An excavator was seen on Pensacola Street clearing a trash-covered plot of land that once held a house, much to the relief of neighbors tired of the eyesore. The operator, wearing protective gear, began removing debris, including lead paint, while a worker controlled dust with a hose. The city hired contractor R.H.S. Lee to clear the area for future use in affordable housing, ending a long-standing issue that involved fires and community complaints.

The Pensacola “hoarder house” isn’t the only property causing concern on Oahu. Neighborhood boards are swamped with complaints about homeless individuals occupying abandoned properties. City officials admit their options are limited to issuing fines and placing liens, with legislative attempts to accelerate the process stalled.
Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby explained that seizing abandoned properties in court is cumbersome and expensive due to resource constraints.

The city prefers not to take properties away from owners but may do so if inaction threatens public health and safety. The Pensacola property, previously owned by Rollin Yee, accumulated fines and community resentment for years before the City Council finally decided to take action through eminent domain.

In Makiki, the Pensacola house’s removal marked progress, but the sluggish response raised questions about unresolved issues with abandoned properties, squatters, and fires. Council member Calvin Say confirmed the legal process for acquiring such lots could take two years.

Across neighborhoods like Makiki and Wahiawa, abandoned properties remain problematic, attracting squatters and hazardous conditions. Residents, including former homelessness support organization president Ellen Godbey Carson, believe the city needs to prioritize tackling these concerns promptly to prevent disasters like fires or health hazards. A proposed solution includes establishing a group within the Honolulu Corporation Counsel’s office to address such properties efficiently.

Honolulu isn’t alone in grappling with abandoned property issues linked to high housing costs. Seattle and Johannesburg have faced similar challenges, prompting emergency measures to address safety risks. The aim is to demolish unsafe buildings before they pose a threat, a strategy Honolulu may consider to avoid prolonged legal battles and escalating fines with property owners.

Efforts to address the abandoned property epidemic have faced opposition, with concerns about property owner rights clashing with the need for swift action to safeguard communities. Various proposals, including nonjudicial foreclosure, aim to streamline the process but have met resistance from critics like Choon James, who argue for a balanced approach that respects property rights while addressing public safety concerns.

Honolulu’s struggle with derelict properties highlights the complex balance between community well-being, property rights, and effective governance. As cities worldwide tackle similar issues, finding sustainable solutions remains a shared challenge.