Mayor Kirk Caldwell hopes to work with business owners and concerned citizens to improve the homeless situation in Waikiki. Over the past few years, the number of reports of homeless people defecating and urinating in the streets, stealing from tourists, and aggressively panhandling and blocking access to parks and beaches, has been growing considerably. Caldwell commented about Waikiki Beach, "This is one of the best beaches. It should be enjoyed by all. But the homeless population moved in and basically took it over and occupied it to the point that visitors and locals couldn't find a place to enjoy the views and breezes."
Caldwell is also turning to the Honolulu Police Department to help by increasing their visibility and stepping up the enforcement of crimes such as defying park closures, sidewalk obstruction, aggressive panhandling, street performing and public drinking. This enforcement is also helping the police to round up some of the more violent offenders that may be living on the streets of Waikiki. Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha stated, "What's been happening recently is that we've been receiving a lot of complaints about homeless starting to commit more violent crimes. We had a couple of homeless-on-homeless homicides this year. We've seen some copper thefts, and we've seen homeless extort each other. We picked people up for everything from outstanding warrants to drug charges and alcohol violations.There's no law against being homeless, but when you commit a crime, that's when the police get involved. Don't commit crimes or you'll get arrested. Our presence and our enforcement actions serve as a warning that we are out there and watching. We want crime-free streets."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 5-12-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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