Waianae, HI — In the aftermath of a harrowing mass shooting during a family Labor Day gathering that left three dead, Waianae couple Rishard and Alison Keamo-Carnate are opening up about their traumatic experience and their commitment to community healing. The violence abruptly ended the lives of their cousins, Cherell Keamo, Courtney Raymond-Arakaki, and Jessyca Amasiu, shocking the local community and thrusting the Keamo-Carnates into an unexpected spotlight.
Rishard Keamo-Carnate, who took the life of the shooter, Hiram Silva, in a defensive act witnessed by his family, has recently been cleared of any charges, his lawyer confirmed. The decision comes amidst the couple’s ongoing struggle with their grief and their efforts to aid community recovery.
Despite their personal losses and the legal battles poised to begin — including lawsuits against Silva’s family and the City and County of Honolulu — the Keamo-Carnates have expressed a strong desire to foster healing. The local community’s overwhelming support has become a cornerstone of their resilience. “The support is what helps us get through. Every day they remind us that we’re alive and we still have a lot to live for,” Alison remarked, praising the spirit and solidarity of their neighbors and friends.
An emotional Rishard shared his gratitude for the community’s efforts, highlighting how volunteers have come forward to help repair their damaged home. “It’s a blessing. The outpour from the community and the friends, and even the neighbors. They know who they are. The love that they show and continue to show is a lot. I love them all,” he stated.
Reflecting on the community response, Alison discussed the unexpected role of leadership that has been thrust upon them. “There were people who asked us to step forward and to lead,” she said. “It was a little bit shocking, because we could barely take care of our own basic needs at that time, but it’s a reminder of the goodness and who we represent.”
Amid mourning and recovery, the couple is also tackling misconceptions. Alison emphasized that the conflict was not a simple feud between neighbors, as some have suggested. “There was a narrative that came out that there were two neighbors and two families just going at it with each other. That’s not who my family is, and this tragedy is not my family’s story, and this is not who we’re about. We are a family of aloha and pilina, connected, and this is why we’re going to get through,” she elaborated.
Family attorney Michael Green revealed that Silva had previously menaced the Keamo family without any legal consequences. Despite attempts to seek help, including Alison’s plea to local lawmakers years ago, the threats escalated into lethal violence. Silva’s previous actions and the inadequate response from city officials have now become central issues in the anticipated lawsuits.
In response to accusations of negligence, city spokespeople and Mayor Rick Blangiardi have defended the municipality’s actions, acknowledging the tragedy while committing to better safeguard the community’s safety and quality of life.
Meanwhile, Alison remains hopeful that their ordeal will inspire others facing similar struggles. “Hopefully, this can encourage other families to do their part and be positive,” she noted, now feeling somewhat heard.
As legal proceedings loom and the community continues to rally, the story of the Waianae shooting is evolving from a tale of unspeakable tragedy to one of collective resilience and the unyielding spirit of a community under duress. The path ahead for the Keamo-Carnates is fraught with challenges, but fortified by support, they stand firm, a testament to the enduring strength of familial and communal ties.