A tourist was arrested in Hawaii for allegedly throwing a rock at a monk seal named Lani.
Federal agents from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration apprehended 38-year-old Igor Mikhailovich Litvinchuk from Covington, Washington. This happened a week after he reportedly boasted about his actions, claiming he could evade consequences because he was “rich,” as noted by the New York Post.
Litvinchuk faces charges for harassing a protected animal. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Honolulu stated that Lani was near the shore on Front Street in Lahaina when he threw a large rock at her. He was arrested close to Seattle. It appears he was initially questioned on May 5 but was released after requesting a lawyer.
Reports highlighted that the arrest followed significant public backlash, including a street confrontation by locals upset with the incident, casting Litvinchuk as a symbol of Maui’s resilience post the destructive Lahaina wildfires.
Prosecutors described cellphone footage of Litvinchuk, with a rock in hand, aiming it directly at the seal in their criminal complaint.
Although the rock fell away from Lani’s head, the prosecutors argued that the act caused her behavior to change abruptly.
Witnesses indicated that Litvinchuk expressed indifference, allegedly stating he was “wealthy enough” to pay any potential fines.
Following the incident, at least one local reportedly confronted Litvinchuk on the street, and videos of the altercation circulated on social media.
According to reports, state Senator Brenton Awa praised the locals as heroes during a Capitol session, even presenting a commendation letter to the anonymous person who intervened.
Awa commented, “Some of us have witnessed environmental activists. They acted to teach a lesson regarding the impact of interfering with our natural surroundings.” He added a note that while they do not endorse violence, they recognize the efforts of that individual.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen stated via email that the incidents show cruelty towards wildlife will not be tolerated.
Bissen emphasized, “Lani is a reminder that humanity and the desire to protect the vulnerable can bring people together.”
Litvinchuk is expected to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Thursday.
