Dozens of homeless campers near Chinatown were evicted today. For the past year, the sidewalk along Beretania Street across from Aala Park has been lined with tents occupied by the homeless.
Businesses in the Chinatown area had complained. Honolulu Police officers and city crews cleared the area this morning, tearing down the fence that supported most of the tents.
The homeless were warned weeks ago that the sweep would happen today. The Institute For Human Services sent social workers to provide assistance. Most of the homeless declined and will likely find somewhere else to pitch their tents.
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If you’ve gone down Beretania Street in Chinatown it’s hard not to notice all the tents and makeshift shelters on the sidewalk.
But all that will change 7:30 Monday morning.
“On Monday October 24 for your safety please evacuate the sidewalk.”
Arnold Felix reads the notice he and other people living in tents on Beretania Street received from the owner of the parking lot behind the sidewalk and fence.
The notice also lists places the homeless can go for help.
IHS reps have been talking to these people for weeks offering shelter.
But Felix says he won’t take that route.
“No way I’m going there, I’d just rather back work, back work and try to get good luck again,” Felix said. He says shelters have too many rules for his liking.
Felix has been living a makeshift shelter along the fence and sidewalk for six months.
But many people who live in homes in the area want the homeless to go.
“This is ridiculous and has been going on too long, public sidewalks is public sidewalks; belong to everybody, not any special interest group, and “said Chinatown resident Roland Louie.
‘We don’t dislike them as people we just don’t like you camping on the sidewalks and embarrassing the community that’s all,” said Kalihi-Palama Neighborhood Board Chair Donald Guerrero.
Guerrero, who’s been homeless himself, empathizes, but says the bottom line is, It’s an eyesore and the homeless should get some help to change their situation.
Monday morning the parking lot owner plans to remove the fence, which the homeless have been using to anchor their tents.
The owner plans to repave the parking lot.
“It’s definitely something that the neighborhood is looking forward to,” Said State Rep. Karl Rhoads (D)
“Some of businesses have been affected. Right now a lot of tourists from China come over here and look at this, very bad for our Hawaii image you know,” said Louie.
Felix is listening to the notice and plans to leave early Monday morning before the 7:30 a.m. deadline. He says he has a job and plans to use money he’s saved up to find a place to stay.
“I’m praying for a better luck now,” said Felix.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
