HomeMy WebLinkAboutVaunda StenzelName of agency/organization: Vaunda Stenzel
Contact person/phone/email:
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions.
1. In your experience, how prevalent is the issue of squatting and adverse possession?
It is a bad problem through the Island of Hawai'i. From going to the Puna Watch
meetings, I understand the frustration of the Prosecutor's office as well as residents in
their Communities. The laws definitely need to change.
2. In what communities and districts do squatting and adverse possession appear most
prominent?
the rural communities of lower puna
3. When you receive notice or a complaint about these situations, what is your normal
course of action?
Try to find the owner of record and contact them. It is not an easy thing to do. Many
people do not have current phone numbers or addresses. If the house is foreclosed it is
impossible.
4. What kinds of complications have arisen in the past that have prevented a successful
resolution of the situation?
Not being able to find the owner of the property, verifying that a "rental" agreement that
the person has is legitimate. HELCO hooks up power without verifying anything as long
as people can pay for the electrical hookup. Of course, many places do not have any
utilities and squatters are still on the property living with no running water or sewer.
5. For those situations that have been successfully resolved, please describe what happened.
We have not had any successful situations to get squatters off properties.
6. What happens when you contact or try to contact the owner of record?
Outdated information, lack of cooperation, some people don't care.
7. What solutions would you recommend?
The laws must be changed in order to successfully remove these people from the houses
and property.
8. Are there any other comments you would like to make?
Mahalo for taking this matter on and trying to come up with a resolution.