By Mary O’KEEFE

Honolulu Manor Senior Apartments is still functioning with one elevator. The residents of the apartment complex are 65 years old and older. Many of them have mobility issues, so when the first elevator broke down in October 2018 they were worried about being dependent on one elevator. They feared that if the second broke down they would be trapped in their apartments. Then, just before Memorial Day weekend, their fears became reality when the second elevator stopped working.

The owner of the building, Elias Shokrian of CaliTex LLC and Montrose LP, would not respond to several attempts made by the residents or CVW to contact him to discuss this issue. Residents met and worked together to raise awareness that they were trapped in their apartments without an elevator. Many had to cancel doctor appointments and grocery shopping was impossible. The stairs were an obstacle many could not overcome.

One of the elevators was finally repaired but in less than 24 hours it broke down again trapping a resident inside. The Glendale Fire Dept. would not allow residents to use the elevator and put yellow caution tape around it. Once again, it took some time but it was repaired though provided a very shaky ride. The City of Glendale inspected the elevator but did not sign off on it.

Residents continue to wait for the second elevator to be repaired and want both to work safely. 

The City of Glendale cited the owner and brought criminal charges against him and Montrose LP as well. The arraignment was scheduled for June 6, which was continued to June 20.

  Mary Okeefe