The Hawaii monk seal incident has now escalated into formal federal charges after authorities reviewed video evidence and witness statements from the Maui shoreline event. 

 The suspect is now facing prosecution under federal wildlife protection laws, with potential penalties including heavy fines and possible jail time.
 Reports indicate fines could reach up to $70,000 depending on the court outcome.

 **KEY DEVELOPMENTS:**
• Investigators continue reviewing additional footage and witness accounts 
• Allegations include a rock being thrown toward the resting endangered seal 
• Public outrage remains extremely high across social media 

 Officials confirm “Lani” has been seen again and is safe following the incident 

With only around 1,600 Hawaiian monk seals left in the wild, the case is now being treated as a high-profile wildlife protection prosecution in the U.S.