by Gregory Field

In different neighborhoods in Waimanalo, residents are coming together to stop crime. Sunday, March 10 residents of the beach lots met at St. Matthews Church and decided to form a neighborhood citizen patrol. A calendar was made and teams of two signed up for shifts that they would patrol.

Tuesday evening, March 12, Nani Akeo organized members of Huli Street to meet with the Honolulu Police Department Community Policing Team. The officers briefed the citizens on the procedures and guidelines of citizen patrol walks.

Thursday, March 14, residents of the farm lots, who have been patrolling by car, met at Glenn's Nursery. The mobile patrol, the first in the state, covers a large area from Flamingo Street to Ahiki Street, Hihimanu Street and mauka. In the area, there have been reports of stolen plants, equipment, fertilizer, and even expensive exotic birds.

The police in their orientation stress that citizens are to be non-confrontational. They also give tips on providing good descriptions of individuals or vehicles. The police will be providing all certified patrols with a cellular phone. Dispatchers will know that a citizen patrol is in the area.

"Working with the police we met people we didn't know. Everyone was concerned," said Glenn Miyashita. "If everyone participates and works together, we can make a difference." Neighbors are coming together with neighbors, to make their streets, farms and homes safe from crime. For more information contact the Community Policing Team at 247-0748. n