U.S. Senator Brian Schatz has urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase public education efforts to protect Hawaiian monk seals. This comes after a rock was thrown at the endangered animal on Maui. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and led to swift response from law enforcement and the suspect being detained. Schatz urged the agency to expand outreach and awareness programs following the incident. He praised Maui residents and local law enforcement for their swift action and called for more public education.