FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       May 10, 2006

CITY ASKS FOR HELP TO CATCH PARK VANDALS

            The City is asking for the public’s help to catch vandals who have stolen more than $10,000 worth of toilet flush valves from City parks over the past three weeks.

            More than 100 of the valves, which cost taxpayers about $100 apiece, have been stolen from toilets in restrooms in 28 City parks, primarily in Central Oahu and the North Shore. The valves cannot be used with standard residential toilets.

            Lester Chang, director of the City Department of Parks and Recreation, said, “In addition to the costs, replacing the stolen valves also diverts City crews who could be doing other needed maintenance work. On top of that, the thefts inconvenience park users.”

            Anyone with information about the thefts is urged to call Honolulu police at 911 or Crimestoppers at 955-8300.

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Contact:

            Lester Chang, Director of Parks and Recreation, 692-5585