Volunteers say more protections are needed for Rocky and her monk seal pup at Kalaeloa beach

KALAELOA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Rocky the monk seal is famed for giving birth to pups at Kaimana Beach.

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This time, she decided to give birth to a pup at Nimitz Beach at Kalaeloa for the first time, an area rarely used by monk seals for that purpose.

A large sandy area has been fenced off to protect the pair, but the roadway and parking are just a few feet away.

“Our concerns are pretty much the same as any pup site. We want to make sure that people are staying behind the fencing, giving the animals respect, and making sure that all dogs on site are leashed,” said Cameron Aroz of Hawaii Marine Animal Response. “That will ensure the safety of the seals any any pups on site.”

But the beach is extremely popular, and not everyone is following the rules. Some claim beer bottles and other containers have been thrown at Rocky and her pup, which was born Saturday.

People also gather in the evening for barbecues, and loud trucks drive by.

“If your baby was playing on the beach, would you like a truck driving ten feet by her? Or would you like to be throwing beer bottles at her? Probably not,” said Michelle Poppler, who has occasionally volunteered to watch over monk seals.

People have also posted pictures online showing unleashed dogs just outside the fencing, and even one photo showing one close enough to sniff the sleeping pup.

Poppler said while she has volunteered, she stays away from Nimitz Beach after dark.

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“Normal volunteers, such as myself, we cannot be here at night. So some officials — state and federal officials — need to step in,” she said.

Poppler and others believe that the state Department of Land and Natural Resources should be responsible, especially after an incident in 2022 when Rocky attacked a swimmer at Kaimana Beach.

That beach is under DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, or DOCARE.

DOCARE has sent officers to investigate complaints at Nimitz Beach, which is managed by the city. But under federal law, they cannot issue citations or make arrest.

DLNR Communications Director Andrew Laurence sent HNN a statement, which said, in part, “Therefore, during incidents of possible violations involving marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, or seals, DOCARE conducts a thorough investigation, gathering statements, images, and other evidence, and transfers their findings to the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement for them to review the information to determine if any enforcement action will be taken.”

“If you’re going to come here to party, you’re the protectors,” said Poppler. “It’s your kuleana to make sure that nobody messes with the seal.”

The DLNR said eyewitnesses who see people drinking or littering and/or dogs off their leashes should call 911 or the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 888-256-9840.

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