The brother of former presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard faces criminal charges after allegedly approaching multiple children at a Waikiki hotel pool, offering them money and gum before inviting them to his room—an incident his father attributes to drug use and mental health crisis.
What Happened At The Hotel
Police arrested the 55-year-old man, also known by the name Bhakti, at approximately 2 p.m. at a Waikiki hotel pool. According to law enforcement, he approached several children including a 9-year-old boy with offers of gum and money. Witnesses reported he attempted to lure the minors back to his hotel room. Officers charged him with custodial interference in the second degree following the incident.
Witnesses told Honolulu Police Department investigators that Gabbard asked the children for their names and recorded the information in a notebook. The children refused his requests and declined his invitations. He walked away from the pool area after the children rejected his approaches. Police took him into custody based on witness statements and the nature of his interactions with the minors.
Family Reveals Mental Health Crisis
State Senator Mike Gabbard, who represents Kapolei, Makakilo, Ewa, and Ko Olina districts, confirmed his son is experiencing a severe mental health episode. The lawmaker disclosed his son has been using drugs and required immediate psychiatric intervention. Medical personnel admitted him to a hospital facility Friday afternoon for a psychiatric evaluation. The senator’s public acknowledgment highlights the intersection of family crisis and public scrutiny that comes with political prominence.
Legal And Medical Implications
The custodial interference charge represents a serious criminal accusation in Hawaii, particularly given the circumstances involving multiple children and attempted contact. The case now moves through the legal system while the defendant receives psychiatric care. His hospitalization for mental health evaluation may factor into future court proceedings and any potential defense strategy. The incident raises questions about how authorities balance criminal accountability with mental health considerations when drug use and psychiatric episodes intersect with alleged crimes involving children. The Gabbard family now faces both legal proceedings and the challenge of addressing underlying substance abuse and mental health issues while maintaining their public roles in Hawaii politics.