Following the latest eruption of gun violence on Oahu’s west side, state Rep. Darius Kila is calling on city and state agencies to enforce park hours and youth curfew laws.

What You Need To Know

  • The House District 44 (Waianae, Makaha, Makua, Maili) representative expressed his concerns in a letter to Honolulu Police Department Chief Joe Logan, HPD District 8 Maj. Gail Beckley, Department of Parks and Recreation director Laura Thielen and Department of Law Enforcement director Jordan Lowe
  • The request came after a 28-year-old man was killed outside his Maili home in a drive-by shooting on Dec. 19
  • Kila urged police and other authorized personnel to actively enforce existing ordinances, including the prohibition on keeping animals in parks, through citations and arrest
  • The lawmaker further urged the enforcement of the state law prohibiting children under the age of 16 from being on public streets or other public places between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. without a parent, guardian or authorized adult

 

The House District 44 (Waianae, Makaha, Makua, Maili) representative expressed his concerns in a letter to Honolulu Police Department Chief Joe Logan, HPD District 8 Maj. Gail Beckley, Department of Parks and Recreation director Laura Thielen and Department of Law Enforcement director Jordan Lowe.

The request came after a 28-year-old man was killed outside his Maili home in a drive-by shooting on Dec. 19. A 19-year-old and two 17-year-old boys were arrested on Monday on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder and multiple firearms-related charges.

Kila cited Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 10.1.2, which sets forth prohibitions against destruction of property, unauthorized camping, remaining in parks after posted closure hours and failing to comply with posted signs.

“Violations of these rules not only disrupt park operations but also contribute to unsanitary and unsafe conditions,” Kila wrote. “Constituents frequently report being chased from parks and beaches by individuals living there and families feel unsafe utilizing these spaces. This is unacceptable.”

Kila urged police and other authorized personnel to actively enforce existing ordinances, including the prohibition on keeping animals in parks, through citations and arrest.

The lawmaker further urged the enforcement of the state law prohibiting children under the age of 16 from being on public streets or other public places between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. without a parent, guardian or authorized adult. (The law allows for cases of necessity and written permission from a family court judge.)

“The rise in violence along the Waianae Coast, particularly involving youth, is alarming,” Kila wrote. “While enforcing curfew laws may not solve all issues, it is a step toward reducing violence, preventing harm and potentially saving lives.”

Kila said greater enforcement is “critical” to keeping youth safe and restoring public trust in the use of parks and beaches.

“With Christmas approaching and schools on break, now is the time to take meaningful action to protect our community,” he wrote.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.