Representative Cedric Asuega Gates (District 45, Wai‘anae, Mākaha) and Senator Cross Makani Crabbe (District 22, KoʻOlina, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua) issued the following joint statement:
“Our Waiʻanae Coast is already mourning the loss of Aunty Twinkle Borge and now we are faced with another tragedy. From our understanding, this incident is completely unrelated to the Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae community.
Reflecting on this incident and the location, we are reminded of what the word Puʻuhonua means, a place of peace and safety. Aunty Twinkle named this location Puʻuhonua, and we believe that every part of our community should reflect and honor this meaning. Yet, it is sincerely heartbreaking that our community has experienced another senseless tragedy due to gun violence today.
The residents of 96792 are devastated by this news and condemn all acts of violence on the Leeward Coast. We are relieved to hear that the suspect in this shooting has been apprehended and will face the consequences of their actions.
We must continue to do better as a community – we need to come together to lead by example of what it means to show peace and unity. Violence is never the answer. Let's keep our community, the victim, his family, and those affected in our prayers during this difficult time."