By Mary O’KEEFE

The residents of Honolulu Manor Senior Apartments are waiting for Oct. 30 when the building’s owner returns to court in Glendale to update Judge Beverly Bourne on the progress on repairs of the building’s two elevators.

It has been about a year since one of the elevators broke down in the apartment complex. That situation was difficult but worsened when the second elevator stopped working for about eight days in May 2019. That elevator broke down again less than 24 hours after it was deemed working. It was repaired quickly, but residents still had to deal with a shaky ride, sudden and uneven stops at floors. There have also been responses from the Glendale Fire Dept. to calls for help by people trapped in the elevators.

Through it all the residents have continued to complain to the owner and manager of the apartments, knowing as they become more vocal that they were taking a risk. Many were concerned about repercussions from the owner, like having their lease canceled or rent raised  – which has already happened.

In court last week the judge told the building’s owner, Elias Shokrian, that she wanted both elevators working.

“I feel a sense of satisfaction,” said Honolulu Manor Senior Apartments resident George Heussenstamm. “I feel there may be some form of justice however small.”

Shokrian was visibly upset after last week’s court date, telling the judge how difficult it was to get parts for the elevator.

Heussenstamm added that, although he felt like something might actually be done, he was thrown by the excuses made, again, by the owner.

“What about the tenants?” Heussenstamm asked.

Some of the residents are leery of using the lift.

“We are afraid of the elevator,” said resident Zoila Royas.

Some residents have said there are other things that need to be repaired at the complex including air conditioning that often does not work in their apartments.

“They say they are working to repair [the elevators] but we never know when it’s going to be working,” said resident Miriam Bilbao.

Analily Park, the daughter of one of the residents, is worried about her mother and the other residents.

“This is so hurtful for these people,” she said. “This is supposed to be their golden years.”

  Mary Okeefe