A tourist in Hawaii is drawing outrage after he was caught on video lifting a sea turtle out of the ocean. And it was all just for a photo.
The video has gone viral, showing the man stunningly propping up the defenseless wild animal. After the photo, the man drops the sea turtle back and then pats it on the back.
According to Hawaii News Now, bystanders were shocked at what they were witnessing, and local authorities were informed about the incident. There is now an investigation underway.
His Actions Could Run Afoul of Federal Law
Green sea turtles in Hawaii are protected by state and federal laws, falling under the Endangered Species Act.
"Knock it off." A new video is sparking outrage after a man was seen picking up a honu, a Hawaiian green sea turtle, for a photo.
— Hawaii News Now (@HawaiiNewsNow) November 22, 2025
FULL STORY: https://t.co/K1Et7AFUUx #HNN #HInews #turtle pic.twitter.com/SLuLfjxIov
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"My heart stopped... It was disturbing, disgusting," said marine life advocate Melina Clark, via Hawaii News Now. "It just showed once again that here we are in 2025, nothing has improved."
Jason Redulla, chief enforcement officer for Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources, had a message for the misbehaved tourists.
"Knock it off. Respect our wildlife as you would the wildlife where you come from," he said.
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