'Ewa tackles crime issues

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Central O'ahu Writer

While 'Ewa residents were happy to learn last week that the federal "Weed and Seed" anti-crime program would be expanding to their area, Coby Lynn knows the community's social problems won't be resolved overnight.

'Ewa activists Glenn Oamilda, left, and Jeff Alexander survey One'ula Beach Park, where they say drug-dealing is prevalent. Both hope new projects created through the federal Weed and Seed program will help make their community safer. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

"It won't be easy, but we have to start somewhere," said Lynn, who has volunteered to help lead the Weed and Seed program in his community to help lower crime starting this fall.

The federal program, which began locally in 1997 and has helped reduce crime in the Kalihi-Palama/Chinatown and Waipahu areas, last week designated the 'Ewa district as its third O'ahu site. Weed and Seed is a collaboration of law enforcement agencies, social agencies and residents, designed to "weed" out crime and "seed" constructive activities such as job training and youth programs.

The 40-year-old Lynn said he's personally witnessed and heard complaints from others about the drive-through drug transactions at homes, parks and beaches, along with the smell of dangerous chemicals used to manufacture crystal methamphetamine coming from neighboring homes.

"It's sad," said Lynn, who with his wife, Eileen, is raising two children. "Some of the security at Campbell High see the drug dealing going on across the street at 'Ewa Beach Community Park. But because it's outside their jurisdiction, they can only call the police, who are busy themselves."

Along the drive, Lynn pointed out numerous vehicles abandoned curbside. It also appeared as if every 10th home in some neighborhoods was vacant.

	Community meeting
•	A community meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 21 at the Campbell High School cafeteria to discuss residents' concerns and possible solutions on the 'Ewa area's crime problems.

While the other Weed and Seed sites have been focused around low-income housing areas where drug activity is prevalent, the designated 'Ewa site is spread out over several square miles, covering 'Ewa Villages, the 'Ewa by Gentry subdivision, and 'Ewa Beach.

U.S. District Attorney Ed Kubo Jr. said that out of all violent crimes reported in O'ahu's eight police districts in 2000, District 8 (Wai'anae Coast-'Ewa) had the most negligent homicides (10), rapes (39), aggravated assaults (188), and sex and family offenses. It also ranked second in murders, burglaries and other assaults.

Patricia Johnson of Child & Family Service in 'Ewa said the area's unemployment rate over the past three years has been higher than the O'ahu average. Campbell High School has one of the highest student drop-out rates at 10.5 percent, she said, and overall truancy and curfew violation figures increased 24 percent between 1999 and 2000. Police said they have identified 37 gang members in the Weed and Seed area.

Ewa's crime problem may be compounded by its geographical isolation. 'Ewa Beach is at the far end of Fort Weaver Road — the area's primary access — and 'Ewa Villages is tucked away from the main road.

"The distance also makes it difficult for the kids to get around, particularly if they're not driving age," said Frances Rivero, executive director of the 'Ewa Beach Boys and Girls Club. "The farther away you are from town, there seems to be less social and job training programs available for the kids and young adults."

Another problem is the 'Ewa area is separated among a mix of older communities ('Ewa Beach, 'Ewa Villages) and newer residential subdivisions ('Ewa by Gentry, Oceanpointe). Community leaders plan to hold a "Pride for 'Ewa" event in May in an effort to bring residents together.

"It's going to be different since it is a wider area," said state Circuit Court Judge Steve Alm, who previously as U.S. attorney headed the Hawai'i Weed and Seed program. "But the strategy still lies in going after the concentrated pockets of criminal activity."

Kubo said the program will listen to residents' concerns next month before deciding how to tackle the drug problem.

"In the Kalihi/Chinatown area, we mainly did drive-up drug busts, while we've been doing more covert operations in the Waipahu area," Kubo said. Meanwhile, Honolulu Police Sgt. Wade Souza, who will head the four-member Weed and Seed police team in 'Ewa, said the assigned officers will set up shop in the community to gain rapport with residents.

Community leaders know the biggest hurdle in any community-run program is sustaining the resident volunteer effort. 'Ewa Beach Community Association president Glenn Oamilda said he and other residents have tried in vain to operate a resident patrol at One'ula and other beach parks to discourage drug activity.

"Everyone is enthusiastic in the beginning, but it's hard to keep up something like that," said Oamilda, who welcomes the Weed and Seed program.

However, some anti-crime efforts already are under way. The 'Ewa Beach Boys & Girls Club last month opened its $10 million, 26,000 square-foot clubhouse to provide more activities for children and teens. And the city's 'Ewa vision team has appropriated nearly $1 million in city capital improvement program money to improve area parks.

The latest dilemma, however, is protecting those improvements from being vandalized. While driving by, Lynn pointed out that someone recently threw a bottle through a window at the new Boys and Girls Club facility.

The 12-year 'Ewa resident, however, is willing to stick it out, and hopes his neighbors will join him in doing so.

"I think of myself as just a regular guy, but somebody's got to do something. We're not planning to move from here," Lynn said. "Instead of sitting at home and shutting the world out as we all sometimes do, maybe we simply have to take more pride in our community."