HOOPILI, Hawaii (KHON2) — In response to three recent attempted kidnapping incidents, a West Oahu neighborhood equipped residents with tools to keep their keiki safe.
The festive atmosphere in Hoopili on Saturday afternoon had a serious reason to gather together.
The Ewa area has seen three kidnapping attempts since July and the Hoopili neighborhood security watch decided to be proactive in the fight for a safe community.
“It was terrifying, I always thought this community was safe but that did put me a little bit on guard,” said resident Jackline Jacquez.
“We gotta take responsibility as parents of our kids. Especially as residents of a community like this. We got keep our community safe,” shared Wayne Kaiwi, Hoopili Community Watch Volunteer.
The goal of the Stranger Danger Awareness event was to educate parents and children with the knowledge and skills needed to respond appropriately if they are ever approached by someone they don’t know.
Honolulu police said suspects use sophisticated techniques to lure kids.
“‘I’m looking for my lost pet, can you help me look for my dog, do you want to pet my cat, I have candy.’ They’ve even gone as far as saying ‘Your parents told me to come pick you up’ and ‘Don’t you remember me,’ kind of thing so it’s important that your children have a routine that they know the routine is not going to change unless you talk to them specifically,” explained Corporal Ronald Pagan.
HPD also recommends having a password that only you and your child know.
“You set up a password. If the person doesn’t know the password, then don’t go with them,” he added.
With HPD’s limited resources, Hoopili’s Neighborhood Watch said Stranger Danger Awareness Days can be something any neighborhood can organize on its own and the lessons learned might make all the difference in a future threat.
“Resources out here in Hawaii are amazing. It’s just as simple as picking up the phone and calling resources and they are here and ready to support,” said Tracey Fuentes, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator.
“If you see something, say something,” Pablo Jacques, Hoopili resident said.
HPD has arrested one of the attempted kidnapping cases. The other two cases are still under investigation.