Visitor assaulted for taking pictures of sea turtles in Hawaii
February 24, 2012 | Ka‘ū
Oregon man allegedly punched in eye, had camera stolen at Punalu’u
Media release by Hawaii County Police Department
PUNALUU, Hawaii: Big Island police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man wanted for questioning in connection with an assault at Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach on January 12.
A 29-year-old man from Meadow Lake, Oregon, was taking pictures of turtles when another man confronted him and told him to stay away from the turtles. The suspect then punched the cameraman in the left eye and took his camera and wrestled him to the ground. During the ensuing struggle, the victim’s girlfriend retrieved the camera. Bystanders separated the two men and the victim’s girlfriend took a picture of the suspect (pictured to the right, according to police).
Police ask that anyone with information on his identity call Officer James Lorenzo at 939-2520 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
This is obviously inexcusable, abhorrent behavior. Having said that, I’ve witnessed tourists crowd around the turtles at Punalu’u, obstructing their path, even trying to straddle them before being admonished. There needs to be someone there (perhaps a volunteer docent?) to educate the public and protect the honus.
I would agree with your suggestion, Kana. There is such a group in the Haleiwa area on Oahu, Malama na Honu, and that is exactly what they do. It is a shame that people can’t just follow the POSTED rules about staying away from the honu. Not only is that the right thing to do, but under the Endangered Species Act, it is the law. Nobody wants to get a bad reputation citing tourists, but that is also no excuse for turning a blind eye. I have been to Punaluu many times, one of my favorite places to specifically enjoy watching the honu, and each time there have been people who see the NEED to get a better pic and get too close. The problem is, many of these people ignore or get obnoxious when told to keep their distance.
C’mon man, who appointed this asshole the enforcer. This no excuse to punch someone. No one said the guy was too close, just said the puncher told him to stay away from the turtles. If the guy didn’t listen, get his license plate number or take a picture of him if you can, then tell the police. I live on the Oregon coast and its illegal to touch seal pups and we don’t go around punching people for it, we report it.
This person should be charged with a hate crime.
Beating up a person because he was taking a picture of a turtle is insane.
Get trash like this off the island.
Going to be on the Big Island for a little vacation next month with the family. These kind of stories concern me and others about the attitude towards tourist. Can’t imagine any justification for hitting a tourist then trying to steal his camera in this story. Big reason people don’t go to Mexico anymore.People dont feel welcome or safe and Law enforcement doesnt care. Don’t let this happen in Hawaii. Thanks Bob and others nice to know some people care.
Dave, you should not worry and go enjoy your vacation. The big thing is if someone tells you to get away from a turtle, just do it
I am sure there is more to the story also. (of course the violence was still wrong though)
All in 99% of the people you encounter will be totally wonderful.
Too many people are ignoring the signs posted to stay back a certain distance from the turtles. As they are an endangered species, going up to the turtle so that you or your girlfriend or child can have your portrait taken with these animals is violating the law or top of being morally inexcusable. We do not need tourists in Hawaii who do not respect the law, the land, the animals, and the culture here. On top of that we sure do not need tourists who when chastised for violating the law in a non-violent, if persistent manner, can’t handle it and turns and attacks the person who chides them for being an irresponsible jerk. This is what I heard happened. I go to this beach infrequently, but every time I am there I witness someone going right up to a turtle, and I will approach this person and let them know that it is not permitted. I am always worried that they will attack me, and after this incident I see I am right to worry. There is a need for better signs to be posted that spell out the penalty for harassing the turtles, and a way to report these violators!
Huh tourists should have to take a class on how to malama the ‘aina before they visit.
Yeah, see what happens to the economy if you start making tourists take a class before visiting. If this guy believes strongly enough to punch someone for not doing “what he told them to do” then he better be prepared to go to jail over it. I understand the anger about not obeying the rules, but the guy had no right to disregard another rule and punch someone.
All this poor me “ha’ole” lamenting. Ha’ole what’s so derogatory about the word unless YOU chose to make it ugly come on now move on…. Stop making other ha’ole’s feel bad because we are ha’ole. Be proud to be a ha’ole and stop perpetuating strife.
Well was at Punaluu Beach often visit cause its where we luv to go and apparently the visitors does not pay attention to the signs there and you have to contstantly tell them not to go close to there nesting and the so call haoles always have a wise answer not all of them but one bad apple has to make the rest look bad Hello even my 3 yr old understands not to go to close .And as for Ralph May you do not deserve to be called a Haole you sound so full of hate of the local people in general so keep your negative energy to yourself and in Dallas .
I’m from Europe and spent 4 weeks in Hawaii (BI, Maui and Kauai) last summer. To me part of the journey is reading about the place your are going to visit. So I knew ahead of the sacred Heiau’s, Kapu signs and Honu protection.Traveling is adjusting to the culture of the place you visit. I often feel disgust and shame when I see loud mouthed folks (tourists) venting their opinion about the culture or people. Respect is the key to really make contact.
But then again I consider myself a traveler not a tourist.
I do however condemn any physical or mental abuse.
a few things;
1. guy in the picture is not a “local” he is probably a tourist as well. locals dont wear shorts with belts on them. he probably told the guy to not get close to the turtle and he got an answer he didnt like. probably had some outside baggage he brought to the beach. Mommy and Daddy didnt love him enough, long drive, wanted to go to Jamaica instead of Hawaii, etc. and took it out on the first person that made him mad. just so happened to be the picture taking tourist.
2. as explained from Sam Ka`ai, noted Hawaiian historian and cultural practioner; the term “Haole” is based on two words, Ha – breath of life and A`ole – no or none. Ha Aole or no breath of life. When people from europe and the Americas came to Hawaii, our people greeted them with the Honi. this is done by placing noses and foreheads together and exchanging breaths or Ha. When these foreiners greeted Hawaiians, they extended their hands, which is their greetings. Our people plainly said Ha A`ole or no Ha/breath. as the centuries continued, as with more words, it got shortened to Haole. take it anyway you want but it is our Culture and Our word. but rest assured that if it is used in a deragatory way than it is deragatory. if it is not used deragatory than it is just a word that describes.
3. @John Leisek “Dive operator told you…” not all brown people are locals. some are micronesians and they have been taking turtles up and down the coast. DLNR, National Parks, Police, are aware and have been trying to catch them doing it. the only thing they were caught on was illegally harvesting lobsters out of season. and Yes i and my wife, have seen tourist taking their rentals down Road to the Sea, personally because they were told by a “haole” waitress at their resort, there is a beautiful green sand beach at the bottom.
Bottom line is that this article is about some guy who got mad at another guy and they got into a fight on a public beach like two dumb kids. For the responses to turn into a race war just shows how far we have come in a couple hundered years.