With crime on the rise, businesses in the Keeaumoku region welcome the mayor’s call for more police presence

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Businesses in the Keeaumoku area say crime is driving away customers, but hope an increased police presence can reverse the trend.

They welcome recent comments from the mayor, who said he wants to bring more foot patrols to the district. On Wednesday, a patrol car was seen outside Walmart – a week after an employee was stabbed in the chest at the bus stop outside the store.

The manager of King of Thai Boat Noodles says that even some food delivery drivers are now unwilling to come and pick up orders from the area.

“They came to the driver and told me they didn’t want to accept the job because of the location because it was so dangerous for him,” said Joe Wisuthiwan.

Some businesses said crime appears to have increased since the pandemic.

“It’s concerning that people don’t want to come to this area because of the high crime rates,” said Eric Phillips of Rainbow Photo & Video.

Val and Dorthey Vallez live in the area and say they used to go out to eat at night and support local businesses, but now they stay home. “During the day, home after 3 p.m., that’s it,” Val Vallez says.

“I don’t feel safe.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi addressed these concerns on HNN’s “Spotlight Now” on Tuesday.

“I asked for an increased police presence there, which he understood,” Blangiardi said.

“We need to respond with physical police presence, not just cars. They have also deployed a number of plainclothes police officers.”

City Councilwoman Radiant Cordero stopped by for lunch on Wednesday to show her support for the businesses. “The businesses suffer when there is criminal activity,” Cordero said.

“We want to make sure that people want to feel safe.”

Cordero says the City Council just approved $400,000 in the most recent budget to support community policing programs on Oahu, with about $50,000 going to the Keeamoku area.

“Businesses and residents come together with HPD to receive training and learn what to look out for and what safety precautions to take,” Cordero said.

“Really help reclaim the community.”

Cordero says the funds could be used starting July 1.

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