‘Torn apart’: Family of slain teen among those calling for solutions to spike in gun violence
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - It was a packed town hall on the West side on Wednesday evening with families eager to find solutions to recent gambling and gun violence in the community.
Michael Agoo was among the many who spoke in the town hall discussing crime at Kamehameha Schools Learning Center in Maili, which was organized by Councilwoman Andria Tupola.
“We see this everyday, everyday,” said Agoo. “And my son wasn’t an angel, but nobody needs to pick up their sons down on the ground with an illegal gun.”
Agoo’s son — 17-year-old Miguel Agoo Jr. — was fatally shot nearly 10 days ago at Makaha Beach following an alleged argument.
“I’m trying to shine the light of God and not be broken, but inside I’m torn apart,” said Miguel Agoo.
On Wednesday, 20-year-old Waylen Armstrong-Kea was indicted on counts of murder and two felony firearm offenses.
A teen suspect was also charged with the murder.
“You guys need to focus on where these young men are getting guns,” said one parent. “How are they learning to be murderers at 16?”
“It’s not right, and it’s not fair for families to be putting their children six feet under because these young boys want to play gangster,” the parent added.
Wednesday’s community meeting gave the public a chance to interact with the head of HPD’s Narcotics Division, Councilmember Tupola and Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm.
And they also offered ideas.
“I think it’s the community’s responsibility. Me as a parent... aunties, uncles in here to put them on a better path,” said Maj. Mike Lambert of HPD’s Narcotics Division. “You know what I mean? If you think you need a gun, you not rugged, you know what I mean?”
“So, I don’t have a quick and solid answer for that, but it is a problem. Violence and firearms will become a priority,” Lambert explained.
“They can put pressure on elected officials, they can put pressure and show us that the community is committed to it and when the community is committed to it, we will work with them to solve problems,” said Alm.
“So, the cool part is that tonight we had a lot of leaders in the room that were were willing to step up that said you know what I’ll start help make a difference because I don’t think it’s going to be a law or a person but rather a community with their hearts knit together to really address this,” said Tupola.
To report concerns about drugs and gambling, call HPD’s 24-hour narcotics division complaint line at 808-723-3933.
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