HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A heightened law enforcement presence on Oahu’s Leeward Coast has led to numerous arrests and citations.
Last week, Honolulu police announced they would deploy more uniformed and plainclothes officers in response to a rise in violent crime.
The increased effort also includes support from state sheriffs and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Deputy Chief Horikawa of the Honolulu Police Department said, “This resulted in numerous arrests over the weekend for violent crimes, narcotics offenses, OVI or DUI, and warrants, as well as over 80 citations being issued.”
The recent uptick in crime has prompted lawmakers to hold a Youth Empowerment and Crime Prevention town hall meeting at Waianae High School which KHON2s' Jenn Boneza attended.
Boneza reported hundreds of people gathered at the Waianae High School cafeteria for the meeting.
She said its main goal is to provide teens and young adults with a safe space to express their concerns and discuss recent issues with crime and gun violence in their community.
It also aims to connect at-risk youth with organizations that can offer them the help they need.
“Is there enough services? Is there enough follow-up? Do we need more mental health providers to come through? What are the home situations of these families? How do we actually be preventative and not just responsive? We appreciate the response, but to really get to the root of the issue, we need to address problems before they arise,” notes Andria Tupola of the Honolulu City Council.
Boneza added some lawmakers have argued that more needs to be done for a long-term solution, besides increased law enforcement.
More will be covered as the meeting continues.