Impact of rising violence on Waianae Coast and need for enhancements addressed at WCCHC

Impact of rising violence on Waianae Coast and need for enhancements addressed at WCCHC | News [Video]

The recent rise in gun violence in Waianae could take a toll on the community’s mental and emotional health. The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center hopes to provide help to those impacted.

WAIANAE (Island News) — Skyrocketing violence impacting one of Hawaii’s most challenged areas remains a heated issue.

Multiple youth and community events have been canceled due to concerns over rising violence, depriving keiki and ‘ohana of vital social and community opportunities.

Speaking at a press conference Wednesday at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, WCCHC President and CEO Richard Bettini said, “The recent uptick in violence is part of a trend, there’s a great deal of disparity between a livable wage in Hawaii for families of four and others, and income of our residents—it’s creating a tension.”

Efforts reportedly continue being made to improve the problem.

Nicholas Hughey, Executive VP of Operations at WCCHC, stated on Wednesday, “On Sept. 12th, Waianae Comps submitted formal letters to both the …