'A disregard for the community,' New campaign aims to tackle graffiti in Hawaii
Jan 17, 2025
WAIPAHU, Hawaii (KHON2) -- Ewa Beach and Waipahu are getting a much-needed facelift through Councilmember Augie Tulba's "Tag! You're Out!" anti-graffiti campaign.
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Councilmember Tulba, Waipahu High School students and other local organizations are banding together to remove unwanted tagging through Council District 9.
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"Some view graffiti as a form of expression, but it represents a disregard for community spaces and the collective pride of neighborhoods. It detracts from the beauty of our surroundings, signaling neglect and leading to a cycle of vandalism that can diminish community spirit and safety," said Tulba.
Teams met at Ewa Mahiko District Park and Bill Balfour Jr. Waipahu District Park on Jan. 17 to locate graffiti on public property.
Students from Waipahu High School removed graffiti at pre-identified locations throughout Waipahu while volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other organizations tackled graffiti in Ewa.
Any graffiti on electrical boxes will be removed by Hawaiian Electric due to electrocution risks.
“By involving students, local organizations, and community volunteers, the campaign aims to foster a sense of responsibility and pride in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of our community.”
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Those who find graffiti on either public or private property are asked to contact HPD's Graffiti Hotline at (808) 723-3477 or (808) 723-3475 or fill out an email form.