Housing project residents file suits
Kapalama residents fed up with what they say is substandard public housing conditions filed class-action lawsuits in state and federal courts yesterday against the state for the alleged lack of repairs.
The Circuit Court suit was filed by residents of Mayor Wright Homes, alleging the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority failed to provide safe and sanitary conditions. The suit filed in U.S. District Court claims the authority failed to meet standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act.
Victor Geminiani, executive director of Lawyers for Equal Justice, who is representing the residents, said poor conditions at the housing project have been a long-standing problem.
“We’re waiting for changes to be made,” Geminiani said yesterday at Mayor Wright Homes.
Residents have complained that unsanitary conditions, vermin infestation and overflowing Dumpsters exacerbate their health problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, he said.
Also, the lack of ramps and a lower side to bathtubs makes accessibility difficult for disabled residents, Geminiani said. The state is required by federal law to seek reasonable accommodations for residents, and “the state doesn’t do that. The state ignores them,” he said.