Waikiki is supposed to be paradise. For a few kids at a hotel pool on July 12, it turned into a parent’s worst nightmare. Batarti Gabbard, the 55-year-old brother of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, now faces second-degree custodial interference charges. Police say he tried to lure children to his room. He used gum. He offered cash.
It happened fast. Around 2 p.m., Gabbard allegedly approached a group of kids, including a nine-year-old boy. He started asking for names. He scribbled them in a notebook. Then came the pitch: come up to his room for some treats. The kids said no. Smart kids. Gabbard walked away, but a 42-year-old woman saw enough to call the cops.
The family is circling the wagons. State Senator Mike Gabbard, the suspect’s father, dodged the specifics but confirmed his son is tucked away receiving psychiatric treatment. “We love him,” the elder Gabbard said, asking for prayers and claiming the family told him to follow hospital protocols. Tulsi herself has stayed quiet. No calls returned.
This isn’t Batarti’s only recent brush with the law. Just four days after the pool incident, police busted him for theft. He pleaded not guilty to that one and walked free, with an August 14 court date looming. As for the child-luring charge? No court date is set yet. He is currently out of custody. Just another day in paradise.
