KAPAA — Fumigating a home can disrupt a family’s life for a week. That’s exactly what happened to 33 elderly and special needs tenants in Kapaa due to a fumigation project by the state Public Housing Authority. On Tuesday morning
KAPAA — Fumigating a home can disrupt a family’s life for a week.
That’s exactly what happened to 33 elderly and special needs tenants in Kapaa due to a fumigation project by the state Public Housing Authority.
On Tuesday morning the tenants of Kapaa ‘Hale Nan Kai O Kea’ Elderly Housing Project, were put up in area hotels to allow the state housing project behind Mahelona hospital to be fumigated. The buildings were be tented, fumigated, aerated and cleaned prior to being declared safe for the tenants’ return this weekend.
Some residents have expressed concern over the process. The stress of orderly routines being disrupted and having to relocate, along with fear of a remaining chemical presence in their home.
“We worry about the lingering ill effects that such heavily poisoned air might have on so many elderly and disabled folks,” said James Rosen, tenant.
Aloha Termite and Pest Control is conducting the fumigation. They use an inorganic true gas with no residuals. The residents are given bags to cover everything and the company inspects the unit before tenting.
After the fumigating is complete and the tents are removed, the units are aired out for six hours and they plan to let them aerate longer in this case, according to HPHA. A gas reader is used to clear the unit when levels drop to less than one part per million — and then workers sweep out the dead pests.
The HPHA confirmed on Tuesday that residents were first informed about the proposed fumigation on Aug. 30, 2013. The HPHA wanted to protect the viability of assets, and said fumigation is a federally approved pest control method and preferable to repair or replacement of structures. They sent notices again in April.
But some tenants have complained that the displacement was short-noticed and that medical conditions and pets were not considered in the hotel plans leaving some elders stressed about the logistics. There was also concern about spraying on the outside of the building while residents were still inside.
The fumigation was subject to a funding request that made it into this into budget. It is to help ensure protection of the newer buildings.
The tent company says that 3.5 days is adequate aeration time. However, the HPHA said the Department of Agriculture recommended 4.5 days to ensure everything is aired out properly.
If there is a problem for some of the resident’s with severe cardiovascular conditions, an extra hotel day will be approved with consent of a physician to bring the total time to 4.5 days.
All tenants were given a $40 per diem meal allowance per day. The total cost to for hotels from April 29 to May 3 was around $5,400.
The cost to transport everyone to and from the hotel is $1,365. HPHA is also covering the costs medical and personal aids.
The hotel costs alone were nearly $11,000.
In addition, three HPHA staff members will work with volunteers from Mahelona Hospital over the weekend to assist with emotional and mental health issues stemming from dislocation and changes in routine.
Rosen addressed the concerns to the governor’s office and to District 14 State Rep. Derek Kawakami.
“Our office responded to the tenants concerns with the Hawaii Public Housing Authority management and requested immediate attention to the many challenges as expressed by the medically frail individuals,” Kawakami said.
The HPHA response led Kawakami to understand that some of the issues were resolved while others are still outstanding.
“I have further requested the HPHA to consider additional assistance to the tenants on their return to the units after fumigation,” he added. “I am hopeful that the HPHA will provide the necessary follow up for a smooth transition back to their homes.”
