Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 8, 1 ʻAukake 2004 — Let's take pride in our homesteads [ARTICLE]

Let's take pride in our homesteads

Recently I visited my brother in Waimānalo. I was raised in Waimānalo Homestead too, from 1966 until 1978. I went into the Air force to find myself a career. Today I work for the city of Vallejo, California as a firefighter. I can't believe the amount of rusted cars and trucks that are parked in the yards and streets. I mean some of these vehicles have no tires, and oil is spilled on the roads. There is a large amount of weeds, and a lot of the homes are not being taken care of. Is there any kind of standards or guidance that the Hawaiians needs to go by? Pit bull dogs are running loose.

I remember when we first moved to Waimānalo back in 1966. The whole area was just bulldozed and nothing but dirt. No houses were built yet near Nalu St. and Huli St. Blanche Pope Elementary School was there, but with limited buildings. With all these vehicles that are not running, weeds and houses that are not being cared for, Waimānalo Homestead should start all over like in 1966. I hope the other Hawaiian homestead areas don't look like that. I know Hawaiians have pride. I know I do. Something must be done. Jonah Nu'uhiwa Jr. Vallejo, CA

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