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MAUI, Hawaii (KHON) — A concerning incident witnessed earlier this month in Maui has sparked a federal criminal case against a Washington man.
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Federal authorities announced Wednesday, May 13, that 38-year-old Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk of Covington, Washington, is facing charges in connection with the May 5 incident, during which he threw a large rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal known locally as “Lani.”
According to the criminal complaint, witnesses saw the seal pushing a floating log near the shoreline while Lytvynchuk tracked her movements along the beach. Authorities said he then picked up a large rock, aimed and threw it at the seal’s head. The rock missed, video taken by a witness shows, but nearly struck the animal in its nose.
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk of Covington, Washington is seen holding a large rock on a beach near Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (Courtesy: United States Justice Department) 
The rock can be seen midair as Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk’s (of Covington, Washington) is in the air on a beach near Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (Courtesy: United States Justice Department) 
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk of Covington, Washington is seen standing a beach near Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as the rock splashes the water. (Courtesy: United States Justice Department) 
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk of Covington, Washington is seen standing a beach near Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as the rock splashes the water and L:ani the monk seal splashes from the rock hitting the water.(Courtesy: United States Justice Department)
“The unique and precious wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands are renowned symbols of Hawaii’s special place in the world and its incredible biodiversity,” U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson said. “We pledge that those who harass and attempt to harm our protected wildlife will face rapid accountability in federal court.”
Lytvynchuk was charged under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Hawaii said.
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Witnesses confronted Lytvynchuk at the scene and told him law enforcement had been contacted. According to the complaint, he responded that he was “rich enough to pay the fines” before leaving the area.
Lytvynchuk was arrested on Wednesday near Seattle by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration special agents. He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Thursday.
Lytvynchuk faces up to one year in prison for each charge, if found guilty. Prosecutors said the case also carries potential fines of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
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