A California family reported that they were attacked during a poolside incident at the Kaanapali Alii resort in Lahaina, Maui, on July 17. Maui police responded to the scene around 10 p.m. and found 10 to 15 individuals near the pool, some with visible injuries. The preliminary investigation identified seven victims, aged 17 to 62, who alleged that a group of juveniles assaulted them before fleeing. One victim stated that the violence began when several juvenile males chased an individual asking for help into the area. The police report indicated that the group began throwing chairs and physically assaulting people indiscriminately, including elderly family members.
The family expressed their desire for the incident to be investigated as a hate crime, although Maui police have not classified it as such. One victim suffered a severe head injury requiring 13 staples after being struck with a chair while attempting to protect family members. A 20-year-old man from Makawao was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault but was later released as the investigation continues. The case is currently classified as an assault/riot, and detectives are gathering evidence and interviewing those involved.
The Kaanapali Alii resort stated that the safety of its guests is a priority and that security responded immediately to the incident. They are cooperating with law enforcement and conducting an internal review. The resort acknowledged receiving reports of threats and disruptive behavior prior to the incident but refrained from commenting further due to the ongoing investigation. They urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division.