Hawaii officials are investigating a reported incident involving an endangered Hawaiian monk seal pup at Diamond Head Beach after witnesses reported two men threw a rock toward the animal while it rested on the sand.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources confirmed that its Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement has opened an investigation. Officials have not identified anyone involved and say it is not yet known whether the people reported in the incident were Hawaii residents or visitors.
What witnesses said happened to the Hawaiian Monk Seal.
According to multiple sources, a nearby couple said they saw two men approach the monk seal pup Sunday afternoon while it was resting on the beach. The witnesses said one of the men allegedly threw a rock toward the seal before the couple confronted them and recorded video of the encounter.
It was separately confirmed that DOCARE investigators received a report through the agency’s tip line over the weekend but that no suspects have been identified and investigators do not yet know whether those involved were residents or visitors.
The reporting to date reflects the early stage of this investigation. Witnesses have described what they say they saw, while state officials have confirmed only that an investigation is underway and have released few additional details.
Diamond Head is a busy Oahu shoreline.
Diamond Head Beach sits below one of Oahu’s most heavily visited landmarks that draws surfers, residents and visitors. Monk seals that come on shore there can quickly find themselves surrounded by people who may not understand how much space the animals need.
Encounters between people and monk seals have become more visible as the endangered animals continue to show up on some of Hawaii’s busiest beaches. Wildlife officials consistently remind beachgoers to stay well back, avoid approaching resting seals, and report any harassment rather than getting close to the animal.
Hawaiian monk seals are protected by law.
Hawaiian monk seals are protected under both state and federal law, and disturbing or harassing them can result in significant penalties. Even when a seal appears calm or inactive, approaching it can interrupt rest and alter its natural rhythms.
Beachgoers should follow any ropes, signs, or directions placed around a resting seal. People who witness possible harassment can report it to state conservation officers or NOAA rather than confronting the animal or moving closer to document what is occurring.
A similar Maui case was referred to federal authorities.
The investigation also follows another widely reported monk seal case in May of this year, when a Washington man was investigated after authorities alleged he threw a large rock at a resting monk seal on Maui. That case was referred to federal authorities for review under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
In this separate Diamond Head investigation, no charges have been announced, and state officials have also not said whether the rock reportedly thrown there struck the seal.
What have you seen when encountering Hawaii’s monk seals? Do you think enough is being done to educate people about giving these endangered animals space?
By Rob and Jeff, Beat of Hawaii.
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I’ve witnessed both tourists and locals harassing monk seals. The locals don’t like the monk seals because they eat the fish they’re trying to catch. Tourists on the other hand aren’t aware. I think all the airlines should show a video about monk seals and honus to prevent harassment.
I am a definite protector of all animals, However there are idiots out there. I wonder if the extensive discussions about the Monk Seals with no consequences to date and not much chance of any at all makes the idiots think: I Will See If I Can Get Away With This> Sadly there are those who like to hurt other and animals.
Thank you for covering these. People need to understand that Hawaii’s wildlife isn’t here for entertainment or for abuse.
The punishment needs to be meaningful. Otherwise the next person looking for a social media video fix may do very the same thing.
Every time I see a rope around a seal I wonder why it’s necessary. Then something like this happens and I’m reminded that it is.
I honestly think some visitors don’t realize these are protected animals until it’s too late. More education before people hit the beaches would help wherever that can happen.
But why would you throw something at any animal? I don’t care where you are. Maybe if it was a dog getting into your food or stuff. And I can’t believe anyone going to Hawai’i wouldn’t know Something about the seals and honu.
We have visited Hawaii for over 25 years and it breaks my heart to read this. Watching monk seals from a respectful distance has always been one of our favorite memories.
Perhaps pass a law that says if you are under investigation for harassing the animals, you will be held over in Hawaii until your case is done. If guilty, 45 days in Hawaii jail. Maybe a bit much, but I have no use for these kind of people.
Only if held over at your own expense!
Unfortunately this is occurring more often bothering both monk seals and turtles. I think it would be good if NOAA or some other agency could prepare a short video for the airlines to show to all passengers prior to landing on any of the islands.
This baby seal incident reinforces that if you see someone harming wildlife, speak up, take video and report it. I hope those two cruel men are arrested and significantly punished. We are guests in the monk seals’ habitat and we need to be respectful.
No, not enough is done. They should be playing a video about proper ways to act around our wildlife and how to report any violations. Most people get it but obviously some don’t.
Instead of playing a video on the plane on how wonderful the State of Hawaii is, maybe they should let people know the fines and jail time for touching monk seals/turtles/etc.
Hawaiians expect people to just know this, they don’t.