Questions on security emerge after video from Iam Tongi concert shows gun at the event: HPD asks public for information

A highly successful event recently commemorated American Idol finalist Iam Tongi, in O'ahu's North Shore on Tuesday, May 16. After the event, concerns arose surrounding security measures as a social media post saw an individual allegedly carrying a firearm at the concert.

The video, which was shared privately and later posted on a popular Instagram account, @thehungryhungryhawaiian, showcased a concertgoer with a gun packed inside their bag during the performance.

While no direct threats have been reported, the incident left some attendees feeling uneasy. The Hawaii Police Department (HPD) is actively seeking information and encourages the public to contact 911 with any relevant details.

---

Former Honolulu Deputy Police Chief believes "there should have been some sort of gate check" at Iam Tongi concert

As the video that showcased the firearm continues to circulate, attention is directed toward the security measures implemented at the event. The Turtle Bay gathering was attended by thousands and yet lacked essential security procedures like bag checks and metal detectors.

In a statement to Hawaii News Now, Former Honolulu Deputy Police Chief John McCarthy said:

“There should have been some sort of gate check or bag search. It’s almost unheard of that you go into an event without such a thing”

The organizers said that the event, which was arranged on short notice, had 40 Honolulu police officers and 70 private security guards at the venue.

Some concertgoers, on the other hand, feel that the security measures were adequate despite the ongoing conversation regarding the need for enhanced measures.

Some argued that the spirit of "Aloha" and peacefulness embodied by Iam Tongi's message should negate the necessity for rigid security measures. Edith Domingo, a concertgoer, told HNN:

"That’s how people live in Hawaii. We have Aloha, and we don’t think we need to check a bag because that’s how I am trying to bring to the world, Aloha, peaceful"

The concert was also attended by Honolulu Mayor, Rick Blangiardi, who stayed the entire duration of the event without any security concerns.

In a statement to HNN, state Senetaor, Brenton Awa said that the event will not be remembered for somebody bringing in a gun. He said:

“It’s about how we rallied together against the odds and pulled off a safe event where everyone had a chance to be a part of Iam Tongi’s journey to becoming the next American Idol.”

---

Iam Tongi's rendition of James Blunt's, Monsters broke the internet

Iam Tongi, also known as William Guy Tongi, is an 18-year-old singer from Kahuku, Hawaii. He gained recognition through his participation in season 21 of American Idol, where his rendition of James Blunt's, Monsters, went viral and touched the hearts of millions of viewers.

His heartfelt tribute to his late father during the audition moved Judge Luke Bryan to tears. The Decatur High School graduate was deeply influenced by his late father, Rodney Guy Tongi, who was a singer himself and served as his musical inspiration. Iam's father sadly passed away on December 2021.

Tongi's journey on American Idol has been accompanied by a strong social media following, with his audition video amassing millions of views on YouTube.

The grand finale of American Idol will air on Sunday, May 21, 2023, and Tongi will be joined by fellow finalists, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough. The finale will be available on ABC and will feature performances by Keith Urban, Ellie Goulding, Pitbull, James Blunt, and Clay Aiken (last year's winner), among others.