Police chief pressured by mounting concerns over West Oahu violence

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - As communities in West Oahu continue to struggle with a surge in violent crimes, the Honolulu Police Commission is urging the chief of police to get more help from other law enforcement agencies.

Several members of the West Oahu community made the drive into town to ask commissioners for more support for the patrol officers in their district.

Some called for increased involvement from agencies like the state Department of Land and Natural Resources in patrolling state lands in Leeward Oahu.

One resident referenced an incident in February, when rancher Cranston Duke Pia was shot and killed after a confrontation with hunters trespassing on his land.

Mahaka resident Kalei Salcedo said, “The reason I’m here, I do not want to see another child’s picture that I know and hanaied because of unethical behavior. I’m asking you folks to collaborate on behalf of my community, my deceased nephew.”

A 17-year-old suspect was charged as an adult Wednesday in connection with Pia’s shooting.

Chantston Pila Kekawa was charged with second-degree murder, terroristic threatening, and other firearms-related charges.

Police commission chair Doug Chin asked the chief to build on partnerships with state and other agencies, like the National Guard, for support.

“One of your strengths is how you are able to work with and partner effectively with these different state or even federal law enforcement agencies. I would just encourage you to really tap into that,” Chin said.

Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan responded, “There’s another set of meetings that we can attend to provide more outside resources from law enforcement, not just state and federal law enforcement agencies, but other agencies on the outside. I just got a text from (state adjutant general Maj. Gen. Kenneth) Hara and my brother about the National Guard support. "

The city also plans to add 36 more police officers to West Oahu as soon as this week.