Men’s march draws attention to rise in violence on Maui

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Men on Maui marched through Wailuku town Friday afternoon, calling on their community to stand up against domestic violence.

The event marked the seventh annual Men’s March Against Violence.

Organizers said statistics show violence is on the rise in Maui County, making it more important than ever for everyone to stand with them.

Kawika Mattos, owner of Alakaina Consulting Hawaii, said that men need to speak out.

“It is important for men to step out, to take the lead, and call on other men to be respectful and responsible and accountable, and it’s going to take men to listen to men with that important message,” Mattos said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all women in the United States reported either sexual or physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.

“In the United States, it has often been said that a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds,” said Officer Ryan Tengan of the Maui Police Department.

State data shows Maui has the highest prevalence in Hawaii.

County officials read the names of 21 people who lost their lives in Maui County from domestic violence over the past 30 years, including Maui Police Officer Suzanne O.

Officer O was killed while looking for Clembert Kaneholani, who had just been served a temporary restraining order for beating up his girlfriend.

Chris Yanuaria, committee chair, said marches and sign waving make a difference in the community.

“All of us have a responsibility in our community to have that positive influence for the next generation and generations to come,” Yanuaria said.

The next generation was honored with lei and a call to action.

“We believe in you; you are not alone, and you have the ability to make positive change in this world,” Yanuaria told the young men.