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Homeless problem
goes beyond police

Question: If the park patrols are stopping illegal activities, why are they not stopping the people from living in their cars in the public parks? Isn't that also an illegal activity? We cannot camp in Ala Moana or Kapiolani parks, but we can live there? Some, near the outrigger canoe storage area, have not moved for several months. Does being homeless also mean being above the law? Isn't that selective law enforcement?

Answer: The Honolulu Police Department "will continue to address crimes committed by anyone," responded Maj. Kevin Lima.

But, he said, people sometimes forget that being homeless in itself is not a crime.

There is a law -- Hawaii Revised Statutes 291C-112 -- that prohibits "certain uses of parked vehicles," he said. Among the prohibitions is "human habitation in a vehicle between the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m." on any public roadway or other public property.

The law does not apply to sleeping in parked vehicles in parks, camps and other recreational areas in compliance with applicable rules and regulations or under emergency conditions.

"Officers assigned to the Ala Moana Park have issued citations for this specific violation in the past, and we will continue to do so in the future," Lima said.

You can call police at 911 if you continue to see the violation and report it as a non-emergency.

However, in trying to explain HPD's position on dealing with the homeless, Lima said the department "clearly understands that the state of Hawaii has a problem with people (who) do not have permanent residence."

"However, we do not believe that issuing citations and effecting arrests for every situation is the solution," Lima said. "The solution involves government, social services agencies, legislators and the community at large."

Q: What federal, state or city agency owns the public housing project on Maliona Street in Maili? There are a few occupants who are a public nuisance, and we want to make an official complaint. We hear screaming and arguing and see physical fights with family members and neighbors. One recent week alone, there were 20 police cars on our street at 2 a.m. due to a brawl there. Many of us have called police numerous times about loud cars and car stereos, fistfights in the street, etc., late at night. Whom can we contact?

A: The 20 homes in the Maili I housing project are under the jurisdiction of the state Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii but managed by Urban Real Estate.

Complaints about the project should first be directed to the management office at 697-7171. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can call HCDCH at 587-0597.

Mahalo

To the Hawaiian Humane Society and to the remarkably caring person who recovered our Yorkshire terrier from Diamond Head Road on June 26. By going out of your way, you gave us closure and the chance to say goodbye. Your kindness is deeply appreciated. -- C.C.

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