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Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Harassed by Drugged-out Shelter–Refusers, Iolani Palace to close early--Children's Center may Shut Down
By News Release @ 12:57 AM :: 6262 Views :: Homelessness, Drugs

‘IOLANI PALACE STATE MONUMENT TO CLOSE EARLIER

News Release from DLNR, Jan 15, 2019

(Honolulu)–Beginning on February 1, 2019 the operating hours of the ‘Iolani Palace State Monument grounds will change from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to an earlier closure time of 6:00 p.m.

The Division of State Parks, in consultation with the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace (FOIP), who have a long-term management lease for ‘Iolani Palace, the Coronation Pavilion and the Barracks, have determined that this change is necessary to better protect the sanctity of the palace and preservation of its invaluable buildings and grounds.

“Over the past several years, there have been increasing issues with vandalism including damage to a palace window and graffiti on historic structures. This is a result of night time vagrancy and items such as hypodermic needles being left on the grass. These are intolerable actions and this earlier closure is expected to eliminate the potential for vandalism and vagrancy,” said Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell.

The illicit nighttime use is posing a challenge for the FOIP security staff who must currently wait until 11:00 p.m. to remove anyone on the grounds.  

“The discarded drug paraphernalia is offensive litter in a National Historic Landmark. The Palace is invaluable to our host Hawaiian culture. School groups and downtown office workers have informal picnics and lunches on the grounds and these materials pose a safety hazard to them,” said Cottrell. 

The Department of Accounting and General Services maintains the landscape and manages the parking area, and the Division of State Parks regulates the use of the grounds. Vehicles left in stalls after 6:00 p.m. will be monitored by FOIP security and they will ensure that the vehicles can leave. 

Some people frequent the grounds with their pets, and as a reminder - animals, including animals on leashes, (except for service, guide, or signal animals) are only allowed by permit. 

The revised hours of operation will be the same as Diamond Head State Monument, while the hours of operation for the Royal Mausoleum State Monument (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) will remain as is. These are the three iconic State Monuments on O’ahu.

For ‘Iolani Palace, after hours use of the grounds may be allowed by permit issued by State Parks or through an event hosted by FOIP. 

# # #   

Overrun by Homeless Shelter-Refusers, Children’s Discovery Center to be Closed

Star-Adv commentary by Loretta Yajima is CEO and board chairwoman of the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center Jan 16, 2019:

…Drug dealing, intimidation, violence, crime, filth and an overriding disregard for others are not the elements that make up a healthy environment for children. How can I blame parents for not wanting to subject their children to the worse aspects of homelessness in our community?…

we have learned to make the subtle but clear distinction between those who truly want help and those who scoff at it — between those who desperately want a helping hand, and those who readily slap it away.

What we are dealing with in Kakaako are those who use our walls, doorways and steps as toilets, who openly deal in drugs, who are mentally ill, and ignore those outreach officials who want to get them into transitional housing, rehabilitation and jobs programs. They are the “hard core” homeless who really need tough love….

We have tried to give others — who have more expertise and resources at their disposal to do what is in the best interest of the greater community, as well as the homeless — time to do their job.

We have tried to be fair to them — and they have failed, not us, but our children.

Given the unsupportable loss of attendance, I will be meeting with our board of directors about the possibility that, unless the problem is resolved swiftly, we might have to close the center. It pains me to a degree that few may comprehend. I have devoted over 30 years of my adult life to the realization of a children’s museum that truly reflects Hawaii and one that sends a message of hope and optimism. To those who have supported us over the years, my unending thanks for your kindness and goodwill….

Most Intelligent Comment: “Bring back vagrancy laws, and enforce them.”

read … Children’s Discovery Center to be Closed?

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