Teens kick Hawaii doors in viral trend, homeowners say

Homeowners in Hawaii are spending thousands of dollars to repair doors that teenagers have damaged in a viral social media trend. The practice involves teens running up to residential front doors late at night, delivering a heavy kick or bang to simulate a home invasion, and then fleeing the scene.

Matt, a homeowner in Maui Lani who requested his full name not be disclosed due to fear of retaliation, said the behavior has occurred in his neighborhood for several months. He described hearing violent pounding on his door while sleeping at 1:30 a.m. Matt stated he spent nearly $14,000 repairing the damage and adding safeguards to his property.

Mae, a resident of Ewa Beach, said she heard her front door kicked about five times around 9 p.m. one night. She said the impact was strong enough to shake the entire house. Mae described the experience as terrifying because it felt like someone was trying to break down the door. Like Matt, she withheld her full name and specific neighborhood details because she feared the vandals might retaliate.

Mae expressed shock that the trend was also happening on Maui, noting that another resident in her area had a similar experience. She said she believes the pranks are occurring quite often in the area. Mae said she felt sorry for the other family dealing with the forceful kicking.

Both homeowners have filed multiple police reports. Matt has also contacted his homeowners association. He said the group wants justice but acknowledged the participants are likely just kids. Matt suggested the behavior might be a cry for help.

Mae said she is speaking out to raise awareness about the trend. She noted that times are hard and that fixing the damage is expensive. She called the pranks very disrespectful to neighbors and their property.

Mae urged parents to talk to their children about being respectful to neighbors and their property. Matt is asking his community for help identifying the individuals responsible for the damage.