KAPOLEI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Kapolei Middle School was temporarily put on lockdown Thursday morning, May 25 after a student brought a handgun to school.
According to the Department of Education, it happened around 8:30 a.m.
The Honolulu Police Department said they arrested a Kapolei Middle School student for bringing the gun to school.
The school’s administration received reports of the student allegedly showing other students the firearm.
The campus was immediately put on lockdown out of an abundance of caution, and the gun was confiscated by officials.
Once the gun was secured with administration, the lockdown was lifted at 9:50 a.m.
Firearms — including air guns, bb and pellet guns, paintball guns and crossbows — are not allowed at schools for any reason.
HPD held a press conference regarding this incident at 3:30 p.m.
“We have noticed there’s been an increase in juvenile usage of firearms,” said HPD Chief Joe Logan. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean that juveniles are carrying around firearms to commit crimes.”
The student’s age and other details are not being released at this time. Chief Logan said they’re looking into how the child got his hands on a gun.
“We’re taking this opportunity to tell all gun owners to take the necessary steps to ensure all guns are stored safely and not accessible to minors. If someone had gotten hurt, we’d be having a very different conference today,” added Chief Logan.
Chief logan said the police arrested the student on multiple offenses and added that more offenses could be added as the investigation continues.
Police said they are exploring charges against whoever the gunowner is. KHON2 News will have more details as they unfold.
