A VILE tourist was caught on camera throwing rocks at an endangered seal in Hawaii.
The man then boasted that he did not care if he was fined because he is rich, according to the woman filming him.
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A vile tourist was caught on camera lobbing a huge rock at an endangered seal Credit: Hawaii News Now
The man boasted that he did not care if he was fined because he is rich Credit: Hawaii News Now
Viral footage of the disturbing incident shows the the man hurling a large rock which lands close to the seals head.
Later the monk seal can be seen floating motionless in the water.
The Hawaiian monk seal is considered one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals with only around 1,400 left in the world.
The woman who took the video, Kaylee Ku’ukamaleimakamae Schnitzer, said she confronted the man.
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But he retorted, “I don’t care, fine me, I’m rich”, before casually walking away, she told told KHON2.
The clip sparked widespread outrage online as locals attempted to track down the perpetrator.
Separate footage allegedly shows the man being attacked by a furious local who launches a flurry of punches on his head and torso.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said it was alerted by Maui police to a reported case of monk seal harassment.
The rock came within inches of the seal Credit: Hawaii News Now
The endangered animal was later seen bobbing in the water Credit: Hawaii News Now
Its Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement launched a probe into the incident.
A 37-year-old man from Seattle, Washington matching the description was arrested and detained.
No criminal charges have been filed.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said: “By now, we’ve all heard about the disturbing incident against our friend, Lani, the Hawaiian monk seal.
“Like many in our community, I was shocked by what happened. Lani is not just a seal to us; she is part of our ocean Ohana in Lahaina.
“Many of our residents know her, watch over her, and care deeply about her.”
He appeared to approve of the citizens justice by thanking “everyone who stepped in to protect” the beloved seal.
He added: “As Mayor, I not only have a responsibility to protect the people of Maui County, but also the wildlife and animals that share these islands with us.
“Let me be clear: this is not the type of visitor we welcome on Maui.
“Behavior like this will not be tolerated.”
The fuming mayor assured the public he would “see to it personally” that the attacker was prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law whether at the County, State, or Federal level.
“There must be consequences, Lani, we have your back”, he added.
Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and state law.
It is illegal to disturb, harass, feed, or harm a monk seal, and violations can result in fines of up to £30,000 or criminal penalties.
In 2017 a man was sentenced to four years in prison for beating a Hawaiian monk seal with his fists.
