More than 30 Angels patrol
isle neighborhoods

Answer: The Hawaii Guardian Angels, established in May, have grown to more than 30 members from a handful and have been patrolling neighborhoods to help deter crime.

Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa of New York will attend tomorrow's first graduation of 13 newly trained members, who will receive the trademark red berets. They range in age from 21 to 54. Most are in their 30s.

The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the state Capitol atrium.

Sliwa started the Guardian Angels 25 years ago on the subways of New York.

"I'm thankful to the Guardian Angels because they have changed the face of Waipahu," said Chuck Wheatley, one of the vice presidents of the Waipahu Neighborhood Improvement Association.

Wheatley invited them to patrol the "Pupu" streets, particularly Pupukahi and Pupumomi streets, a high-crime area in Waipahu, and Westgate Shopping Center.

"Those doing drugs just left," he said.

Wheatley credits the group's presence with changing attitudes. "I believe that the Angels caused the people to come forth and start talking to the authorities," he said. Residents began reporting drug activity to police, resulting in arrests, he said.

Members patrol neighborhoods in Ewa Beach, Waikiki and occasionally Wahiawa, but they are moving toward participation in more community activities such as helping with the Manoa flood cleanup, painting bus stops and feeding the needy.

Communities interested in having the Guardian Angels patrol their neighborhood may call director Ricardo Garcia at 220-4288.

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