Kailua Plans Rally Night Aug. 7 Against Criminals

A Community Policing event in Kailua next Tuesday intends to intimidate criminals by a show of force, but as National Night Outs go, it won’t be all that brutal.

From 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7, the Honolulu Police Department and Windward Neighborhood Security Watch Coordinators Group expect about 600 NSW colleagues (brought in by bus) and the public to attend – which means that 1,200 eyes and 1,200 ears, always on the alert for suspicious activities, will descend on Kailua Town Center from all over the island.

They will be recognized for their vigilance with certificates and high-fives from HPD chief Louis Kealoha and served dinner prepared by Hawaii Job Corps’s culinary students. Also on the program for honored guests and the public are speeches by police brass and lawmakers, entertainment, CTAP signwaving, 15 vendor exhibits and two ‘walk abouts’ led by the Citizens Patrol to check up on Kailua businesses, parks and schools. Booths include an alarm company, Crimestoppers, Civil Defense, property management, Be a Jerk, MADD and more.

America’s Night Out Against Crime, which Hawaii joined in 2001, also is a recruiting tool, according to WNSWCG president Carlene MacPherson. “Oahu has about 800 neighborhood watch programs right now,” said the dedicated Kailua leader, “but our goal is to have one on every street.”

All events will take place at the town center, and emcee Olena Heu will open the program, assisted by the Marine Corps color guard, bagpipers, an invocation and the National Anthem sung by Le Jardin Academy students. Entertaining at 6:30 will be Mapuana DeSilva and Hula Halau Mohala Ilima, followed by Kapena.

Co-sponsors are Target, the town center and Associa.

For more information, call MacPherson at 236-1234 or Sgt. Duane Samson at 723-8874.

Then secure your doors and windows and come on down to the celebration.