‘It looks like a junkyard of abandoned vehicles!’ angers mayor during city’s strict crackdown after dozens of cars were left to rot

OFFICIALS have plans for more than 50 abandoned vehicles to be removed from a port as they are illegally dumped.

The Hawaii Department of Natural Resources Division of Ocean Navigation and Recreation has posted notices about crackdowns on a number of vehicles at Kahului Harbor in Maui, Hawaii, on Monday.

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The warning allows the drivers of cars know they are parked illegally at a state boating facility, local news affiliate Maui news reported.

The 54 automobiles estimated to be in the navigation area will be towed from the Kahului State Port on May 6.

DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood admitted that the state understands how conditions at the port are, in part, a result of Hawaii’s homelessness problem.

“We recognize the difficult situation facing the homeless and the extraordinarily high cost of living on Maui and across the state,” Underwood said.

“However, our boating facilities are open to everyone and it is not appropriate for certain individuals to decide to establish accommodation,

“And literally destroy places that belong to every citizen of Hawaii. Currently, the port area looks like a junkyard of abandoned vehicles,

“And we have an obligation to ensure it is clean for the many boaters, fishermen and recreationalists who use our facilities every day.”

Parking illegally at a state boating facility is a violation of several laws under the Hawaii Administrative Rules.

Several people in the community complained about the lack of care taken with the port’s open areas and parking lots, as people leave trash and cars stuck in the area.

Authorities even advised people living in the port to transfer all their personal property.

They emphasized that whatever is left behind will be removed soon.

Another area of ​​the US also began cracking down on abandoned cars this month, as authorities say they were unsightly and lowered property values.

The city of Columbus, Ohio, removed more than 150 people in one day.

The city’s mayor called the abandoned vehicles a disgrace and cited concerns about criminal activity.

Andrew Ginther ordered the relocation of 150 cars in August 2023.

He told CBC affiliate WNBS the decision was made after several complaints from residents to his office.

“Neighborhoods all over the city say we’re tired of these junk cars, cars that have been abandoned on our streets,” he said.

“They are a pest.”