Westside violence: Man fatally stabbed in Nanakuli

On Sunday, a man was stabbed and another was seriously injured in Nanakuli. This is the latest in a series of killings that have prompted police to send more forces to the area.

Honolulu emergency services said they were called to a Wendy’s restaurant on Farrington Highway at 9:47 a.m. and treated two men with stab wounds.

According to EMS, both men were taken to an emergency room, one in critical condition and the other in serious condition.

Honolulu police said in an update on social media just before noon that one of the men had died. Police spokeswoman Michelle Yu did not respond to a request for further information. EMS did not provide any further information.

After several shootings in August and September, law enforcement officials are focused on combating violence in West Oahu. This included an attack on Waianae Valley Road that left four people dead, including the first attacker.

The bloodshed has drawn attention to longstanding societal problems such as crime, homelessness and the need for better city services.

Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan said Sept. 17 that dozens of reserve officers would be assigned to the district, which stretches from Ewa Beach to Kaena Point, to be present in hot spots such as beach parks, the Waianae Boat Harbor and shopping centers.

According to Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the district is typically staffed by 19 to 23 full-time officers per shift.

But community leaders say an increased police presence isn’t enough and are calling for more resources to be invested in the area, including through youth programs, mental health services and upgrades to local parks.

Excluding Sunday’s stabbing, Honolulu police have recorded nine murders and non-negligent homicides in the county so far this year, according to HPD’s data dashboard.