In the wake of a string of crimes in Mililani over the past year, educators and residents are voicing concerns and urging vigilance, but not panic, in the community.

In February 2023, a woman was intentionally struck by a vehicle at Walmart before the suspect assaulted another victim. One month later, a 21-year-old was found dead in a burnt vehicle at the Mililani High School gym parking lot.

These are just two examples of a series of violent incidents in the past year.

Most recently, on Jan. 29, a Mililani Mauka Elementary student was allegedly chased on their way home from school by an unknown individual in a white van.

As the crimes become more threatening and seemingly random, residents have growing concerns.

Kamryn Shigemoto, a university student in California from Mililani, said she’s worried about the safety of her youngest brother who attends Mililani Mauka.

“[The victim] is not safe even at a school where there are so many teachers and staff members. I think it’s fortunate that nothing happened to my brother personally, but it’s definitely scary to know that it could,” Shigemoto said.

But it’s not only community members who say they’re worried; educators are also urging more awareness.

“We need to be more cognizant, I guess, and educate the children how to be safe and what to do in case there is a situation like the one that happened with our student,” said Cynthia Takamoto, the curriculum coordinator at Mililani Mauka Elementary.

In a community board meeting last year, Honolulu Police Department Chief Joe Logan said it’s unfortunate that crimes in a relatively safe community are becoming an issue and hopes more enforcement will settle things down.

Grant Nakasone is a sophomore, second-year journalism major at UH Mānoa and is primarily interested in web and broadcast journalism with a focus in politics.