KEALIA — A peeping hole at Kauai comfort station has been temporarily patched up by three men who said they had enough.
Chucky Rapozo Sr., a retired county worker, said he was disgusted when he discovered the hole in the men’s public restroom wall at Donkey Beach, a beach where his kids like to spend time.
On Dec. 26, Rapozo posted a video on his Facebook profile that showed the peeping hole, about the size of a coffee mug, in the restroom wall.
Rapozo called county officials to follow up on the problem.
“They said they needed a work order,” Rapozo said. “I told them it’s an emergency, no need one work order. I was worried about the kids, you know?”
He reached out to former County Councilmember Mel Rapozo, who took action and posted about the hole on his Facebook profile Jan. 4.
“I remember it clearly. I was watching UH football when Chucky posted again how no one was doing anything,” Mel Rapozo said. “It’s gross, unhealthy, and should have been fixed.”
On his Facebook page, Mel Rapozo wrote: “Looking for someone to help patch a ‘glory hole’ at the Donkey Beach public restroom. All we need is 2 small plywood squares, a drill and 4 bolts. I do not have carpentry tools but want this hole patched today. Any volunteers?”
Within minutes, there was a response from Fred Levinthol, who had all the supplies needed.
“So we headed over there and fixed it. It only took us 20 minutes to patch that hole up. I am frustrated that county didn’t fix it right away,” Mel Rapozo said.
County officials said Wednesday they were aware of the hole and Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Porter said it has been patched numerous times, only to have it reappear.
“There are also compounding issues that involve illegal drug use and vandalism in and around the Kealia Kai comfort station,” said Porter.
County officials say securing safety is an ongoing issue in that area and that a “comprehensive approach” is needed to address the problems, which include removing the berm by the Kealia Kai comfort station in order to provide a better line of sight from the restroom to the highway. Several departments are working together to address the issue.
“Other long-term options include installing a cinder block wall to replace what is currently in use. The department is working closely with the Kauai Police Department on viable options to curb illegal and undesirable activities at the facility,” Porter said.
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Stephanie Shinno, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
It would seem that the county system needs to better support quick attention to safety issues. For over a year since reported, there was no action from the Fire Prevention Bureau on the poorly lit exit signs at the memorial convention hall. It took a call to the mayor’s office to finally get things up to regulation standards and keeping our community safer during events at the venue. Thank you Mayor and staff for the quick response during the run of HCT’s Matilda.
A glory hole at a beach on the east side,,,no?
That is a good thing. Did they reimburse you the funds, if you did spend your own money?
Umm…That hole isn’t intended for “peeping”….
I love how all the newspaper stories are just info taken from Kauai Facebook pages.
That glory hole has been there years and the county can’t figure it out? Have the cops stop in there for there rest stop every once in awhile and give a short blast on the siren or just a presence will make a difference.
Anyone heard of sheet metal as a patch. This is such a good example of not needing lots of money just a low tech solution. Plus the Waimea rest stop is an embarrassment!!
Great job by Chucky, Mel and Fred for taking the bull by the horns and fixing the problem, even temporary until the county gets to it. Sometimes it takes caring citizens to respond to issues and get it fixed. Could you guys or anyone else fix the traffic problem also?
Easy fix, Chili Pepper Water