Overview
- Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources confirmed an early-stage investigation after footage showed a tourist lifting a green sea turtle at Kuli‘ou‘ou Beach Park.
- The TikTok clip depicts the man hoisting the turtle by its front flippers as a woman takes photos, then dropping it back onto the sand.
- The person who posted the video said the turtle was already dead and had three deep cuts on its shell, a claim reported alongside the footage.
- Green sea turtles are protected under state and federal law, with Hawaii penalties reaching up to one year in jail and fines starting at $250, and some reports citing federal fines up to $10,500.
- Officials advise keeping at least three meters from sea turtles on beaches to safeguard both the animals and the public.