Posted on: Saturday, January 8, 2005
Girl Scouts seek gear abandoned at camp
By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor
WAILUKU, Maui — The Girl Scout Council of Hawai'i is seeking court approval to take possession of surfboards, kayaks and other gear abandoned at its Camp Pi'iholo by the operator of a defunct summer camp program.
The equipment belonged to Raymond L. Thomas and his Aloha Adventure Camps, which was closed down by the Girl Scout Council on July 7 after it was discovered that Thomas had falsified insurance documents. Thomas, who used the name Llew Lazarus in connection with the camp, is believed to have left the island shortly afterward without providing refunds to parents who paid $1,150 a week for surfing and photography camps.
The Office of Consumer Protection in August filed a lawsuit seeking restitution for 105 families who signed up for the sessions. The lawsuit accuses Thomas of deceptive and unfair business practices by failing to provide services that were paid for, misrepresenting his insurance coverage, and failing to disclose to parents that the camp had been closed.
Consumer protection chief Stephen Levins said yesterday that Thomas did not respond to the complaint, so the state is seeking a default judgment against him.
This week's 2nd Circuit Court filing by the Girl Scout Council said Thomas contacted the organization in December and offered to donate the equipment, except for a 1997 Dodge van. The council wants the court to allow it to dispose of the items and provide protection from any future claims.
In addition to 16 surfboards, 12 kayaks and the van, the long list of items includes tiki torches, snorkeling gear, hammocks, a bubble machine and disco ball.
At the time Aloha Adventures Camps was shut down, it was learned that Thomas had three convictions in California for sexual crimes involving children that occurred between 1988 and 1990. No state rules prohibit Thomas from operating the camp, and none of the campers, who ranged in age from 10 to 17, has alleged sexual abuse by him.
The sudden closing of the camp left several dozen campers stranded. Those who could not immediately return home were put in temporary state custody.
Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.
