Kane'ohe library adds security after break-ins
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward Bureau
KANE'OHE — The state plans to fortify the library in Kane'ohe after three break-ins last month that netted thieves about $2,600 in cash and supplies.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
A contractor will make a grill to cover louvered windows that provided easy access in each of the burglaries, said Thomas Churma, branch manager. The windows are in the used-book store where the Friends of Kane'ohe Library sells books in the building's lower level next to the parking lot. Although the library is adjacent to the Kane'ohe police station, the windows are out of view.
Louver windows at the rear of Kane'ohe Library were boarded up after burglars used them to gain access to the library.
"They're treating this as an emergency," Churma said. "Hopefully we'll soon have a much more secure facility."
The burglaries occurred at night or early the next day of Aug. 9, 14 and 24. In the first two burglaries the thieves looted just the book store. About $360 in cash was taken the first time, but they got only 30 pennies and desk supplies the second time, he said.
On the third occasion, the thieves entered a door that leads to the upper library and stole 88 CDs worth about $1,500, electronic equipment worth $750, $25 in cash, 20 gift certificates worth $40 redeemable at the Friends bookstore and about 75 blank library cards. The door was either unlocked or forced, Churma said.
"Seemingly they knew where to go, taking cash from the circulation and reference desk drawers," he said, adding that the culprits damaged the public copier when they tried to open its cash box.
The library has had several other break-ins over the years, and some vandalism. Churma hopes that will be curbed when the city installs a new, lighted parking area. Though it's intended to serve a neighboring park, it will help light the library parking lot.
Margie Shimer, a volunteer for the Friends since 1980, said the recent burglaries were heartbreaking, especially after the first one, because no one expected to be hit again.
"I made the crack that I know a safe place to keep money, thinking they wouldn't come back," Shimer said. "But they did."
Reach Eloise Aguiar at 234-5266 or eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com
