Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's older brother, Batarti Gabbard, has been charged with second-degree custodial interference after an alleged incident at a Waikīkī hotel pool.
Batarti Gabbard, 55, allegedly approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy, at the hotel pool on July 12 and offered them money and gum in exchange for their company in his hotel room.
According to police, the children refused Gabbard's offer and he walked away. The incident was reported to police by a 42-year-old individual.
Batarti Gabbard is currently receiving psychiatric treatment, according to his family. His father, Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard, declined to comment on the allegations, stating that his son is continuing to receive medical and psychiatric treatment.
The family has asked for prayers for Batarti Gabbard's speedy recovery, and police have confirmed that he is no longer in custody.
Batarti Gabbard is scheduled to appear in court August 14 on charges of theft, for which he pleaded not guilty on Friday. No court date has been set for the custodial interference charge.
