Late Saturday night, police discovered a body in a vehicle at Honowai Park.
Most of the people who live nearby say they’re not too surprised about this case, which has turned into a murder investigation.
Margaret Mishina has lived on Honowai Street in Waipahu for 45 years. And located just across the street, is Honowai Park.
"They found a dead body…ugh. Yeah, i’m kind of surprised," Mishina said.
Although this longtime Waipahu resident says, "It’s unusual, this is a quiet neighborhood."
When we asked others if they were surprised by this incident?
"Oh, not really," said Arnie Siggayo, Waipahu resident.
"Not really," said Spencer Miura, Waipahu resident.
Late Saturday night, police found the body of a man in his 40s in the driver’s seat of a car at Honowai Park. Police opened a murder case, after finding suspicious injuries to his head. They also believe a weapon may have been involved. Park users have since returned, and it’s business as usual.
"Just the regular. You know, people just cruise, hang around," said Cliff Campania, Waipahu resident.
But most of the nearby residents believe, it’s much more than that.
"I don’t think it’s safe because everyone’s always hanging there late at night, a lot of people, it’s not safe," said Melannie Mancenido, Waipahu resident.
"They drink too, that’s what it is, they drink," Mishina said.
"Sometimes I used to see the homeless by the restroom," Siggayo said.
Not only is the park surrounded by homes, it also sits next to Honowai Elementary School. Principal Kent Matsumura declined to comment on park safety, but residents say they feel uneasy.
"I mean I grew up in Waipahu for so long but I didn’t think in this area, right in front of the school or anything. It’s not safe," Mancenido said.
"That’s why we don’t go out, I padlock my gate and we stay in." Mishina said.
The Honolulu Medical Examiner has not yet released the victim’s name or the cause of death.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
