Maui man detained after alleged rock-throw at monk seal; NOAA to review

DOCARE in Maui detained a 37-year-old Seattle man after a social media post appeared to show him throwing a rock toward a Hawaiian monk seal off Lahaina; the suspect invoked his right to counsel and no charges have been filed while NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement reviews the case. Authorities warn the public to keep distance from monk seals and report violations to avoid fines under ESA/MMPA. The piece also notes a new monk seal pup at Oahu’s Kaimana Beach and ongoing safety guidelines for viewing seals.