A 60-year-old Georgia man, visiting Ka‘anapali, apologized to DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources (DOCARE) officers for lifting a sea turtle out of the water by its shell, last week. He also told officers he didn’t know his actions were against the law.

On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, witnesses reported the incident via the DLNRTip app and provided photos and video of the man and his son. The pair told officers a turtle swam toward them. The father picked it up briefly and when people yelled at him, he put it back in the water.

The man was cited under Hawai‘i Administrative Rules for prohibited activities. The case was also referred to federal authorities as turtles are protected under both federal and state laws.

Anyone who witnesses wildlife harassment is encouraged to call the 24-hour DOCARE hotline at 643-DLNR (3-5-6-7) or report suspected violations via the free DLNRTip app.