Fire victims wary of return to Aliamanu
By Jean Chow
Advertiser Staff Writer
Residents left homeless after a weekend fire swept through their apartment complex were given keys yesterday to look at other housing facilities on Aliamanu Military Reserve.
But some families voiced concern about returning to the installation, where they say some buildings, including the one that burned down, are old and unsafe.
A spokeswoman for the Army, which provides housing for soldiers and their families, said the structures comply with building codes.
About 30 people were left homeless when the fire damaged the two top floors of the three-story wooden apartment complex on Milo Place early Sunday morning. Federal fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire and estimating damage.
"There have been different maintenance problems (at the building); it was all a matter of time before something (like this) happened," said Tinniecy Williams, who lives with her husband and 7-month-old child.
She said she doesn't mind returning to the Aliamanu Military Reserve but does not want to live in the same type of building.
"We lived on the first floor and now they gave us keys to a third-floor apartment. I know that's not going to work," she said.
Williams said there are other buildings on base but those facilities have been designated for the Navy.
"We all live together. I don't know why they have to (make those designations)," she said.
Other residents were more adamant against returning to the Aliamanu installation. "There have been three or four fires there. We don't really want to live there again," said Josh Logan, who lives with his wife. "Our main concern is safety."
Maj. Nancy Makowski, an Army spokeswoman, said the structures complied with building codes.
"Obviously. the families who have been through this misfortune have concerns, but we do have a very good maintenance program," she said. "We follow up on all requests as fully as possible. We don't know the cause of the fire, but we're working very hard to calm the concerns of families."
Verna Akina, chief of the army housing division, said the Aliamanu installation has been favored by military families because the units have air conditioning.
Akina said Fort Shafter and Schofield also have spaces available, but that some housing facilities may require some maintenance before families can move in.
"We're trying to give them options," Akina said. "We know they just want to get resettled."
The eleven families have been staying at the Best Western Plaza Hotel since the fire. The American Red Cross has been assisting the families.
Army Community Service is accepting monetary donations, food and clothing to assist fire victims.
Drop-off locations are AMR Chapel, AMR Residential Action Office, Fort Shafter ACS Office and Wheeler Army Airfield ACS Office. For information, call 656-1900.
