The family of a California couple has come forward with allegations that they were targeted in a racially motivated attack at a luxury Maui resort.
According to reports, a group of approximately 30 people allegedly hurled chairs and beat relatives ranging from teenagers to senior citizens during a chaotic poolside brawl at the Kaanapali Alii resort in Lahaina on July 17.
Police responded to the scene around 10 p.m. and found 10 to 15 people still gathered near the pool, several with visible injuries.
A preliminary investigation identified seven California victims between the ages of 17 and 62, who claim they were targeted by a large group of juveniles.
The victims told investigators that the group allegedly began throwing chairs and physically assaulting numerous people in the area, indiscriminately attacking individuals of all ages, including elderly family members who were struck during the incident.
The family has alleged that the attackers repeatedly threatened to "beat up the haole boys" before the violence erupted, with "haole" being a Hawaiian term used to describe a foreigner or person of non-Hawaiian descent.
The family has requested that the assault be investigated as a hate crime, but the Maui police have not classified the incident as such.
One of the most seriously injured victims was a relative who was struck in the head with a chair while trying to protect family members, suffering a severe head wound that required 13 staples.
Police have arrested a 20-year-old Makawao man on suspicion of second-degree assault, who was later released as the investigation continues.
The case is currently classified as an assault/riot, with detectives continuing to gather evidence and interview those involved.
In response to the incident, the Kaanapali Alii resort has stated that the safety and well-being of its guests, residents, and team members remains its highest priority.
The resort's security team responded immediately after the violence broke out, contacting the Maui Police Department and emergency medical services, and remaining on scene to assist until first responders arrived.
The resort has provided surveillance footage and is cooperating fully with law enforcement as their investigation continues.
The resort has also acknowledged that staff reported threats, harassment, and disruptive behavior involving individuals connected to the incident before the violence erupted, but declined to discuss those complaints further due to the active criminal investigation.
The property remains committed to supporting investigators and those affected by the violence.
Anyone with information or video related to the incident is asked to contact the Maui Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division at (808) 244-6425.
