Accused monk seal harasser stays silent after federal court appearance
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Washington man caught on video throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal appeared for the first time in a Honolulu federal courtroom Wednesday.
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Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, entered not guilty pleas for the two misdemeanor charges he faces.
For the first time since the incident, news cameras caught him outside of the federal courthouse.
When asked if he wanted to make a comment or apologize to the people of Hawaii, he stayed silent and attorneys said, “No comment.”
His silent and quiet demeanor was seemingly a complete change for the man who reportedly said he was “rich enough to pay fines” after video caught him throwing the rock at the seal on May 5 in Lahaina.
His case will be heard by federal magistrate judge Rom Trader.
Cameras aren’t allowed in federal court, but the proceeding lasted less than half an hour.
Judge Trader banned Lytvynchuk from visiting beaches or approaching wildlife while in Hawaii.
The 38-year-old made few comments aside from answering the judge to confirm he understood the process.
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In attendance were animal protection advocates, who were outraged by the video.
“The wicked man in me would’ve rushed him,” animal advocate Tex said. “Respect our Hawaiian wildlife.”
Fellow advocate Sweet T added, “I’m happy that it’s spread and like I said, I hope he is the example to other entitled tourist to come here and — don’t do what he did.”
Defense attorney Myles Breiner previously told Hawaii News Now Lytvynchuk chucked the rock to scare it away from resting sea turtles, saying he thought he was doing something good. But instead, he set off a firestorm of outrage.
“Throwing the rock was over the top and I’m glad that it was caught on video so hopefully this guy is the example what not to do when you come to visit our islands,” Sweet T added.
Lytvynchuk is out on a $25,000 bond, but must follow conditions of supervised release.
His next court date has been set for Wednesday, June 9, at 10 a.m. However the judge waived the requirement for him to appear in person, so instead, he will likely appear via teleconference from Washington.
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