INTO ROCK THROWN AT MONK SEAL AND BREACHES OF SEAL RESTING AREAS\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hawaiian monk seal Kaiwi (RK96) and her newborn pup on Kaimana Beach, May 4, 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n

HONOLULU \u2013\u00a0The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is investigating social media postings on Instagram that appear to show an adult male throwing an object toward a monk seal while it was swimming in the water off the Lahaina shoreline.<\/p>\n

Yesterday, the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement\u2019s (DOCARE) Maui Branch was notified of a case of monk seal harassment by Maui Police Department Dispatch. A DOCARE officer received the call and responded to the scene. While enroute, the officer was able to contact the reporting party and obtain a description of the alleged suspect. When the officer arrived at the scene, the officer contacted a 37-year-old adult male from Seattle, Washington, who matched the description of the suspect. The male was detained, identified and advised of his legal rights. The male declined to make a statement and invoked his legal rights by requesting counsel of an attorney.<\/p>\n

In accordance with the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which provides protections for Hawaiian monk seals, DOCARE will be turning over the state investigation of this incident to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s Office of Law Enforcement (NOAA-OLE) for further review and action.<\/p>\n

At this time, the alleged suspect has not been criminally charged, so DOCARE will not be releasing any information on his identity.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

On O\u02bbahu, there have been several reports of members of the public breaching the temporary fence at Kaimana Beach that marks the resting area for Kaiwi (RK96), a 15-year-old female monk seal, and her pup. Kaiwi gave birth on the beach May 3.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a very crucial time in the life of this pup, so for these people to be breaching the area and getting close is not a good idea at all,\u201d said DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the mother seal perceives any human or pet to be a threat, she may attack. This is what happened during a 2022 encounter between a swimmer and mother seal at Kaimana Beach. The swimmer suffered lacerations to her face, back and arm,\u201d Chief Redulla cautions.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom past monk-seal-related incidents, we know that some of the NOAA fines have been substantial, totaling several thousand dollars,\u201d added Chief Redulla.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo keep people and pets safe, and to protect our endangered marine life, we ask the public\u2019s help by showing respect for these animals and following all guidelines for safe viewing.\u201d<\/p>\n

You Can Help<\/strong><\/p>\n