HawaiiNewsNow Video » Security tightens at Mayor Wright Homes
The state’s public housing authority handed over the keys to Mayor Wright Homes in Liliha to a different security company Thursday.
The new company, Matt Levi Security, brings with it a reputation for strengthening ties with residents and improving conditions at other state public housing properties, said Hakim Ouansafi, executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. It also employs working or retired law enforcement officers, who have significant training, he said.
He said in additional to security, the company will offer other services such as youth programs and martial arts classes to build up the community.
"I did not want just a security guard, but a security service that includes security guards," Ouansafi said. "Matt Levi was to us the best way to do this."
Levi referred questions to the housing authority.
The new security comes just about seven weeks after Benjamin Rekis was fatally stabbed during a brawl on the property.
The housing authority has already taken measures to improve security, including a visitor curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., higher fences to prevent unauthorized entry, and the creation of resident identification cards. In addition, the authority is asking nonprofit groups to bring programs to the property, such as educational programs by Micronesians United and tutoring for children by students at the University of Hawaii.
"We want the community to be involved," Ouansafi said. "All of this that we’re doing is to provide a suitable environment for them to take back their community.
"This will not be successful if the tenants don’t fully participate," he said.
Mayor Wright resident Jeanne Leopoldo blamed the previous security company, Alii Security, for the violence in the community. She said five people besides Rekis were stabbed outside her home within six months, and she doesn’t let her five children play outdoors.
"You see that guard shack? That’s where they stand the whole eight hours," she said of Alii Security. "I think if they patrol and you have that type of security, it’ll be much more different here."
Nancy Hoang, 56, another Mayor Wright tenant, said officers need to talk to parents who allow their children to run unsupervised on the property.
"You see the kids — they just jump in the car. That’s somebody’s car — they broken the car," said Hoang, who is a limo taxi driver. "They don’t take care of the kids. … I hope the new security is better."
