Waianae Peace Vigil Targets ViolenceBeating Death, Arson Fire Prompt Calls For ChangePOSTED: 8:38 am HST September 22,
2006 WAIANAE, Hawaii -- Members of the Waianae community joined together Thursday night on the streets in a march against violence.The candlelight procession and prayer vigil followed two acts of violence within the last three weeks.More than 200 Leeward Oahu residents gathered from different denominations, ages and ethnicities."I think the show of support tonight is an indication that we're all aware of the violence and we're all committed to do the best that we can to minimize violence," the Rev. Kaleo Patterson said.Armed with candles and a passion for peace, they led a procession through Waianae. The march was symbolic of a community moving forward in a positive way."I've got to raise these girls by some very true values, and I think peace and nonviolence is one of the very important ones," Waianae resident Lawton Mauai said.Following a traffic confrontation, three men , according to police, beat Roger Haudenshild to death.Friends of Haudenshild were at the march to stand up for the man who was killed on Sept. 2."We just had his service this past weekend. He's looking at us and saying, 'Oh yeah, they really do love me,'" Lani Kuakini said.The procession included a stop in the parking lot of Waianae Market, where Haudenshild was beaten to death.The other incident that prompted the march was an arson fire that caused $2.5 million in damage to the Waianae Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Residents said they hope to turn the community toward peace. Previous Stories:
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