Man Charged With Harassing Endangered Maui Monk Seal Banned From Beaches

Igor Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old resident of Washington state, pleaded not guilty on May 27, 2026, in a federal court case involving the harassment of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

The legal proceedings follow a viral video that sparked widespread outrage in Maui and beyond. The footage captured Lytvynchuk throwing a large rock at a monk seal known to the Lahaina community as Lani.

Following the plea, Lytvynchuk was released on a $25,000 bond. As part of the court’s immediate orders, U.S. Magistrate Judge Rom Trader banned Lytvynchuk from visiting any beaches.

"You're not going to the beach, you understand that," Judge Trader told the defendant.

U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson emphasized the federal government’s position on the protection of Hawaii’s biodiversity in court documents.

Today’s charges against Igor Lytvynchuk demonstrate our solemn commitment to not only protect Hawaii’s endangered monk seals, but all of our unique and endangered wildlife species from those who illegally harass, injure, or attempt to take them in defiance of federal law. Igor Lytvynchuk now stands formally charged for these alleged offenses and will face justice in federal court. We urge all to allow the process of justice to proceed and understand that Lytvynchuk enjoys certain rights, including the presumption of innocence. We look forward to proceeding with our case in United States District Court. U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson

Lytvynchuk’s defense attorney, Myles Breiner, argued that his client’s actions were not intended to harm the animal. According to Breiner, Lytvynchuk claimed he threw a rock the size of a coconut to scare the monk seal away from nearby turtles.

"So his response was not to hurt this monk seal, but to get it away from the turtles," Breiner stated.

The legal stakes for Lytvynchuk are significant. If convicted, he faces up to one year in prison for each charge and a term of supervised release.

The financial penalties are also substantial, with a potential total of $170,000 in fines. These include:

• Up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act
• Up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
• Up to $100,000 under the Criminal Fine Improvements Act

Outside of the courtroom, Lytvynchuk has faced severe backlash. This includes doxing and death threats, as well as a package containing feces delivered to his home.

The incident also led to an encounter with local vigilantes, resulting in a beating. Lytvynchuk has chosen not to press charges regarding that assault.

Lytvynchuk is scheduled to return to court for his next hearing on June 9, 2026.