WAIPAHU, Hawaii (KHON2) — A string of armed robberies has left local businesses on edge.
Experts said customers could see more establishments going cashless to deter thieves.
Police said three separate armed robberies have taken place on Oahu during the week of Monday, April 7.
Video from Tuesday at the Mapunapuna Papa John’s showed a suspect with a firearm demanding money and taking off in a dark-colored vehicle heading toward the freeway. Experts said the employee made the right move by cooperating.
“Whenever we hear about armed robbery and stuff, we always tell people, ‘Don’t be a hero. Your life is not worth it,” said Retail Merchants of Hawaii president Tina Yamaki. “Your adrenaline is going. We don’t want anybody to be shot. You know, a stray bullet hitting another customer or our worker. We just want it to be safe for everybody.”
The Waipahu Papa John’s also fell victim to an armed robbery on Monday. The Hawaii Restaurant Association said some eateries have cut late-night business hours in 2025 or are not even allowing customers to pay with cash.
“Avoiding those times of the night, we’re closing at maybe 9:00 or 10:00 is probably more favorable,” said HRA director Sheryl Matsuoka. “Not only the armed robberies but also the smash and grabs. So they don’t want to even entice any of these, you know, people that could come in and take their money so they go cashless.”
Beside not allowing cash, experts said there are steps businesses can take to help deter crime or help officers if it happens.
“If businesses do have cameras, make sure the lenses are clean. You know, you don’t want to have blurry images. Make sure the camera angle is at face level with people,” Yamaki said.
“Please be aware, even your staffing. Be sure that there’s extra staffing if you can, especially at night. And then cameras and alarm systems, some kind of way that they can protect themselves because yes, it is it is very challenging times,” Matsuoka said.
Police said no arrests have been made in connection to the three armed robberies and all are still under investigation.