On May 30th, my son Kekoa Tamale, a 23-year-old Hawaiian/Tongan Waimea Valley lifeguard and aspiring musician, was brutally attacked on the North Shore, along with a 15 year-old Hawaiian boy, an honor-roll student and all-star athlete. Both were kicked and beaten unconscious and almost drowned by a group of 20 teens and adults.

Both Kekoa and this young boy were rushed to the ER with severe injuries. Kekoa suffered broken hand and eye sockets, had plastic surgery to reconstruct his eyelid, a concussion, and bruising all over his body. The young boy suffered a broken nose, concussion, possible loss of vision in one eye, loose teeth, and a severe knee injury. Out of respect for his privacy and his family's wishes we are keeping the 15 year-old victim's identity protected.

They are both now recovering at home under close medical supervision, and lucky to be alive.

To add insult to injury, the attackers, who had filmed the entire incident, took the time to edit and create a whole reel of the attack, glorifying the violence, and posted it to TikTok. We're actively in investigations to identify all the attackers.

They didn't deserve any of this, and do not deserve to suffer the fall-out of such a senseless and evil act. Kekoa and this young boy have a long road ahead of them and I'd like to ask our communities' support in helping them recover. If you are able, we are collecting funds for medical and legal costs, and Kekoa's lost wages while he recovers. Any help is greatly appreciated to help them get back on their feet.

All donations will be split equally between Kekoa and the young boy 50/50.

Mahalo nui loa and Malo au pito for your help.