Maui police have arrested three teen boys in connection with a violent altercation at the Kaanapali Alii resort on July 17 that left several members of a California family injured. The arrests bring the total number of individuals taken into custody to four.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. near the resort's pool, involving approximately 30 people. Seven visitors from California, aged 17 to 62, told authorities they were attacked by a group of young people. At least six victims required medical attention, with one sustaining a gash to the head that necessitated 13 staples.
Family members believe the assault was racially motivated, citing alleged slurs directed at them. Joseph Headfield, a family member, stated that a woman described as the group's leader confronted them, saying, "We're going to beat up your boys tonight. We're going to beat up the haole boys." The term "haole" is a Hawaiian term often used to refer to non-Native Hawaiians or white people.
Maui police arrested a 14-year-old boy from Lahaina and a 16-year-old boy from Wailuku on suspicion of riot and assault in the second degree. A second 16-year-old boy from Lahaina was arrested on suspicion of riot. All three were released pending the ongoing investigation.
Earlier, a 20-year-old Makawao man was arrested on suspicion of assault in the second degree but was also released. Police have not classified the incident as a hate crime but stated that charges could be enhanced if evidence of bias, including racial bias, or gang-related activity is found.
Maui Police Department spokeswoman Alana Pico confirmed that the investigation is active as officials collect and review information. The resort is located in West Maui.
