Maui police arrest 13-year-old for alleged threat at Kalama; Investigation remains active at Baldwin and ʻĪao schools

Maui police arrest 13-year-old girl in connection with alleged threat at Kalama;
Investigation remains active at Baldwin High School and ʻĪao Intermediate
Update: 4:44 p.m., Feb. 26, 2024

Maui police made one arrest so far after investigating alleged threats at three separate school campuses on Maui Monday.

A 13-year-old girl was arrested for Terroristic Threatening in connection with an alleged threat at Kalama Intermediate School.  Police say an investigation revealed the teen was responsible for the Kalama threat and she was arrested at approximately 3:20 p.m.  

The juvenile’s parents were notified and informed of the circumstances regarding the incident.  Family Court was apprised of the investigation and authorized the release of the teen girl to her parents.

The investigation remains ongoing and active for the other affected campuses.  Earlier in the day, the Department of Education had identified Baldwin High School and ʻĪao Intermediate as campuses where separate alleged threats were being investigated.  

At Baldwin High School, an alleged threat involving a photo surfaced over the weekend. The photo of a threat written on a toilet seat was circulated on social media, prompting a police statement.  In response, the department increased police presence on campus. 

“We want to assure the community that an increase in police presence in and around the school campus and throughout the area will continue throughout the week,” police said in an updated statement Monday afternoon, Feb. 26.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity or information to MPD,” police said.

DOE aware of threats at three campuses, investigation is underway
Update: 2:35 p.m., Feb. 26, 2024

In a letter to parents and guardians from the Hawaiʻi Department of Education today, Complex Area Superintendent, Desiree Sides said the DOE is aware of alleged written threats referencing three campuses in the area including: ʻĪao School, Kalama Intermediate and Baldwin High, that have been circulating on social media.  

“All threats to our schools and students are taken seriously and are investigated immediately and thoroughly,” Sides wrote.  She said impacted schools are working closely with the Maui Police Department to investigate each incident. 

“There is no recommendation from law enforcement for further security actions at this time,” Sides wrote in the letter that was dated Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. “Schools will remain open with no changes in the schedule, with increased police presence,” Sides said. 

“We encourage parents to speak with their child about making the right choices and the serious consequences of their actions,” she wrote, reminding that terroristic threats are considered Class A student conduct offenses with penalties ranging from detention to dismissal with the possibility of arrest and serious criminal charges.

“School safety is a continual community effort and your voice is a critical part in keeping our campus safe. We need your help to remain vigilant and speak up immediately if you see something suspicious that could be a threat in our neighborhood, online or on social media,” Sides wrote. “Please remember, ‘If you see something, say something.’ We appreciate your help as we work together to keep all of our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school’s administration.”

Maui Police aware of “multiple alleged threats at various schools.”
Update: 10:19 a.m., Feb. 26, 2024

The Maui Police Department issued an update at 10:19 a.m., saying they are aware of “multiple alleged threats at various schools throughout Maui County.”

The update comes following an initial alleged threat at Baldwin High School in which a photo surfaced over the weekend of a threat written on a toilet seat. The photo was circulated on social media, prompting a police statement this morning. Since then, additional alleged threats surfaced at other schools in Maui County.

“MPD personnel are actively investigating the threats and working closely with school officials to ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff,” police said in a news release.  

There will be an increase in police presence in and around the various school campuses and throughout the area, according to police.

“We are actively working with school officials to assess the situation, and while we understand that this heightened presence may cause some concern, please be assured that we are taking all necessary precautions to address the situation swiftly and effectively,” according to the MPD news release.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity or information to MPD.   Additionally, we ask for your cooperation and patience as we work to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.   Please rest assured that we are committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone in our community,” police said.

There was no further elaboration.

*This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Maui police investigating alleged threat at Baldwin High School, various other schools in Maui County
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The Maui Police Department is increasing police presence in and around Baldwin High School today as the result of an alleged threat toward the campus.

Police say they are actively working with school officials to assess the situation. “While we understand that this heightened presence may cause some concern, please be assured that we are taking all necessary precautions to address the situation swiftly and effectively,” police said in a press release this morning.

“Our officers are actively investigating the threat and working closely with school officials to ensure the safety of all students, faculty and staff,” police said.

The department is urging the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity or information to Maui police.   

“Additionally, we ask for your cooperation and patience as we work to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.  Please rest assured that we are committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone in our community,” according to a department release.

The comments come on the heels of a photo from a restroom in which the alleged threat was written on a toilet seat, and a photo was circulated on social media.

Parents received a notice from the school on Sunday evening, Feb. 25, saying the location of the incident was undetermined at the time. School officials noted that they are working diligently with police in investigating the matter.

School was to remain open with no changes to the schedule.