CITY TO LAUNCH CITIZEN SIDEWALK PATROL

(Saturday, August 29, 2009) – Mayor Mufi Hannemann today introduced the Community Sidewalk Patrol, a program that will enlist the aid of volunteers to help the City repair its sidewalks.

            The program’s first focus is Waikiki, which has heavy pedestrian traffic.  During the work week, City personnel will survey the sidewalks and spray paint areas determined to be potential trip hazards needing repairs.  The volunteers, supervised by City personnel, will follow with an application of a quick-drying concrete patch to alleviate the problem.

Mayor Hannemann said, “The City is investing heavily in our infrastructure, from fixing sewers and expanding waste water treatment plants, to repairing parks and public facilities, to repaving roads.  But our financial and human resources can only go so far.

“Just as the police ask for residents to be the eyes and ears of a neighborhood, the City needs people to step forward to help us fix problems in their communities.  Like our highly successful Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Block cleanup programs, in which residents take a very active role in maintaining and beautifying their parks and neighborhoods, the Community Sidewalk Patrol will infuse our sidewalk maintenance efforts with the same kind of public-spirited dedication and involvement.  We’re very grateful to the Lions and other groups for stepping forward to spearhead this initial effort.”

The City has already recruited a number of organizations interested in supporting the program, including the Lions, affiliate Leos, Boy Scouts of America, and several athletic groups.

            The volunteer groups, working every other Saturday morning during the pilot phase, will be able to make repairs to as many as four complete blocks each day.

            Should the program be successful and more groups volunteer to participate, the City could expand the effort to other areas.

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Contact

Bill Brennan, 768-6928