Puna crime
Recently in sectors of Hawaiian Paradise Park, there has been an alarming increase in property crimes that is unprecedented in recent times.
The growing concern and anxiety among residents is the brazen nature of the break-ins. Highlighted incidents, besides home break-ins and gas-siphoning, include two separate vehicles behind fences being hijacked in broad daylight, then crashed through the gates in the thieves’ hasty escapes! One neighbor reported he had been broken into three times in recent weeks. Another reported he personally challenged some speeding suspicious parties and was physically threatened.
An unpaved section of Beach Road is said to be outside police jurisdiction, which leaves those area residents feeling more vulnerable. A longtime resident in that area reported her vehicle was stolen midday while she was at home, in spite of having a surveillance camera. A family at the terminus of Makuu stated their enclosed wall had been rammed four times in the past month.
It would be convenient to chalk the latter up to “Saturday night ribaldry.” However, the deeper question remains: Is this symptomatic of a growing culture of substance abuse and addiction, and/or a blend of antisocial criminal elements?
The most at-risk residents seem to be those who are single, with no fence enclosure or pets. The most recent home break-in occurred in the Paradise Ala Kai area, which is not known for such intrusions.
What are some suggested remedies? Does Clint, Arnold, Sylvester and Popeye need to be summoned?
One of the sage neighborhood residents explained: “The police do take action, and can round up part of these thieves; often they already know them. These thieves only get short-term incarceration, and then are released by the current court system to resume their criminal lifestyle. This is very frustrating to the police, of course.”
He added that some of the thief population possess a refined ability to do quick and seamless break-ins.
For many of us as returning kamaainas, or like seniors who have labored most of our lives, often in challenging megalopolis environments, the grace of being able to reside in the beauty of the islands should not be manured by those who hold in contempt and profane its sacred nature.
How much longer should anyone tolerate such contagion? Even renegade nests of killer bees get addressed!
As necessary, this writer is willing to pay increased taxes if revenue limitations are a contributing factor to crime control. However, it appears the primary impasse, and need for revision, is the jurisprudence system. More stringent sentencing needs to be mandated, particularly relevant to a chronic criminal population.
Frankly, what is a cowboy without a horse — and what is a family without its vehicle?
The landmark work of famed Dr. Karl Menninger, “Whatever Became of Sin,” merits serious review.
There are, like the laws of physics, immutable precepts and principles that undergird the life and vitality of communities. Our communities have that “fundamental right” to safety, quality of life and the pursuit of peace.
Let’s be more resolved to advocate for those dreams!
James Barker
Keaau