KAHALU'U — A nagging narcotics problem has renewed residents focus on protecting the community and this time people are working toward a sustainable solution, including clearing areas where known drug activities take place and forming neighborhood policing groups.

Six years after a massive campaign to oust drug users from the community, residents are seeing a resurgence that includes threats to local residents by drug users, a growing list of cars reportedly involved with drug deals and a move of these drug activities to the new Kahaluu District Park where children play.

"The park was supposed to be a blessing for our community, but it's a headache," said Keith Ryder, pastor for Light of Promise Ministries. "We know these people but by being silent we allowed it to happen."

Led by Art Machado, a Kahaluu Neighborhood Board member, about two dozen other residents, community leaders, government officials and local pastors met Wednesday at KEY Project to discuss actions that they can take.

The Honolulu Police Department receives about 50 drug-related complaints a month with Kahaluu getting one or two complaints a month, said Michelle Yu, HPD spokeswoman. The problem is continuing, and police have made several arrests in Kahaluu recently, Yu said.

"It's a coordinated effort between patrol and narco-unit officers," she said. "They are continuing to work with the property owners, the residents and the stakeholders."

Machado has collected a list of 25 license plate numbers of automobiles that he said were used in suspected drug dealings. He also had accounts of local residents, including church leaders, who had been threatened by drug users.

John Cambra, who coaches Pop Warner football at the Kahaluu field, said he's had to clean up after drugs users so the kids wouldn't see the trash and condoms left behind.

"We have to escort our kids to the bathroom because we had people taking a bath in the bathroom," Cambra said.

On Nov. 11 community members will clear overgrown vegetation next to the park where they believe drug users are hanging out, Machado said. More volunteers are needed, he said.

Plans to control traffic outside the Hygienic Store, an area where drug deals are known to occur, also are being pursued, Machado said. If parking can be eliminated there, then drug users and dealers would have to go elsewhere, Machado said.

"We got the people that are willing to help," he told city and state officials at the meeting. "We really don't need funds. We need the OK to do something."

State Sen. Clayton Hee, Rep. Jessica Wooley and Ernie Martin with the city's Community Services said they could help.

Others at the meeting pledged support.

Howard Kahua, executive director for RAM, an anti-addiction ministry, offered part of RAM's office behind the Hygienic Store for a police substation where officers can get coffee, use a computer and write reports.

"Just the presence of an officer there or a car there pretty much stops everything," Kahua said, adding that his group would be willing to help with the clearing at the park.

Honolulu police plan a Kahaluu-Waihee Neighborhood Security Watch meeting for Wednesday at KEY Project.

Sgt. Duane Samson said officers will work to build a sustainable project including patrols and plainclothes operations, but residents should focus on their community.

"Lets stay in our home, in our backyard and keep it sustainable," Samson said. "Let's track it. Let's do monthly meetings. Let's check our progress."

Bob Nakata, pastor of Kahaluu United Methodist Church, concurred. Six years ago, 500 people in the community campaigned against crystal methamphetamine use here and across the island.

Nakata said there's a good chance for success this time because Machado has resources that weren't available six years ago.

"We went out to try to help other communities, and we didn't finish the job here," he said. "That needs to be done."