In a controversial incident that has sparked widespread attention, a tourist is claiming his intentions were misunderstood after being charged with throwing a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. According to the tourist, his actions were meant to protect two vulnerable turtles.
Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, faces federal charges following the event, which was captured on video at a beach in Lahaina on May 5. The footage shows Lytvynchuk allegedly attempting to drive the seal away. His attorney, Myles Breiner, explained that Lytvynchuk’s goal was to safeguard the turtles, known in Hawaii as honu, rather than harm the seal.
“I want to make it absolutely clear to the public that he had no intention of injuring the monk seal,” Breiner stated during an interview with KHON-TV News. “His aim was to deter the seal from approaching the honu he observed at the scene.”
Breiner further elaborated on the situation, noting, “There were two substantial turtles present, and one had already been displaced from the rock by the seal. It’s important to remember that sea lions can exhibit aggressive behavior.”
“Apparently, there were two large turtles and one had already been knocked off the rock by the seal,” Breiner told the outlet. “Sea lions are very aggressive.”
The knucklehead from Seattle went viral after a bystander filmed him throwing a coconut-sized rock at the seal that Hawaiians lovingly call Lani, and made matters worse when asked why.
“I don’t care,” he told the woman who filmed the alleged attack. “Fine me. I’m rich.”
Enraged locals tracked him down and at least one man slugged him over the incident.
Lytvynchuk is now facing a federal charge of disturbing or harassing an endangered animal and could face up to one year in prison and a $50,000 fine.
“He recognizes he made a bad decision,” Breiner said.
However, the lawyer said the flippant statement attributed to his client is off the mark.
“The statement was, ‘I can afford it,’” he said.