Squatters in Paradise… Dogs on the Loose – What is the Solution?

Mahalo to Pahoa Community Police Officer Pacheco for helping to secure this building that has been an ongoing problem with squatters, homelessness and drugs here in Pahoa for the last few years.

BEFORE:

Photo by Sean King

AFTER:

After the police secured the building

We have a serious problem here in Puna and that is that folks are just taking over houses that are foreclosed and there is nothing the local police can do.  Here is an example of a recent letter I received with some things cut out to ensure their privacy:

Aloha Neighbors,

I know everyone is quite busy, so I will keep this as concise as I can.

I thought I would keep you abreast of a few issues that have happened in your neighborhood.  BTW, thank you for keeping me in the loop with other concerns happening in our neighborhood, past or present.

#1.  There has been squatters that have moved in the house on Kula Street. Some of you may know this as (edited) old place.

What I can tell you is this:

-They have established electricity

– The police can not do anything since it is a civil matter, not criminal.

-Chase Bank owns the house, and is paying the taxes on it.

– The Leilani Community Association can not do anything to help in this regard per advise of there consult with an attorney.

-The owner is the only one who can order these people to leave.

-Chase bank is not very forthcoming about taking possession of the house since there are at lease $40k in liens against the property. (btw, formally foreclosed in 2009 by the court system).

-There are several people that come and go all hours of the day/night.

-I do not want to pursue calling in a drug suspicion, as I do not want any retribution…

-Charlie Stanton, Leilani resident, has been kind to patrol the streets of Leilani as Neighborhood Watch, and knows of this matter and has even taken photos of a few cars as they have drove by and decided not to stop at the house as he was present.  Thank you Charlie.

Has anyone else been faced with this kind of issue or maybe can shed some light on this matter? Maybe an elected official?

And,

#2.  On Friday, June 7th, (EDIT) roughtweiler attacked my dog in our front yard. I have asked her repeatedly to keep her dog restrained.  I have filed a police report in regard to this issue and my dog will need an expensive surgery to walk normal again.  The police have filed this as a vicious dog claim. The officer who reported to the call is Officer C. Arnold. He said to call the Humane Society every time I see the dog out of the owners yard.  The Humane Society said that every photograph of the violation will result in a fine. As many of you may know, this is not the first time I have had to deal with a vicious dog issue on my property.

Thank you for taking the time to read over the information in this email. If you have insight or know of a good resources to tap for more info to move either of these issues forward, I would be very happy to hear about them.  Also, if you would like to connect this email to others in our neighborhood who may want to know about this matter, please do so.

Stay safe and have a fantastic Friday!

So with that being said… does anyone have any advice?

Hawaii Island Humane Society – “Tropical Paws” Benefit

Hawaii Island Humane Society’s 17th annual Tropical Paws benefit event is scheduled for Friday, April 5, 2013. The gala affair is held annually at the elegant Four Seasons Hualalai Resort and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

A silent and live auction, Four Seasons-style buffet dinner, live entertainment and dancing are all part of the festive evening. Tickets, $100 per person or $1500 for a reserved table of ten, will be available beginning mid-February at HIHS’s Keaau, Waimea and Kona shelters, select island retail locations, and online at www.HIHS.org.

“Tropical Paws has always been our biggest and most festive event of the year,” said HIHS Executive Director Donna Whitaker. “The support of businesses by way of their sponsorships and auction item donations, together with the support of those who purchase event tickets, helps us keep important animal-assistance programs operating throughout the year.”

Programs supported by Tropical Paws include The Second Chance Fund which provides medical care and treatment for abused animals while they recuperate and become ready for adoption. The Spay/Neuter Community Assistance Program is also supported by Tropical Paws funds. The program’s goal is to end pet overpopulation on the Big Island.
The Petco Foundation has become a Tropical Paws sponsor at the “Platinum Collar” level but many more sponsors and donations are needed to ensure the event’s success.

Visit HIHS.org or call 808-329-1175 for more information or to learn about donation and sponsorship opportunities.

 

From Across the U.S., Hawaii Horse Expo Brings Together Best in Their Fields

The 5th annual Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Hawaii Horse Expo is coming up August 11 and 12. The event will be co-hosted by Paniolo Preservation Society at the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables in Waimea. Proceeds from the annual event will benefit the HIHS Horse Rescue and Paniolo Preservation Society.

Pukalani Stables allows for three Expo programs to occur simultaneously in three different settings for ongoing action. The Paniolo Preservation Society Museum will be open to Expo attendees and there will be a wide array of vendors offering services, medical and nutritional information and programs, saddle making and more as well as a benefit silent auction.

August 11 clinics, demonstrations and presentations include topics such as Round Pen Logic, Colt Starting, The Ten Qualities of the Horse’s Mind, ABC’s of Horse Breeding and Yoga and the Rider.

Sunday, August 12 topics include Taking Your Horse to the Next Level, Horse Behavior 101, A Horse of a Different Color, and Introduction to Wellness Hoof Trimming. Sunday also includes a Hawaiian blessing of horses and presentation of the 3rd annual Mana Award by HIHS and Veterinary Associates to Dick Solmssen who founded and has been director of HPS’s horse program for the past 50 years.

Hawaii Horse Expo Clinicians and presenters are Janice Baxter, Dr. Brady Bergin, Linda Tellington-Jones, Dr. Daniel King, Rick Lamb, Dr. Robert Miller, Susanella Nobel, Charles Wilhelm, Richard Winters, Sarah Winters and Dr. Lisa Wood.

Gates open both days from 9am until 6pm. Tickets, $30 per day, are available now at HIHS shelters in Waimea, Kona and Keaau and at the Parker Ranch Store. Tickets will also be available at the gate. Call 808-887-2301 or visit www. HawaiiHorseExpo.com for more information.

The mission of the Hawaii Island Humane Society is to promote respect for all animals, prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals. HIHS holds a contract with the County of Hawaii to enforce certain animal-related laws and it offers 24-hour service for injured animals and other animal emergencies, humane education classes, low-cost spay and neuter services, lost and found assistance, microchipping and more. Learn more at HIHS.org or call 808-329-1175.

Big Island Marathon Director Attacked By Pitbull… “Big Dog” Gets Taken Out

Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph, who is the Director of the Big Island Marathon and has always been a strong advocate of folks running for a healthier lifestyle  got attacked by a Pit Bull yesterday on one of his daily runs!

Wayne posted:

Wayne "Big Dog" Joseph

…I’ve had an ongoing problem with such a person over the past few years who believes that, and I quote, “my dog has as much right as you to be on the street and if you don’t like it find someplace else to run.”

I’m partially at fault because I did not notify the Humane Society the 10 to 12 times that the dog came running after me, barking and growling.

Everything came to a breaking point on Thursday, April 14, when Tasha, the name of the pit bull mix, decided to escalate our relationship by taking a bite – leaving three prominent puncture wounds just above my right ankle…

You can read more about his misfortune here: Runner attacked by dog in Hawaii Paradise Park

I’ve always told folks that when you walk or run around most parts of these islands… Its always good to carry what I call a “WHACK-STICK” or in another words… a stick that can knock a dog out if need be!

I hope Mr. Joseph is feeling better soon as I know how it feels to be limping around for a few days!