Many informational signs at the now-closed Umi Street police station tell the public all about seat belts, crime stoppers, drunk driving and what to do with suspected anthrax, but not the most useful info one would want – how to
Many informational signs at the now-closed Umi Street police station tell the public all about seat belts, crime stoppers, drunk driving and what to do with suspected anthrax, but not the most useful info one would want – how to get to the new police station.
Just ask Rob Lovell and Gaylord Perreira, the security guards posted at the Kauai County Courthouse across the street, who say that at least 10 people a day ask them for directions.
Taking time from their duties, at least a minute or so per person, is something they don’t have to do, but they volunteer their driving directions and sometimes hand-drawn maps to those who aren’t in the know.
Most locals know by now that the two-story building by the stadium behind the Vet’s Center is the “Ka Hale Maka’i ‘O Kaua’i,” or the new home of the “Kaua’i Protectors.”
– Lihu’e-bound locals aren’t the only people who need the police, though. Some examples:
– Visitors whose wallets or purses were stolen and need a police report for their hotels or as identification to get on home-bound flights.
– People who need a criminal abstract for the application to access the Pacific Missile Range Facility.
– Temporary restraining order petitioners who must get the paperwork filed with the police.
People who drive up to the now-vacant home of the KPD seem puzzled by the lack of “police parking only” signs in their eight-space parking strip and the yellow “no electioneering within 20 feet of polling place” sign posted at the entrance.
A vinyl American flag remains tacked up above the entranceway, usually a symbol of “open for business,” even though sheets of plywood cover the doorway.
A few steps into the foyer and a peek past the chicken-wire grate, a sign pointing to the old records division office displays a note handwritten in black marker: New police headquarters now open for business. 3990 Ka’ana Street. Phone: 241-1711.”
The building’s ownership will be transferred to the State this coming year, but is still being managed by the County of Kaua’i. Doug Haigh, the new headquarters’ building superintendent, said that it’s usually up to agencies to post a “we’ve moved” sign.
Even the new telephone books marked “December 2002” list all the telephone numbers of the old headquarters and maps show the old location, because the deadline for the Verizon SuperPages was this summer, prior to the opening of the new headquarters.
Deputy Chief Willy Ihu and Administrative Services Acting Assistant Chief Miles Tanabe, both promise to look into getting a map or a sign posted.
Staff Writer Kendyce Manguchei can be reached at kmanguchei@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 252).
