2 men accused of throwing rock at monk seal pup

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state has opened an investigation into two men accused of throwing a rock at a young Hawaiian monk seal.

Read more New program gives Maui fire survivors path to home ownership

Witnesses say they saw the men approach the seal pup and throw a rock at it at Diamond Head Beach Sunday afternoon.

A nearby couple confronted the men and captured their exchange on camera.

“It just makes you wonder like, how often does this happen every day,” said Aly Ishikuni, of Kauai. “If it’s not the locals standing up and protecting these animals, what else is being done?”

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says its Division of Conservation Resources Enforcement, or DOCARE, is investigating the situation.

Read more Haaheo Elementary returns to Wainaku campus following $25M upgrade

If they find that violations occurred, the department will forward the case to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA.

This incident comes in the wake of a similar incident off Maui that led to criminal charges.

Read more Aloha Festivals opens applications for 78th Annual Floral Parade