Batarti Gabbard, 55, the older brother of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has been charged with second-degree custodial interference following an incident at a Waikīkī hotel pool on July 12, according to the Honolulu Police Department.
Police allege that Gabbard approached several children at the pool area around 2 p.m., including a 9-year-old boy. Investigators say he asked for their names, wrote them in a notebook and offered them money and gum if they would accompany him to his hotel room. The children refused the offers and Gabbard walked away, authorities said. A 42-year-old woman reported the incident to police.
Gabbard was also arrested on July 16 on separate theft charges. He pleaded not guilty to that charge during a Friday morning court appearance, according to KITV. He has been released from custody in both cases. No court date has been set for the custodial interference charge; his next scheduled court appearance on the theft case is Aug. 14.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic legal analysts and child safety advocates have pointed to the seriousness of the allegations, emphasizing that law enforcement authorities found sufficient cause to file charges. The family's acknowledgment that Batarti Gabbard is receiving psychiatric treatment has raised questions about how such cases are handled when mental health is a factor.
Some progressive commentators noted that Tulsi Gabbard's position as former Director of National Intelligence makes this case particularly notable given her public advocacy on national security issues during the Trump administration. They argue that family members of high-profile officials should be held accountable through the same legal processes as any other citizen.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators have largely focused on the family's statement expressing concern for Batarti Gabbard's mental health. Mike Gabbard, a Hawaii state senator and Tulsi's father, told Fox News Digital that his son is continuing to receive medical and psychiatric treatment.
"We love him, and asked him to follow the protocol at the hospital, which he says he will do," Mike Gabbard said. "We're praying for his speedy recovery, and would appreciate the prayers of others."
Some conservative voices have emphasized that charges are allegations until proven guilty and noted the family's cooperation with treatment protocols. They argue that mental health crises require compassion alongside accountability.
What the Numbers Show
Second-degree custodial interference is a misdemeanor charge in Hawaii, carrying potential penalties including fines and up to one year in jail upon conviction.
Batarti Gabbard has one pending court date: Aug. 14 for the theft charge. No court date had been set as of publication for the custodial interference charge.
Tulsi Gabbard served as Director of National Intelligence from January 2025 until her resignation, which was announced separately by Fox News Digital. She did not respond to a request for comment on this matter.
The Bottom Line
The case remains in early stages with no trial dates set. Batarti Gabbard has been released pending further proceedings on both matters. His next scheduled court appearance is Aug. 14 for the theft charge.
Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned from the Trump administration shortly before this incident, has not publicly commented on her brother's legal situation. The family's focus appears to be on his continued psychiatric treatment, according to her father's statement.
What happens legally will depend on how the courts assess the evidence and any mental health evaluations that may be ordered. Watch for developments in both cases as they move through Hawaii's court system.