Police Investigating Terroristic Threatening Incident at Kealakehe Elementary School

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating an incident involving an alleged threat made by a nine-year-old Kealakehe Elementary School student on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.

The investigation was initiated after it was reported that the child told a fellow student not to come to school the following day because he had a gun. The case is being investigated as second-degree terroristic threatening.

During the evening hours of Jan. 29, Kona patrol officers contacted the child who allegedly made the statement, and detectives from the Area II Juvenile Aid Section are continuing the investigation.

Police are working closely with school administrators and the child’s family to ensure the safety of students and staff. At this time, investigators do not believe the child has access to a firearm.

Due to the age of the children involved, their identities will not be released; however, investigators emphasize that statements involving threats of violence at schools are taken seriously, regardless of the age of the individuals involved.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer Christopher Ross at (808) 326-4646, ext. 302, or the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a community-based program and does not record calls or use caller ID. All information is kept confidential.