A disgusted tourist was caught on camera throwing rocks at an endangered seal in Hawaii.
The man claimed he didn’t care if he was fined because he was rich, according to the woman who filmed him.
Viral footage of the disturbing incident shows the man throwing a large rock which lands near the seal’s head.
Later the monk seal can be seen swimming motionless in the water.
The Hawaiian monk seal is considered one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, with only 1,400 left in the world.
The woman who made the video, Kaylee Ku’ukamaleimakame Schnitzer, He said he confronted the man.
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But “I don’t care, it’s okay, I’m rich,” he replied before casually walking away.he told told KHON2.
The clip sparked widespread outrage online as locals attempted to track down the culprit.
Separate footage reportedly shows the man being attacked by a furious local man, who delivers a flurry of punches to his head and torso.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said it was alerted by Maui police about an alleged case of monk seal harassment.
Its Conservation and Resources Enforcement Division launched an investigation into the incident.
A 37-year-old man from Seattle, Washington matching the description was arrested and detained.
No criminal charges have been filed.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said: “By now, we have all heard about the disturbing incident against our friend, Lani, the Hawaiian monk seal.
“Like many in our community, I was shocked by what happened. Lani is not just a seal to us; she is part of our ocean ohana lahaina.
““Many of our residents know him, look up to him and care about him very much.”
He appeared to approve of the citizens’ justice by thanking all those who stepped up to protect the beloved seal.
He added: “As Mayor, I have a responsibility to protect not only the people of Maui County, but also the wildlife and animals that share these islands with us.
“Let me be clear: This is not the type of visitor we welcome on Maui.
“This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
The angry mayor assured the public that he would “personally see to it” that the attacker be prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law, whether at the county, state or federal level.”
He said, “There must be consequences, Lani, we will help you.”
Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and state law.
It is illegal to harass, harass, feed or harm a monk seal and a breach can result in a fine or criminal penalty of up to £30,000.
In 2017 a man was sentenced to four years in prison for beating a Hawaiian monk seal with his fists.
