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Twice as many electrical light poles — 13 — were vandalized to tap into the electrical system at Kakaako Waterfront Park than previously estimated, leading to the ongoing, indefinite daily closure of the park at 6 p.m., according to the Hawaii Community Development Authority.
On Oct. 6 the discovery of vandalized light poles that run along the Kakaako shoreline and throughout the park prompted HCDA to cut off the power to prevent injuries and to close the park at night. The park had been closing at 10 p.m.
Aedward Los Banos, interim executive director for the Hawaii Community Development Authority, which operates Kakaako Waterfront Park, initially told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser about a half-dozen light poles were damaged and that the leading suspects were homeless people trying to charge their cellphones or run electrical appliances.
HCDA spokesman Garett Kamemoto told the Star-Advertiser on Thursday that 13 poles were found damaged, and the repairs are expected to cost $6,642.
Most of them are located around the park’s amphitheater immediately adjacent to the University of Hawaii’s Cancer Center where homeless people frequently camp out.
A private contractor will repair the poles, but Kamemoto did not know when the work would begin or how long it would last. So it’s unclear when people — especially surfers and bodyboarders — will be able to legally use the park again after 6 p.m.
Los Banos previously told the Star-Advertiser, “Theft of utilities is a crime. They are causing property damage.”
In July the HCDA closed the adjacent Mauka and Makai Gateway parks to repair landscaping and sprinkler damage allegedly caused by homeless trespassers who had taken over the parks.
The initial notices said Mauka and Makai Gateway parks would be closed until Aug. 15 “or until further notice.” Both Gateway parks remain closed.
