Homeless Sweep in Kīhei Comes After Multiple Complaints

Maui police responded to the area below Waiakoa Uka Bridge in Kīhei early Friday morning, intending to issue notices to vacate to homeless individuals reportedly using the area as an encampment.

The action was taken in response to multiple complaints over the last month, including one from a representative with the state Department of Transportation.

The complaint also included information about the presence of material found below the bridge, which authorities say posed a hazard to not only those who were encamped there, but to the effectiveness of the drainage system as well.

DOT representatives asked officers to assist in removing illegal campers.  Officers responded at around 12:30 a.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018.

During their visit, police reportedly checked the area and found furniture, cooking supplies and equipment, evidence of an open and uncontained fire as well as cars in the area beneath the bridge; but no campers on site at the time.

Since the complaints first came in, police say officers had approached individuals and explained that they could not stay there.  They were offered information on social services that were available to help them move on from the area.

The officers were advised by a Representative of the Department of Housing and Human Concerns, that contact was made with the individuals at the camp by the Homeless Outreach workers of the Family Life Center.