State and federal authorities in Hawaii charged a man after video caught his dog harassing a Hawaiian monk seal at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.
If you’ve ever seen a Hawaiian monk seal on a beach, you know they are highly protected with park rangers often putting cones around themwarning visitors to keep their distance and not disturb the mammal.
A witness videotaped the encounter on October 10, but it took several weeks for authorities to track down the suspect.
His name has not been released, but he is described as someone who just moved to the Island from the mainland.
Authorities withheld his name because pass suspects have faced public harassment.
He is due back in court on January 26, 2023.
According to Maui Now, a monk seal is capable of severely injuring or killing an off-leash dog.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
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