Tourists Blasted for Harassing Sea Turtle in Hawaii (Video)

The video comes from Cockroach Cove, on the southside of Oahu, not far from the infamous shorebreak of Sandy Beach, at Halona Beach Cove. It shows a group of alleged tourists, attempting to pick up a sea turtle from the rocks. Tisk, tisk.

According to the poster of the video, during the incident, “People were already shouting at them. I was up too far by the parking lot, so they couldn’t hear me even I yelled.” And afterwards, “Some locals confronted them right after this. Not sure if authorities were called since we left soon after.”

For more on the Hawaiian green sea turtle, here’s the Maui Ocean Center:

“Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, are native to Hawaiʻi. They are the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world, reaching lengths of four feet and weighing over 300 pounds. Out of the seven types of sea turtle, the Hawaiian green sea turtle is the most common in Hawaiian waters.”

And yes, the actions of the individuals in the video are, in fact, illegal:

“All sea turtles are listed as endangered species in the United States, meaning it is a federal offense to harm, harass, or even touch a sea turtle. Whether the turtle is in the water or resting on a beach, any physical contact is prohibited. Current research in Hawaiʻi shows the Hawaiian green turtle population has increased since they have been protected by federal law.”

Always, always respect the wildlife in Hawaii...or anywhere else for that matter.