Tulsi Gabbard's brother accused of inviting children to hotel room, offering money, police say

HONOLULU (KNHL/Gray News) - The brother of former National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard was arrested and charged Friday in connection with a stranger danger incident in Hawaii. [CBS7]

HONOLULU — Authorities in Hawaii charged a 55-year-old man Friday on allegations stemming from inappropriate contact with children at a resort swimming area. The suspect, Batari Gabbard, faces a second-degree custodial interference charge following the incident at a Waikiki hotel.

According to police, Gabbard engaged with multiple young swimmers at the hotel pool, including a boy around 9 years old. Investigators said he distributed candy and cash to the children and subsequently requested they accompany him to his accommodations. The youngsters declined the invitations, and Gabbard departed the area without further incident, authorities reported.

Bystanders who witnessed the interaction informed law enforcement that Gabbard requested the names of the children and recorded the information in a notebook he carried with him. The documented details provided police with evidence crucial to the case.

Batari Gabbard is the sibling of former National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard. Their father, Hawaii state Senator Mike Gabbard, provided insight into his son's current condition, telling local media outlets that Batari struggles with substance abuse and is experiencing mental health difficulties.

Following his arrest, Gabbard underwent psychiatric observation at a hospital to evaluate his mental state and overall condition.