The community was shocked on Feb. 4 after learning about a “stranger danger” incident involving two young students in Lahaina.

In a letter to parents, Lahaina Intermediate School Principal Stacy Bookland explained that the two students were approached by an adult male on Lahainaluna Road between 7:15 and 7:40 a.m.

“The adult male reportedly asked one of the students if they wanted a ride and grabbed the student in a possible abduction attempt. A nearby witness yelled at the adult male, who then fled the scene in a dark colored four-door sedan, and both students got away safely,” she wrote.

Parents quickly took action, meeting with area police, local pastors and county officials to discuss the brazen incident, increase awareness around Lahaina Intermediate School and Princess Nahienaena Elementary, and arrange an informal neighborhood watch to help keep an eye on students.

Parents expect that follow-up meetings will be held to discuss ways to keep students safe.

Bookland noted, “The safety of your children is of utmost importance.” She encourages parents to continue to speak to their children regarding measures to stay safe as they walk to and from campus:

Stay away from strangers; do not talk to or take anything from them.

Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know. Never accept a ride from a stranger.

Stay more than an arm’s reach away from strangers. If a stranger approaches you, seek help immediately from a trusted adult.

Use the buddy system; avoid walking anywhere alone.

If a stranger grabs you, do whatever it takes to stop the stranger – yell for help.

Report any suspicious activity to a trusted adult.

Be alert of your surroundings and let others know where you will be and what time you will return.

Stay vigilant to help keep Lahaina schoolchildren safe.