Volunteers paint over graffiti in three neighborhoods

Defaced buildings and bus stops get a fresh coat of paint

BROTHERS David and Donovan Torres, both students at Kalihi Elementary, were among some of the youngest participants in a graffiti paint-out yesterday morning in Kalihi.

"The more earlier they can come out and learn to take care of their community, the more they might become leaders," their mom, Terri Torres, said as the boys brushed light tan paint onto graffiti-covered park benches near the high-rise buildings of Kuhio Park Terrace, where they live.

"This one had plenty graffiti," said David, 9, who managed to get paint on his upper lip and in his hair as well as on the bench.

"We're doing it so the community can be, like, not dirty," said Donovan, 7.

The boys' dad, David Torres Sr., painted a trash can. He said he hopes the work "will teach them to respect and take care of their community, to beautify their community and to take pride in their community."

The Torres family was among dozens of volunteers who painted over graffiti on public buildings, bus stops and other defaced property yesterday in three Oahu neighborhoods that have crime-prevention and community-building "Weed and Seed" programs.

In addition to Kalihi, volunteers worked in the Ala Moana-Sheridan neighborhood, along Kapiolani Boulevard between Atkinson and Piikoi, and along Fort Weaver Road and at Campbell High School in Ewa, said Reina Miyamoto, a Weed and Seed volunteer who helped coordinate yesterday's effort.

"Weed and Seed is doing good" by having the cleanup, said Alberta Jones, who has lived at Kuhio Park Terrace "a long time."

"But we've gotta find out who is the people doing this," Jones said. "I'd like to catch them. I want to scold them."

Most graffiti-offenders are in middle or high school, said Honolulu Police Sgt. John Kauwenaole. If caught, their punishment is meted out by family court judges, Kauwenaole said. Adults convicted of vandalism can be sentenced to up to a year in prison, or community service and fines.

Keeping graffiti at bay is a tough job, said Sanele Tauasosi, who lives at Kuhio Park Terrace and works there in the maintenance department.

"It's unbelievable" how quickly graffiti returns when it's painted over, Tauasosi said. He thinks most of the offenders don't live on the property, but are friends with kids there.

To see volunteers helping take care of their home "we really do appreciate it," he said.

BRUSH BRIGADE More graffiti busting is set for Windward Oahu on Friday. Volunteer teams will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Kaneohe District Park and at Kailua Intermediate School. Paint, brushes and rollers will be provided by TheBus and community policing officers will organize.