Viral Maui smoke shop video sparks discussion on youth violence prevention

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A viral surveillance video showing several masked individuals attempting to force their way into a Maui smoke shop is prompting renewed conversations about youth violence and the importance of early intervention programs.

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The nearly two-minute video, which a surveillance camera timestamp indicates was recorded on May 7, 2026, has circulated widely on social media in recent days.

The footage appears to show four masked individuals approaching the business and attempting to gain entry.

In one portion of the video, an individual can be seen striking the door with what appears to be a firearm or firearm-like object. When those efforts appear unsuccessful, the same person is later seen throwing a brick toward the entrance.

It remains unclear who the individuals are or how old they may be.

Hawaii News Now reached out to Maui police for information on the incident, including whether any arrests have been made, and has yet to hear back.

For leaders with GOALS Hawaii, the video was familiar.

“When I first seen that video, I just seen kids making bad choices. I see myself making wrong choices at that time, not thinking as a kid,” said GOALS Hawaii founder Kekoa Carvalho.

Director Ryan Edayan Jr. echoed those sentiments.

“We don’t know because we don’t know them, but I felt like that was me, because we was doing actually worse stuff than that. It’s just that we never had all the social media and cameras back then,” Edayan said.

Both Carvalho and Edayan say they spent years involved in gangs, substance abuse and the criminal justice system before changing the course of their lives.

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Today, the two work with youth and families across Hawaii through GOALS Hawaii, providing mentorship and support for those struggling with violence, addiction and mental health challenges.

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“Things that we went through and we’d overcome with the tools that we get now today. So now the tools that we have, we can help the youth and people of Hawaii overcome their own,” Carvalho said.

Edayan said incidents like the one shown in the video often involve peer pressure and a desire to fit in.

“I bet all three of them was thinking that’s wrong. But nobody wanted to be the first one to say it,” he said.

The organization says the video serves as a reminder of the importance of intervention programs and creating positive opportunities for young people.

As part of those efforts, GOALS Hawaii is hosting its Malama with Aloha event on Maui this week, which includes speaking engagements with youth, sign-waving at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center and a community beach cleanup.

“We go, we speak to the kids … not drugs, less violence, more love,” Carvalho said.

Edayan added that community activities help show young people there are healthier ways to spend their time.

“You can relate with them and then you can show them like there’s better things to do. You know what I mean? There’s way better things.”

GOALS Hawaii leaders hope the attention surrounding the video will encourage more conversations about prevention and the resources available to help youth make positive choices.

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