Kalihi Valley burglaries on the rise

Residents suspect that homeless people are to blame for the jump

There's an increase in burglaries and thefts from Kalihi Valley homes, and some residents believe homeless people might be behind it.

"Thefts are increasing, and that is the impetus that's pushing people to be concerned about the homeless in our neighborhoods," said Bill Woods, chairman of the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board.

"The homeless problem is something we've known about for a long time," said Woods. "I believe they are more often victims" than criminals.

Both subjects, crime and homelessness, are on the agenda of tomorrow night's Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board meeting.

A Wilson Street resident took Woods and news crews on a tour of an unofficial homeless shelter on state land just beyond the rickety chain link fence that is the boundary of his backyard.

They visited two campsites under a bridge that carries Likelike Highway traffic over Kalihi Stream. Pieces of tarpaulin, blankets and towels hung on the concrete ledges amid an environment of scattered trash and generations of fading graffiti. The ledges, out of the rain and several feet above the gurgling stream, provide shelter to an unknown number of homeless people.

Phillip Alesna said he has encountered strangers in his yard, and had things stolen -- including a pop-up tent and a picnic table -- in the two months since his family of six moved into the rental home. One night, he found a man crouching behind the house.

"I asked him what's he doing. He told me, 'I'm hiding from the police. I'm a car thief.' I said, 'You can't stay here,' and he left," Alesna said.

"We can't sleep at night," said his girlfriend, who asked not to be named. "Every time I hear a noise, I'm up and looking outside." She is concerned for the four children, ages 5 to 12.

She said the underpass occupants sometimes get into loud fights and that a neighbor has gone down the slope to tell them to quiet down.

Last weekend, Alesna and his housemate cleared what is apparently state land of haole koa and other thick brush that shielded the homeless camp from view. Yesterday, in response to their e-mail messages to state and city officials, a road crew mowed tall grass beside Likelike Highway.

Woods said property crimes are up throughout the valley.

"When it's criminal activity, residents have to take responsibility and call police when they see someone suspicious, report thefts and burglaries. It's a good idea to know your neighbors and share information," he told Alesna.

During media interviews with residents, three men arrived along the path to the underpass, saying they were curious about the news cameras. In a conversation with Woods, two men acknowledged having been homeless, but said they now have a place to stay farther up the valley.

"I need work," said one. He inquired about whether he could take coconuts from a loaded tree beside the stream.

"Sometimes, cannot help. No place to stay, got to stay outside," said the other.

Woods offered information on the Institute for Human Services, and promised them help if they call him. "They need jobs and someone to talk to them about what help's available," he said after the men strolled on along the highway.

BOARD MEETING

Who: Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board
When: 7:30 p.m. tomorrow
Where: Kalihi Recreation Center