HomeMy WebLinkAboutRonda Henry.pdfName of agency/organization: Ronda Henry
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Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions.
1. In your experience, how prevalent is the issue of squatting and adverse possession?
I believe the squatting is becoming a normal way of life for some folks. It is more
prevalent in the district everyday.
2. In what communities and districts do squatting and adverse possession appear most
prominent?
I think the places it is most likely are the neighborhoods where there are many vacant and
overgrown abandoned properties. There are parts of several neighborhoods in the Puna
district. More often on streets with one or two houses and half a dozen jungle lots in
between.
3. When you receive notice or a complaint about these situations, what is your normal
course of action?
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4. What kinds of complications have arisen in the past that have prevented a successful
resolution of the situation?
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5. For those situations that have been successfully resolved, please describe what happened.
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6. What happens when you contact or try to contact the owner of record?
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7. What solutions would you recommend?
I believe the problem lies in the delays in the foreclosure process. The time between the
owner's giving up and the bank actually taking ownership is way too long. In this island
environment the place is overgrown quickly and a very apparent to a homeless person a
place to stay. I think in some cases the home is better off occupied, but there should be a
way to work with banks and foreclosure agents in both maintaining the property and
maybe even discounted fee to persons to occupy. Trade up keep for lesser fee to stay.
8. Are there any other comments you would like to make?
I believe vacant, overgrown homes decrease the property values in a whole
neighborhood. I would like to see folks willing to clean up the empty house on the
block. Take turns mowing that yard. If it is maintained, it is less likely to be
moved into. I also believe the banks should be far more active in having a
property management person just to watch and care for the homes they own. The
problems arise when the homes are abandoned, then listed with a real estate agent.
The banks don't allow the funds to maintain the properties, the agent may see it
once. The house sits there and deteriorates. There needs to be a better way to
minimize the timeline. Too bad there is not a way to work with the homeless folks
and the folks with empty homes. .