HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Kahala Hotel & Resort is still on lockdown as of 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, after shots were reportedly fired around 5:40 p.m.
Honolulu police are currently investigating the scene.
Officials said, no injuries were reported as of 10 p.m. and everyone has been accounted for.
Police sources told KHON2 a male suspect barricaded himself inside a room on the fourth floor of the hotel after firing a weapon. According to police, the suspect then fired multiple shots through the hotel room door from inside when security responded.
“The report of the shots fired occurred and security had gone to the hotel room to investigate, and while they were there apparently the suspect shot through the door.”
Brian Lynch, Honolulu Police Department Captain
Police said, the hotel security officers who were outside of the room were not struck by gunfire.
Dozens of people were instructed to shelter in the ballroom of the hotel. Rex Jakovovits was on the property when officials arrived.
“All of the sudden I heard the police yelling at me like, ‘get out, get out!’ And I didn’t know what was going on, and then I saw they had their guns and they were all, you know, in an intense moment, so I just ran into the restaurant and then they herded us all into the ballroom.”
Rex Jakovovits, witness at The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Surrounding rooms next to the suspect were evacuated and there is no longer a risk of danger to any guests or staff, police said.
Negotiators were in place as of 9 p.m. and are attempting to bring a peaceful end to the barricade situation. The negotiating team was still trying to resolve the issue as of 10 p.m.
KHON2 asked if the suspect was local, police responded by saying he is believed to be in the military.
Staff at the hotel report that they have instructed guests to take shelter until further notice.
The Kahala issued the following statement just after 9 p.m. about the situation:
“This evening, an individual with a firearm barricaded himself in one of the guest rooms at The Kahala. Our security personnel and law enforcement have evacuated guests and employees from the immediate area and everyone is sheltering in place. We ask that the public refrain from entering the area surrounding the hotel at this time. We will provide further updates as they become available.“
Statement from The Kahala Hotel & Resort on Saturday, April 10
