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 police reports. The case has drawn attention due to his family's prominence and the nature of the allegations, which authorities describe as a «stranger danger» situation.
Honolulu police allege that Gabbard approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy, at the pool area of an unnamed Waikīkī hotel around 2 p.m. on July 12. According to the police report, Gabbard asked the children for their names, wrote them down in a notebook, and then 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 who witnessed the interaction reported the incident to police, leading to the charges.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Gabbard's father, Hawaii state Senator Mike Gabbard, declined to discuss the specifics of the allegations but confirmed 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 family's response underscores the ongoing mental health challenges Batarti Gabbard faces, which have been a recurring theme in his recent legal troubles.
According to local news outlet KITV, Gabbard was also arrested on July 16 on separate theft charges. He pleaded not guilty to that charge on Friday morning, was released, and is scheduled to appear in court on August 14 for that case. No court date has yet been set for the custodial interference charge. Honolulu police confirmed to Fox News Digital that Gabbard is no longer in custody as of the latest reports.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about public safety and mental health in Hawaii's tourism hub. Waikīkī, a densely populated area known for its beaches and hotels, sees thousands of visitors daily, and incidents involving children near hotel pools raise concerns among parents and law enforcement. The «stranger danger» warning issued by police highlights the importance of vigilance in such settings, though authorities have not indicated any prior similar incidents involving Gabbard.
Tulsi Gabbard, who served as Director of National Intelligence under the Trump administration and previously as a U.S. Representative from Hawaii, has not publicly commented on the charges. Fox News Digital reached out to her through her public office but did not receive an immediate response. The case continues to develop as the legal process moves forward, with the family emphasizing their support for Batarti Gabbard's treatment and recovery.
Mental health advocates have noted that the case illustrates the challenges families face when a loved one with psychiatric issues becomes involved with the criminal justice system. While the allegations are serious, the Gabbard family's focus on treatment rather than punishment reflects a growing recognition of the need for compassionate approaches to mental health crises. As the court dates approach, observers will be watching to see how the legal system balances accountability with the need for appropriate care.
