ruth901
Hawaiians didn't hesitate for longTourist throws stone at seal – then karma strikes
from Camilla Koziol
What was he thinking?
A tourist from Seattle received a beating while vacationing in Hawaii. And the bully is even celebrated like a national hero for it! The reason: The holidaymaker was filmed throwing a large stone at a small seal in the sea! The video went viral and turned even more people against the 37-year-old. Because the seal named Lani is a symbol of hope after the fires in Hawaii and in the coastal city of Lahaina in 2023.
Hawaii is committed to the little seal
Now even the police are investigating the animal abuser. “He picked up a rock the size of a coconut and threw it right at the seal's head,” said passerby Kaylee Schnitze, who recorded the video on May 5. The clip was played during a Senate meeting. Schnitze describes how she experienced the incident in the video above.
Brenton Awa is extremely angry with the American and makes it clear in a speech that people like him are not welcome in Hawaii. The senator from Hawaii even floats the idea of playing the video to tourists at the airport as a warning so that they don't get the idea of attacking animals.
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A Hawaiian monk seal on the beach. (Symbol)
NHPA/Photoshot
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen also reiterated that this type of behavior would not be tolerated. He will ensure that Lani gets justice, he said in a video message on Instagram. Since returning to Lahaina after the devastating fires, locals have been caring for the seal and defending its well-being. Lani has a tracker and the locals have loved her for seven years.
The tourist now faces a fine
Both men made it clear that they were fundamentally against violence. But they don't want to leave this event alone. The man who hit the holidaymaker even received an award for defending the seal's life.
If charges are filed against the tourist, whose identity has been protected until now, he could face a fine of up to $50,000 for violating the Animal Welfare Act, the New York Post reports.
The monk seal is a protected species in Hawaii and is under special protection. If a person touches a seal, they could face a fine of up to $500.
Sources used: InstagramNew York Post
