- A tourist, Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, is facing federal charges for allegedly throwing a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on a Maui beach.
- Lytvynchuk's defence lawyer claims his client mistook the monk seal for an aggressive sea lion and was trying to protect sea turtles.
- The incident, captured on video, sparked widespread outrage, and Lytvynchuk has reportedly faced severe backlash, including death threats and a physical assault.
- Prosecutors allege Lytvynchuk told a witness he “did not care” and was “rich” enough to pay any fines' after being confronted about the act.
- Lytvynchuk faces up to one year in prison and a potential fine of up to $20,000 for each charge under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
IN FULL
Tourist accused of hurling rock at rare Hawaiian seal was ‘brutally assaulted,’ his lawyer claims
