Viral Video Shows Man Illegally Handling Hawaiian Sea Turtle

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Nov 23, 2025 7:03 PM ET

In a video circulating online, a man is seen somewhere in Hawaii, picking up a turtle on the shoreline, posing for a selfie, then plopping it back on the sand.

As imagined, this sparked outrage. Reposted over on the HHHNewz Instagram account, the video has been watched by over 400,000 people, and spawned nearly 3,000 comments – many of which are furious with the action depicted onscreen.

And now, local law enforcement is getting involved, since, it’s illegal to harass or handle turtles in Hawaii – and it can even lead to jailtime for the offender.

“It was disturbing,” said Melina Clark, a marine life advocate. “It was disgusting. It just showed, once again, here we are in 2025. This is part of the ʻāina; this is part of the land. This is part of the ocean. These turtles have been here millions of years. And the more people that don’t show care, locals care. Hawaiians care.”

Once more, the handling or harassing of a turtle in Hawaii is, in fact, illegal.

“What our law provides is that a person who does that, and is found guilty, they’re guilty of a misdemeanor offense,” said Jason Redulla of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. “That means they can get up to one year in jail, and a fine on the first offense, no less than $250.”

According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources: “Because the Endangered Species Act and state laws protect all sea turtles, violations of harassment or intentionally harming a turtle can result in significant fines or even time in jail.”

So far, no suspect is named (or in custody) following the illegal handling of the turtle. Officials believe it happened in east Honolulu. The investigation is ongoing.

Redulla added:

“Knock it off. Respect our wildlife, as you would the wildlife where you come from.”

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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