Makiki Neighborhood Board looks at drainage ditch health hazard

The meeting for the Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board (District 10) was held on Thursday, September 16 at Makiki District Park’s Arts and Crafts Building. Honolulu Police Department and Honolulu Fire Department officials were on hand to discusses response statistics for the month of August. HPD’s Sgt. Tony Tsuda reported 9 assault calls, 18 burglaries, and 10 DUI offenses. HFD responded to 9 fire-related calls and 83 medical emergencies. Comments followed about graffiti, noise enforcement, burglaries, and a Neighbor Security Watch program.

Concerns voiced by those present included one regarding a drainage ditch at Liholiho Street and Mott Smith Drive that has become a breeding ground for a rats and other vermin. The State Department of Health Vector Control Office has been closed due to budget cuts, and it remains unclear with whom responsibility for cleanup of the ditch rests.

Area traffic, parking, are bulky item pickup concerns were also discussed.

The minutes of the meeting have been made available here.