Brother of Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Charged in Waikīkī Child Luring Incident
HONOLULU — Vrindavan Gabbard, the brother of former Hawaii Congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, has been arrested and charged by local authorities following an alleged attempt to lure children to a Waikīkī hotel room. The incident, which unfolded over the weekend at a prominent resort on Oahu's south shore, has drawn intense public scrutiny due to the high-profile political prominence of the Gabbard family both locally and nationally.
According to reports from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), the arrest occurred after hotel security staff intervened in response to complaints regarding an adult male interacting suspiciously with underage guests. Witnesses at the scene alleged that the suspect attempted to entice several children to accompany him to a private room by offering gifts and activities. Security personnel detained the individual until law enforcement arrived. Officers dispatched to the property took the suspect into custody without further incident.
Following a preliminary investigation by HPD's specialized units, prosecutors formally charged the suspect with multiple counts, including attempted luring of a child and harassment. Vrindavan Gabbard is currently being held at the Oahu Community Correctional Center, with bail established at $100,000 pending his initial court appearance.
Family and Community Reaction
Tulsi Gabbard, who represented Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 and has remained a highly visible figure in national media and politics, has not issued an official public statement regarding her brother’s arrest. Representatives for the Gabbard family have requested privacy, noting that the legal process is in its earliest stages and emphasizing the constitutional presumption of innocence.
The incident has also prompted renewed discussions regarding security protocols within Hawaii’s heavily trafficked tourism corridors. Industry representatives in Waikīkī praised the rapid response of the resort’s security team, citing it as an example of successful coordination between private hospitality staff and local law enforcement.
"The safety of our visitors, particularly families traveling with young children, remains our absolute highest priority," a spokesperson for the local tourism association said in a brief press briefing. "We commend the hotel staff for their vigilance and the Honolulu Police Department for their swift actions to ensure public safety."
A preliminary hearing for the case has been scheduled for later this week in Honolulu District Court, where prosecutors are expected to present formal evidence and detail the timeline of the alleged encounter.