Kaanapali, Hawaii — Two juvenile girls have been arrested on robbery allegations following an incident involving a group of teenagers at Whalers Village, a popular shopping destination in Maui’s resort district, as police investigate footage of the alleged assault and a second reported attack.
The incident occurred on October 10 at the beachfront shopping center in Kaanapali. According to a victim’s mother, two girls, ages 13 and 14, were allegedly attacked by a group of minors, while other youths reportedly prevented bystanders from intervening.
The case has drawn attention to concerns about youth violence in the popular Hawaii vacation area, with the mother of one alleged victim calling for accountability.
What Happened at Whalers Village in Maui?
Whalers Village is a busy shopping and dining destination in Kaanapali, attracting tourists, local residents and workers. On October 10, an alleged confrontation involving several minors took place at the property.
Nicole Bear, the mother of one of the girls involved, told that boys allegedly initiated the incident and sent other girls to carry out the physical assault.
Bear also claimed that the boys pushed away people who tried to help the victims.
Police are investigating social media footage showing the incident, along with another alleged assault that reportedly followed moments later. Authorities have not publicly confirmed every detail of the sequence of events described by the victim’s mother.
The investigation is expected to help establish what happened, who was involved and whether additional offenses occurred.
Mother Says Her Daughter Was Attacked
Bear said her daughter’s phone was stolen during the incident. She rejected the idea that the incident was simply a disagreement between teenagers, emphasizing that she viewed it as a serious attack.
“We wanted to make it clear that it was not a fight. It was an attack,” Bear told.
Her account has intensified calls for authorities and families to take youth violence seriously. Bear, who works as a teacher at Lahainaluna High School, also expressed concern about how young people respond to violence and whether the consequences they face are sufficient to discourage similar behavior.
Her statements reflect the family’s perspective while police continue investigating the allegations.
Two Juvenile Girls Arrested on Robbery Allegations
The Maui Police Department confirmed that two juvenile girls, ages 12 and 13, were arrested in connection with robbery allegations.
Both were subsequently released to their parents under a family court decision, according to police.
“Two juvenile females were arrested for robbery and released to their parents per family court,” Lt. Grant Hutaff-Nakamura of the department’s Juvenile Crime Prevention Division told Hawaii News Now.
The arrests do not establish guilt, and the allegations remain subject to the juvenile justice process.
Authorities have not publicly detailed whether additional arrests are expected or whether other minors allegedly involved in the incident have been identified.
The alleged theft of the victim’s phone is also an important part of the account provided by Bear, although investigators must determine the circumstances surrounding the reported property loss.
Concerns About Youth Violence in Kaanapali
The latest incident follows another episode of youth violence in the Kaanapali resort area.
According to the report, a brawl at a Kaanapali resort approximately three months earlier resulted in eight teenagers being taken into custody. Some of those involved were reportedly as young as 14.
The incidents have raised questions about how authorities, parents and the wider community can respond to confrontations involving minors in a busy tourist destination.
Whalers Village combines upscale retail stores, restaurants and beachfront attractions. While it is a major draw for visitors, it also serves as a gathering place for local teenagers and workers.
That mix of visitors and residents can make public safety incidents especially concerning, particularly when confrontations occur in crowded areas where other people may be nearby.
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Maui Police Urge Parents to Stay Involved
Lt. Hutaff-Nakamura urged parents to take an active role in their children’s lives and pay attention to how they spend their time.
“The most important thing for the parents is to be involved in your children’s lives,” he told.
He also encouraged families to keep young people engaged in structured activities, including sports. The advice comes as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the October 10 incident and the additional alleged assault.
For families in Maui, the case highlights concerns about preventing violence among young people and ensuring that allegations are investigated fairly. The victims’ accounts, available footage and other evidence may help authorities determine what occurred and whether further action is warranted.
Investigation Continues After Arrests
Police are continuing to investigate the reported incident at Whalers Village, including social media footage and allegations surrounding the second assault.
The case has prompted calls for greater accountability, but important questions remain about the roles of the minors involved and whether further arrests or charges will follow.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed all the allegations described by the victim’s mother.
Do you think parents, schools and local authorities should do more to prevent youth violence in public places? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
