The older brother of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been charged after Honolulu police say he allegedly tried to lure several children to his Waikīkī hotel room by offering them gum and money. Batarti Gabbard, 55, was charged with second-degree custodial interference following the July 12 incident at a hotel pool, according to authorities.
Police allege Gabbard approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy, asked for their names, wrote them in a notebook, and offered them money and gum if they would accompany him to his hotel room. The children refused, and Gabbard walked away. A 42-year-old woman reported the incident to police.
Gabbard's father, Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard, confirmed to Fox News Digital that his son continues to receive medical and psychiatric treatment. “We love him, and asked him to follow the protocol at the hospital, which he says he will do,” Mike Gabbard said. “We're praying for his speedy recovery, and would appreciate the prayers of others.”
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on July 12 at the pool area of an unnamed Waikīkī hotel. Honolulu police described it as a “stranger danger” situation, emphasizing that the children did not follow Gabbard and that no physical harm occurred. The case has drawn attention due to Gabbard's connection to his sister, a former Democratic presidential candidate and former director of national intelligence under President Donald Trump.
In a separate case, Gabbard was arrested July 16 on theft charges, according to local station KITV. He pleaded not guilty to that charge Friday morning, was released, and is scheduled to appear in court on August 14. No court date has yet been set for the custodial interference charge. Honolulu police confirmed that Gabbard is no longer in custody.
The Gabbard family has a history of public service. Mike Gabbard has served in the Hawaii State Senate since 2006, and Tulsi Gabbard served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021 before becoming director of national intelligence. The family has not commented further on the allegations, but Mike Gabbard emphasized his son's ongoing treatment and asked for privacy.
Community members in Waikīkī have expressed concern about the incident, with some parents saying they will be more vigilant at hotel pools. Local authorities have not released additional details about the investigation, but they urge anyone with information to contact Honolulu police.
The case highlights ongoing issues of child safety in public spaces, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Waikīkī. Police remind parents to supervise children closely and report any suspicious behavior immediately.