KALIHI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Residents who live in public housing reached out to KHON2 and said they see illegal activity happening constantly. When they report it to management, nothing happens. Other residents said they fear retaliation for speaking out and are afraid to go outside.
Multiple shootings linked to Kalihi public housing complexes are shining a light on what residents said is a much larger issue of violence and illegal activity in the Kuhio Park Towers community.
“No, I don’t feel safe,” said a KPT resident who asked not to be identified out of fear of retaliation.
“For somebody to walk up to my son and point a gun to his head, and this person just got done talking with the so-called securities,” he said. “It’s unsafe.”
He said he’s reported numerous incidents to management, each time things get worse.
“I report an incident about the shooting in the front of my house, the next day there was a gunshot on the side of my car. My gas line was cut. I left the house and fire in the back of my unit.”
Rep. Sonny Ganaden (D) met with KHON to address concerns surrounding KPT, which is managed by The Michaels Organization.
“Historically, Michaels Development has been slow to respond to resident’s concerns. We are hoping they are much more proactive in the future,” Ganaden said.
“Where is that oversight? And who’s holding them accountable to do their job and make sure that the rules are followed?” KHON asked.
“Hawaii public housing is the state agency that has the oversight over Michaels Development,” Ganaden explained. “We had a meeting here the beginning of summer and we might need to have another one to make sure that resident concerns are being addressed.”
KPT isn’t the only public housing development where residents said their concerns aren’t being addressed. It’s also happening at Kam IV housing.
A resident of Kam IV, who asked to remain anonymous, said they’ve launched years of complaints that have fallen on deaf ears.
“The management, she’s not doing anything about it,” the resident said. “Drug dealers come in here, buy dope, and people, residents smoking the dope on the on the grounds. Neighbors here fighting, police coming in and out of this place like nothing. It’s not safe for me and my family, me and my kids. It’s dangerous in here already. it’s not safe.”
There’s one thing both residents are hoping for.
“Change,” said the KPT resident. And he added, “From the inside out.”
KHON reached out to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and The Michaels Organization for comment and is waiting for a response.
If you live in public housing and witness a crime, call the police.
Rep. Ganaden said public housing residents in Kalihi can contact his office if they feel they are being ignored by management at public housing and have serious safety concerns.