Amid a spike in crime, Keeaumoku-area businesses applaud mayor’s call for increased police presence

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Businesses in the Keeaumoku area believe crime is turning off customers, but they hope an increased police presence can reverse that trend.

They applaud recent comments from the mayor, who said he wants to bring more police foot patrols to the district. A police car sat outside Walmart on Wednesday — a week after an employee was stabbed in the chest at the bus stop in front of the store.

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

“The driver came and told me they wouldn’t accept the order because of this location because it’s 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 there is a lot of crime,” said Eric Phillips of Rainbow Photo & Video.

Val and Dorthey Vallez live nearby and say they used to go out to eat at night and support local businesses, but now they stay home. ‘During the day, home at 3 p.m. That’s it,” Val Vallez said.

“I don’t feel safe.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed his concerns on HNN’s Spotlight Now on Tuesday.

“I asked for a larger police presence there, which he understood,” Blangiardi said.

“We have to respond with physical police presence, not just in cars. They have also deployed some police officers who are not in uniform.”

On Wednesday, City Council Member Radiant Cordero was at lunch to show her support for the business community. “The businesses suffer when criminal activity occurs,” Cordero said.

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

Cordero says the City Council just approved $400,000 in the recent budget to support community policing programs on Oahu. About $50,000 will go to the Keeamoku area.

“Businesses and residents are coming together with HPD to be trained and know what to look for and take safety measures,” Cordero said.

“Really help reclaim the community.”

Cordero says the funding can be used starting July 1.