Hawai'i's beloved monk seal could have been seriously injured or killed when a visitor from Washington state allegedly threw a rock at his head while he swam in shallow waters along a Maui beach.
The shocking incident outraged Hawai'i residents, conservationists, and animal lovers around the world. Hawai'ian monk seals are among the rarest marine mammals on Earth and are protected under both state and federal law. Yet harassment of Hawai'i's wildlife by uninformed visitors continues to happen far too often.
In response to the attack, Hawai'i State Senator Brenton Awa publicly called for collaborating with airlines and tourism partners to educate visitors/tourists about proper interactions with Hawaiian wildlife before they arrive in the islands. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen strongly condemned the attack, emphasized the urgent need for greater public awareness and respect for Hawai'i's wildlife, and pledged accountability for the person suspected of attempting to harm the seal.
Now the public must urge Hawai'i leaders and tourism partners to follow through with meaningful action before another endangered animal is harmed.
We call on Senator Awa, Mayor Bissen, Hawai'i tourism officials, and airline partners to immediately implement visitor education and conservation programs about Hawai'i's wildlife laws, safe viewing distances, and the cultural importance of protecting marine animals, including monk seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds.
We urge Hawai'i lawmakers to fund a statewide visitor wildlife education campaign, in partnership with airlines and conservation organizations, before more wildlife is harmed by preventable ignorance. Education saves wildlife, protects visitors, and honors Hawai'i's natural heritage. Education can prevent cruelty. Education can save wildlife. This story must become the turning point.
You can also support this campaign on Change.org to help expand public pressure and reach more wildlife advocates: https://c.org/TLM6qW9PLj
