HONOLULU (KHON2) -- West side leaders are partnering together to introduce Resolution 24-275, a proposal created in response to a rise in shootings and gang-related crimes.
Councilmember Andria Tupola created the resolution to urge the Hawaii State Legislature to pass legislation to "define gang-related crimes and enhance penalties for committed offenses in association with gang activity."
A companion bill will be introduced during the 2025 State Legislative Session backed by Rep. Darius Kila, Rep. Chris Muraoka and Senator-elect Samantha De Corte.
"We are seeing a disturbing increase in violent crime, and it is essential that we act now to give our law enforcement the tools they need to protect our communities," Tupola emphasized.
According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, Honolulu and Waianae "had the highest number of gun-related incidents in the state" from 2021 to 2023.
HPD has also seen an uptick in drug-related crimes, gambling and homicides through 2024.
"Residents of the Wai’anae Coast need to know that the City and State are fully committed to protecting our community from shootings and violent crimes," said DeCorte.
Reps. Kila and Muraoka agreed the West Oahu community "needs immediate response now more than ever" and requires an "all-hands-on-deck approach."