California family reportedly attacked at luxury Hawaii resort

Several members of a California family were reportedly assaulted while on vacation in Lahaina on Maui.

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On July 17, around 10 p.m., the Maui Police Department responded to a call regarding a “disorderly incident involving approximately 30 individuals” at the Kaanapali Alii resort, Maui Police Department spokesperson Alana Pico told SFGATE in an email Friday. When officers arrived, 10 to 15 people were still on the scene, some with “visible injuries.”  

Seven people, ranging from 17 years old to 62 years old, told police that a group of young people had assaulted them before leaving. Witnesses told police that the youths threw chairs and physically assaulted members of their party, including those who were elderly, near the pool and barbecue areas. 

“There were three females, one of which was the ringleader,” family member Joseph Headfield told Hawaii News Now. “She got up in people’s faces, said, ‘We’re going to beat up your boys tonight. We’re going to beat up the haole boys.’”

Several victims needed medical attention. One member of the family required 13 staples in their head at the hospital, according to Hawaii News Now. 

Pico said police arrested a 20-year-old Makawao man on suspicion of assault. He  was later released as police continued their investigation. 

“We recognize the significant impact this incident has had on those involved and remain committed to conducting a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation,” Pico said. “Detectives have contacted and interviewed the involved parties, and the investigation continues as additional information is gathered and reviewed.”

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The oceanfront Kaanapali Alii resort offers luxury condominium rentals for visitors. Steven Rose, a managing director for the CoralTree Residence Collection, which owns the resort, told SFGATE that the resort is cooperating with law enforcement.

“The safety and well-being of our guests, residents, and team members remains our highest priority,” Rose said. “We take incidents of this nature very seriously and are focused on supporting those impacted.”

The Maui Police Department asks anyone who may have information about the encounter to contact the Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 808-244-6425.

Editor’s note: SFGATE recognizes the importance of diacritical marks in the Hawaiian language. We are unable to use them due to the limitations of our publishing platform.