NANAKULI, Hawaii (KHON2) -- Law enforcement presence is ramping up in Waianae after six people were shot in two separate shootings in the past week.
The community rallied on Saturday to raise awareness against gun violence as police continue their search in Thursday night's shooting that left two teenagers wounded.
West side residents said Saturday was about showing their neighbors that love is still within their community.
"We just got to walk out in that example of what love is. So that we can see that violence go away because some of these people committing it is, they're lacking that. They're lacking love," said community auntie Kauai Asinsin.
The coach of the Outlawz flag football team said his boys were less than 100 yards from the shooting on Wednesday.
"Was kind of shocking and scary at the same time. Yeah, so like, just getting, getting the kids out of there was our main priority to make sure that everybody safe," Justin said.
Coaches of other teams added that providing children with good outlets for their seemingly-endless energy can help keep them off of the street. One said that being a coach on the football field goes beyond the grid iron.
"Be good, be kind to people, treat others how they like to be treated. Zero tolerance on the bullying, teasing, name calling. Try our best to instill that in our players," Hawk Town coach Terrill said. "Any sport, no matter whether you in the water, paddling, canoe, surfing, fishing, anything to get the kids off the streets."
Hundreds of cars blared their horns in support and community leaders added that residents need to come forward if they know anything about unsolved crimes in the neighborhood.
"Who are these killers? Who are these shooters? Where is this criminal activity happening," Nanakuli/Maili Neighborhood Board chair Samantha DeCorte said. "Yeah, these are our family members. Yes, they are our classmates. But they are also a reason why we continue to live in fear here in Waianae."
Mayor Blangiardi said that the City and State have been stepping up enforcement this weekend.
"There's no time for egos. This is a time for taking care of our home. That's a challenge and the commitment we've made. and we're going to live up to that," he said.
KHON2 heard from everyone in attendance that they are in the majority and the few bad apples that commit the crimes should not get all of the attention.
"West community is strong. We gon' come together as one no matter what," coach Terrill said.