Museum raises concerns about homeless residents ADVERTISING Museum raises concerns about homeless residents HONOLULU (AP) — A children’s museum in the heart of a Honolulu neighborhood that was home to one of the nation’s largest homeless encampments is struggling to
Museum raises concerns about homeless residents
HONOLULU (AP) — A children’s museum in the heart of a Honolulu neighborhood that was home to one of the nation’s largest homeless encampments is struggling to stay afloat with a reported 30 percent drop in revenue during the past two years.
Chairwoman of the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center Loretta Yajima said the museum is losing visitors despite a decrease in the Kakaako homeless population. About 50 homeless people live in the area, compared with about 300 last year.
Yajima brought her concerns to the Hawaii Community Development Authority in an email last month. She said the museum has dealt with trash, urine and feces left on the property as well as acts of vandalism.
Faced with declining revenue, Yajima said she suggested closing the center in January, but her board of directors shot down the proposal, according to the email to the HCDA.
The chairwoman attributed the museum’s drop in visitors to people being afraid to come to Kakaako.
The nonprofit organization doesn’t have the money to relocate, and Yajima said her staff takes the necessary measures to provide a clean, safe and welcoming environment for visitors.
The development authority said in a statement that it takes the situation “very seriously” and is working with social service agencies and authorities to address the issues.
Ferry between Maui, Molokai will end service
WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — A ferry that runs between Maui and Molokai will be decommissioned by the end of the month after reporting a nearly 50 percent drop in ridership from January to July.
The Molokai ferry service will cease its operations Friday (Oct. 28). The move comes after the company that operates the ferry reported a $500,000 loss last year.
Sea Link President Dave Jung said the ferry has seen decreased ridership brought on by competition from federally subsidized commuter air travel. The 10 employees who work on the ferry will be absorbed by sister company Lahaina Cruise Co., he said.
On Monday, the state Public Utilities Commission approved Sea Link’s request to shutter its Molokai ferry operations, noting the company wanted to avoid further financial loss.
The commission received 21 comments from members of the public on the request, with most calling for the ferry’s continuation.
Stacy Helm Crivello, who represents Molokai on the Maui County Council, also voiced her support for the ferry, saying it’s especially critical for young people and off-island workers.
Jung said his company would look at supporting Molokai school and community groups with chartered ferry service, which is not regulated by the PUC.
Sea Link reported its total passenger count dropped 49 percent from 1,691 in January to 859 in July.
