Honolulu police have charged Batarti Gabbard, the 55-year-old brother of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, with second-degree custodial interference following an incident at a Waikīkī hotel pool in July.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on July 12 when Gabbard allegedly approached several children at the hotel pool, including a 9-year-old boy. Authorities state that he asked the children for their names, recorded them in a notebook, and offered them money and gum in exchange for accompanying him to his hotel room. Hotel staff and witnesses reported the incident to police, who classified it as a “stranger danger” situation.
The charges come at a sensitive time for the Gabbard family, as Tulsi Gabbard recently resigned from her position in the Trump administration’s cabinet. The former Hawaii congresswoman had been serving as Director of National Intelligence before her departure.
Hawaii state Senator Mike Gabbard, the father of both Tulsi and Batarti Gabbard, declined to discuss the specific allegations against his son when contacted for comment. However, he confirmed that Batarti continues to receive ongoing medical and psychiatric treatment. “We love him,” the elder Gabbard stated, offering no further details about his son’s condition or the circumstances surrounding the July incident.
The charge of second-degree custodial interference is a serious matter under Hawaiian law, though the specific circumstances that led to this particular charge remain unclear from the available information. Such charges typically involve situations where an individual attempts to remove or entice a minor away from lawful custody or supervision.
The incident raises questions about hotel security protocols and the protection of children in public spaces frequented by tourists and families. Waikīkī remains one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing families from around the world to its beaches and resort properties.
As this case moves forward through the Hawaiian legal system, it serves as a reminder that mental health issues affect families across all segments of society, regardless of their public prominence. The Gabbard family’s acknowledgment of ongoing psychiatric treatment suggests a recognition of underlying health concerns that may be relevant to understanding the circumstances of this incident.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details about the case at this time. The matter will proceed through the appropriate legal channels as prosecutors evaluate the evidence and circumstances surrounding the July 12 incident.
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