The elder brother of former congresswoman and intelligence official Tulsi Gabbard has been formally charged by Honolulu police after he allegedly tried to entice several children to his Waikīkī hotel room. Authorities report that Batarti Gabbard, 55, offered the children gum and money during the alleged incident, while his family has indicated he is continuing to receive psychiatric treatment.
Custodial Interference Allegations
Gabbard was charged with second-degree custodial interference following a "stranger danger" incident reported on July 12 at a Waikīkī hotel pool. According to law enforcement, Gabbard approached multiple children, including a 9-year-old boy, at approximately 2 p.m. that day.
Police allege that Gabbard asked the children for their names, recorded them in a notebook, and subsequently offered them money and chewing gum if they would accompany him to his hotel accommodations. The children reportedly declined the offers, and Gabbard then walked away from the area. The incident was later reported to police by a 42-year-old woman.
Additional Legal Proceedings
In addition to the custodial interference charge, Batarti Gabbard was also arrested on July 16 for alleged theft. He entered a not guilty plea to the theft charge during a court appearance on Friday morning. Following his plea, he was released and is scheduled to appear in court again on August 14 for that particular case.
As of now, a court date has not yet been established for the second-degree custodial interference charge.
