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By Ken Ige, Star-Bulletin
State workers clear a lot on Paiwa Street in Waipahu
today, much to some elderly gardeners' dismay.

Waipahu ‘garden’
lot cleared

Gardeners used the state
property but it also was used
as cover by burglars

By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

Jovita Amodo salvaged some of her stringbeans today as state workers began cutting down trees and plants and reclaiming a state-owned vacant lot that had been used as a garden for the last 20-years by Filipino senior citizens in Waipahu.

"Almost half of my plants will be taken out," said Amodo, 68."It's their place," she said. "I feel sad. I cannot do anything."

Thirteen state workers equipped with weed wackers, rakes and pitchforks began clearing 40 feet of plants at the lot along a fence line on Paiwa Street and 40 feet along a residential area. Gone will be the eggplant, stringbeans and sweet potato plants Amodo has cared for for the last 10 years.

Before state trucks and vans arrived this morning, state inspector Gary Umeda taped notices along the fence notifying farmers that the lot must be vacated of all produce, goods, equipment and personal property by Sept. 30. Umeda said that the state agency intends to clear the five-acre lot soon after the end of September. About 12 other area residents also cultivate vegetables on the lot.

The cleanup is in response to a nearby homeowner's complaint that overgrowth from the garden provided cover for burglars. The resident's home was burglarized a month ago.