By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– On the afternoon of December 28, 2021, Anuhea Salangsang, an employee in the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Human Resources, intervened and prevented an attempted kidnapping near the Fasi Civic Grounds when an unknown individual on a motorized bicycle, attempted to abduct a child playing in the area. Salangsang managed to chase the assailant down, save the child and return him safely to his grandmother. Mayor Rick Blangiardi today presented Salangsang with a Certificate of Recognition for her quick thinking and selfless act of courage.
“What Anuhea did that day is nothing short of truly heroic,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “When the moment came, no one told her what to do, she just responded without hesitation to help the young child in need. I am so proud of Anuhea for her valiant call to action and for what she means to our city ‘ohana.”
“What happened that day transpired in the blink of an eye and I am happy that I was there,” said Salangsang. “When I did return to the office everyone was so supportive. Our department is so compassionate and very dedicated from our director and our chief to my own supervisor and everyone that we work with. It’s truly a team that we have here and I come to work and it’s like a family. And it’s so much easier to help our community and the people of our county when we have such support in our office.”
Please click here to access photos and videos from today’s certificate presentation.
A former sprinter in high school, Salangsang was coached by the Mayor’s Chief of Staff Sam Moku when Moku was a Track and Field coach at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama.
If you see a child or any individual in danger, please call 911 immediately. To report child abuse or neglect (808)-832-5300 or (toll free) 1-888-380-3088. To report child trafficking call (808)-832-1999 or (toll free) 1-888-398-1188.