Shelter plan raises concerns
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
A standing-room-only crowd turned out for a public hearing yesterday on an abuse shelter proposed for Kane'ohe, with emotional testimony from both advocates and opponents.
More than 60 people crowded into the Human Resources Conference Room at the City Hall Annex for a conditional-use permit hearing for Ohia Shelter, which would be operated by Parents and Children Together, a family service agency. About 30 people signed up to testify, including domestic violence workers, volunteers and survivors who spoke passionately in favor of the permit.
No one questioned the need for the shelter. There are only three others like it on the island.
Rita Martin, manager for the shelter who formerly managed a shelter in Kailua, said more than 2,500 adults and children had been served since 1995.
"We will work closely with our new neighbors to ensure safety for everyone," she said. "We come in peace. We need this permit."
Opponents questioned the shelter's location and PACT's ability to secure it and ensure the safety of residents, staff and neighbors.
An abuser, possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol and perhaps carrying a weapon, could come looking for his family and enter neighborhood homes instead, said Sylvia Goo, who opposed the location.
"We are all elderly grandparents," she said. "We don't want to live our precious golden years always being afraid."
PACT president Ruthann Quitiquit said the shelter's location would allow residents to blend in with the community. Residents and their children would not be allowed out except to the back yard, Quitiquit said. Rules are strict and drug use is prohibited, she said, adding that a 15-foot safety fence and motion-detection lights would be installed.
PACT has purchased the home, and its location, as with other domestic violence shelters, is supposed to remain a secret.
Quitiquit said the neighbors want guarantees there will be no problems, which is impossible.
"What we can guarantee is we will give the highest priority to the safety of the residents, the staff and the neighbors," she said.
Yesterday's testimony will be included in the permit application and sent to the director of the Department of Planning and Permitting, who will make the final decision.
The proposed shelter is located on a busy highway, on a 7,600-square-foot lot. The eight-bedroom home is expected to accommodate 24 people, including children and one to two staff members at all times. The home has more than 3,750 square feet of living space and parking for staff and visitors only.
Support for the Ohia shelter has been tremendous, Martin said, with donations of furniture and other necessities filling all 10 rooms in the house.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
