HONOLULU (Island News) -- The older brother of former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was arrested and charged after he allegedly tried to lure several children to his Waikiki hotel room on Sunday.The suspect, 55-year-old Batarti Gabbard, was charged on Friday, July 17, 2026, in connection to the "stranger danger" incident that occurred at a hotel in Waikiki on Sunday afternoon, July 12.The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) said that at 2 p.m. on Sunday, the suspect approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy, at a pool area of a Waikiki hotel.

He allegedly offered them gum and money to get them to join him in his hotel room.T

he suspect reportedly asked the children for their names and wrote them in a notebook. The children refused and he walked away afterwards.

A 42-year-old woman reported the incident to police, according to HPD highlights.Gabbard remains in custody for second-degree custodial interference.

Charges were filed against him after the prosecutors' office reviewed this case.Gabbard was arrested the day prior, Thursday, July 16, for a separate theft offense.Gabbard appeared in court on Friday morning where he pleaded not guilty to the theft. He was released and is scheduled to appear in court again for the theft offense on Aug. 14, 2026.Regarding the custodial interference offense, there is no court date set at this time. --Senator Mike Gabbard and Carol Gabbard released this statement:


"Our oldest son Bhakti has had mental issues in the past but has been doing well for the last 10 years. Several days ago, he started acting erratically, as a result of smoking pot. His wife kicked him out of the house, so he’s been sleeping on the streets. He gave away his car to a homeless person; lost his ID and phone and has no money. He’s renamed himself, Batarti, and also Jim Morrison Jr., as he’s having delusions of being a rock star.



https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/tulsi-gabbards-brother-arrested-for-allegedly-trying-to-lure-children-to-waikiki-hotel-room/article_268618b3-79bd-4d9a-aac8-06cd97319a5f.html

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