Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: I've had an ongoing problem with a Makakilo neighbor whose home on Akaula Street is a health hazard. He collects garbage and feeds cats and rats. As a result of all the cats and rats, there is a flea problem. On top of that, there is a roach problem. On top of that, there is a termite problem. Neighbor’s trashy habits
cause concern in MakakiloThere is standing water in 5-gallon buckets and in the ground. There has always been a mosquito problem, but now I'm concerned because of dengue fever. It is incredible to me that nothing has been done although I have complained to everyone in the city and state for years. I've been told he has more than $67,000 in fines, which he hasn't paid because he doesn't have the money. Why hasn't anything been done about this health hazard in our neighborhood?
Answer: Despite the appearance of the property, there is no "compelling health reason" that would allow health officials to take drastic action, according to Norman Sato, a vector control supervisor with the state Department of Health.
He acknowledged the hefty fines (now more than $70,000) levied against the homeowner by the city for housing code violations. Those fines obviously have not resolved the problem, Sato acknowledged, but he said, "That is the only avenue we have" for taking action, because this is a civil matter, not a criminal one.
William Deering, chief of the city's Housing Code Section, also is well aware of your neighbor. He said that at various times, after being cited for violations, your neighbor would make repairs or accept help to clean up the property. But after a while the problem would return.
Officials have tried working with him to clean up the property, with no success. Deering said that ultimately, if he does not meet housing code standards or pay the fines, he could have his property taken away.
Meanwhile, Sato said health inspectors cannot find anything that could be considered a detriment to people's health.
Regarding the garbage, "early on," your neighbor was collecting garbage, and that "really was a health problem," he said. But since then, Sato said, the garbage has been removed. There are boxes and paper and other rubbish, but no rotting garbage, at least at last check, he said.
Regarding rodents, an inspection about nine months ago showed no rats and some mice, but the mice apparently were taken care of. So again, inspectors could find no "compelling health problem," Sato said.
Regarding the empty containers collecting water, inspectors could not find mosquitos breeding on the property when they last checked about six months ago. It's been dry in the area since then, so it's doubtful mosquitos are breeding, Sato said. However, if you believe otherwise, call his office (831-6767), and an inspector will again be sent out.
Because of the dengue fever problem, the priority now for vector control is controlling mosquitos. Of four inspectors, three have been assigned to Maui, where the dengue fever outbreak is concentrated, leaving only Sato and one inspector on Oahu.
Mahalo
To the community group Malama Makua. We are happy the Army will be training again in Makua Valley. -- M. Perry
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