LAHAINA — Hawaii officials are investigating Instagram posts that appear to show a 37-year-old Seattle man throwing an object toward a Hawaiian monk seal off the Lahaina shoreline on the island of Maui. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement's Maui Branch was notified by Maui police dispatch Tuesday about a reported case of monk seal harassment.

When an officer arrived, they contacted a man from Seattle who matched the description of the suspect. The man was detained, identified and advised of his legal rights. He declined to make a statement and requested an attorney.

No criminal charges have been filed, and officials are not releasing the man's name. The state investigation was turned over to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Law Enforcement for further review and possible action under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. The suspect could face steep fines for harassing the seal, named Lani.

A witness described what she saw before authorities were called. "He was picking up was like a rock the size of a coconut. Like it wasn't no small rock, it was the size of a coconut, and he threw it right directly aiming towards the monk seal's head," said Kaylee Schnitzer. When confronted, the suspect said, "I don't care, I'm rich."

According to video shared on social media, a local beachgoer approached the Seattle tourist from behind and knocked him down while punching him repeatedly. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen addressed the case publicly.

"I assure you that I will see to it personally that this individual is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Bissen said. He said people in the area care deeply about Lani and have her back.

At a state meeting, State Senator Brenton Awa held up a letter of recognition for the anonymous seal advocate. "Our attorney over here wants to make it clear we don't condone violence, but we did make a letter of recognition for Mr. Ambassador of Aloha," Awa said.

Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and state law. It is illegal to disturb, harass, feed or harm a monk seal, and violations can lead to fines or criminal penalties. The seals only live in Hawaii and are the most endangered seal species in the world, with only about 1,600 remaining. They can live to more than 30 years old. Anyone who witnesses a possible violation involving a marine animal in Hawaii is asked to report it to NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964.