A California family vacationing at a Maui resort was allegedly attacked by a group of local youths in a racially motivated assault that left one member with his head split open and others stumbling away in a pool of blood.
The worst-hit member of the family was left with a large head gash that required 13 staples after they said they were violently attacked by a mob at the Kaanapali Alii resort, in a heavily touristed area of Hawaii on one of the most pristine beaches in the world.
The victims, seven people, ranging from 17 years to 62 years old, said the mob grew to as large as 30 people, some of whom were shouting "haole," a word that describes white or non-local people.
They said the enraged mob starting picking up patio furniture and hurling it at them outside the luxury resort where they were staying.
“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.’”
The specific motive is unknown beyond the fact victims told police the attack was racially motivated and should be investigated as a hate crime. And while the Maui Police Department investigates the incident, police arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of assault.
But then he was released.
“We recognize the significant impact this incident has had on those involved and remain committed to conducting a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation,” Maui Police Department spokesperson Alana Pico told SFGATE in an email. “Detectives have contacted and interviewed the involved parties, and the investigation continues as additional information is gathered and reviewed.”
Investigators have asked anyone with information to contact the Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 808-244-6425.
As Beat of Hawaii noted, "Police have not publicly identified what started the confrontation, whether additional charges are expected, or whether investigators have determined any motive."
