Media Watch, Maui Now, 23 December 2011
State and federal authorities are investigating the suspicious deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals found recently on the south shore of Moloka‘i. […]
Authorities say foul play cannot be ruled out as the cause in either case. […]
Molokai resident Walter Ritte issued a statement saying the deaths are an “indication of a dangerous trend that must be stopped.”
Walter Ritte: “Our elders are saying that these seals are not Hawaiian. Our young people are calling these seals an invasive species brought in by government. The seals are now the easy targets of blame for the many ills of our depleting fisheries. We need to stand up for the truth: These seals are not only Hawaiian, but have been here longer than the Hawaiians. These seals are not invasive; they are like the Hawaiian people who are struggling to survive in their own lands. Hawaiians need to see themselves when they see a Hawaiian Monk Seal. How we treat the seals, is how we can be expected to be treated as Hawaiians in Hawaii.” [More]
Source: Moloka‘i monk seal deaths deemed suspicious, Wendy Osher, Maui News, 23 December 2011