The state is preparing to enforce a curfew at two Kalihi public housing projects following a shooting yesterday, while police say they will be out in force to try to head off any violent confrontations.

The curfew is expected to go into effect as early as tomorrow night or as late as Friday, said Denise Wise, executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

It was originally set to go into effect tonight, but Wise said more work is needed to make sure residents are properly notified.

Wise did say tonight there will be increased patrols of security guards on the properties and other security measures.

The shooting happened at Kalihi Valley Homes, and was part of an escalating feud between residents at the project and another one, Kuhio Park Terrace.

Police Maj. William Chur said police patrols of the projects will increase tonight and officers will be on the lookout for any problems.

"We're very concerned it could in fact escalate," he said.

Meanwhile, the thousands of residents at the two projects will be under a new curfew, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Residents who work at night and need to get into their homes after each night's curfew must register with security guards to be allowed on the grounds.

Security guards at the complexes, not police, will be enforcing the curfews.

Wise said the curfew "may some extreme."

"I may have my critics. What I don't want to have is a fatality."

The increased measures were put in place after authorities heard increasing threats of retaliation following yesterday's shooting, she said.

Yesterday's shooting at Kalihi Valley Homes followed two beatings and a stabbing there this month.

The 19-year-old victim in yesterday's shooting was taken to The Queen's Medical Center in serious condition while a 21-year-old man declined treatment at the scene, police said.

Chur said the 19-year-old's condition has improved.

Suspects in the shooting are still being sought.

Pat Kamalu, a longtime KVH resident, said she supports the curfew, but isn't sure how it will be enforced.

"We have too many ways of getting in," said Kamalu, who pointed out both projects have several pedestrian entrances.