PUNA, Hawaiʻi (KITV4) -- Hawaiʻi Island police reported that they arrested seven students at Pāhoa High School after a large fight broke out on the campus on Jan. 26, 2022.
According to a Hawaiʻi Police Department press release, patrol officers were called by the School Resource Officer at approximately 10:20 a.m. after a large group of students arguing led to a physical altercation.
School staff reportedly broke up the altercations, with one school security guard allegedly being assaulted by five male students.
Upon arriving at the school, officers arrested four juvenile male students, two juvenile female students, and one adult male student.
The injured security guard was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was treated and released.
According to the press release, the Hawaiʻi County Prosecutor’s Office is charging the five male students with assault in the second degree, and the two female students with disorderly conduct.
The four juvenile males, ages 13-17, will await their initial court appearance at Oʻahu’s Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department identified the adult male as 18-year-old Advin Nakashima. Nakashima’s bail has been set at $2,000.
A spokesperson with the Department of Education (DOE) issued the following statement about this incident:
"[Wednesday] morning, Pahoa High and Intermediate administration responded to student altercations spurred by racially insensitive remarks. Campus was placed on a brief lockdown while the situation was further addressed by the Hawaii Police Department.
Parents are encouraged to speak with their child about making the right choices and the potential consequences of their actions. Assaults, fights and physical violence are taken very seriously and are investigated thoroughly. Class A student conduct offense penalties range from detention to dismissal with the possibility of arrest and serious criminal charges.
The Department cannot share additional details because minors are involved. The school is appreciative for staff who responded quickly and continue to support students.
Counselors and staff are available for any student who needs to talk about what they witnessed or to process their feelings regarding this incident."
