The actress apologizes after posting a video in which Maui touched a turtle

Honolulu (Hawaiinewsnow) – An actress who is known for her roles in several Disney productions, apologizes after she recently posted a video that is gently touching in Hawaii.

The actress China Anne McClain is at the center of the Fallout. Her sister Sierra McClain filmed.

In a now deleted video that was once posted on her Instagram page, she saw how she got to the turtles and begins to touch her.

An environmental activist says that this is probably a violation of the federal protection laws, but state officials say that this may not be the case.

The video was released over the weekend at some point and quickly became viral for the wrong reason.

It was recorded in Paia on the north side of Maui, although Hawaii News could not confirm the exact location. In an update of the DLNR late Monday afternoon, McClain and her sister apologized and said that the video was recorded two years ago.

“I was not quite aware of the situation to this day, and I was certainly not aware of the law,” McClain told DLNr.

“They are the people I don't want to hurt. I understand the attention of culture and I understand the pain that goes hand in hand with the fact that their culture does not respect. These are never lines that we intentionally exceed so that part of this situation is currently violating us. I adore these beautiful turtles and the people of Hawai'i. We are very sorry, ”she added.

Her father and manager Michael McClain added: “All of our family loves Hawai'i and respected and respected and we apologize for accidentally causing this pain.”

Before it was deleted, the record of the video said: “I just found this turtle jewel … found so many other pictures of this beautiful healing place that I could share. Don't be shocked when I pack up one day and move to Maui. “

Thousands of people saw it and shared it. It collected almost half a million prospects. One of them was governor Josh Green, who commented on and said: “Aloha China, I ask you to protect herself on Hawaiis laws and the importance of protection of our sea life before we visit our islands.” Governor Green's comment continued: “Please delete this video and do it better.”

Hundreds of more in the comments asked McClain to face steep fines in order to violate the law.

However, the DLNR said: “Touching turtles does not necessarily violate the law, unless law enforcement authorities determine that the actions are a” attitude “. For example, if a person's actions change a turtle or the behavior of a turtle, there are a variety of state and/or federal laws with which a person could be charged. “

It is unclear whether the McClains are confronted with punishments for their actions.

“At first glance, their activity may not have been a violation of the state or federal rules that protect endangered or endangered species such as turtles, but it certainly ignored the guidelines developed by NOAA, the US fish and wildlife service (USFWS) and DLNR,” said the state officials.

Todd Steiner founded the Turtle Island Restization Network and worked for turtles around the world.

He says Hawaii is one of the few places where turtles actually come ashore to rest, thermal -regulated and digest.

“Like all Hollywood actors who probably don't want to be disturbed after eating, sea turtles are in the same boat,” said Steiner.

He says that green turtles are usually calm animals but have very strong jaws. Hawksbill Turtles, who are also found in Hawaii. And in both cases you should avoid coming nearby.

“We can pass on illnesses and disturb the animals. You really don't want to have direct contact with these animals like in your heart, it would feel good, but yes, just not it, ”he added.

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