Kilauea association backs overnight gate at Japanese Cemetery after reports of vandalism

The Kilauea Neighborhood Association on Feb. 7 resolved unanimously to write to the County of Kauai Department of Engineering supporting installation of an overnight gate at the Japanese Cemetery following community reports of vandalism and hazardous activity.

Gary Smith and Mike Gushiken, representing the cemetery, urged action after recounting repeated problems at the site, including damage to headstones and evidence of drug use. According to the meeting minutes, cemetery representatives said there had been “vandalism to tombstones, needles, drug use, drinking/ beer bottles; caretaker witnessed domestic violence; washing cars graffiti, dumping trash,” and proposed gating the site overnight with funding and management provided by Seacliff Plantation.

Scott Mijares moved the measure, Charlie Martin seconded it, and the motion carried unanimously. The resolution directs the association to send a supportive letter to the county engineer as requested; the minutes note the county engineer indicated the county must decide whether to allow a gate on Mihi Road, which the county owns.

The board did not formalize installation details at the meeting beyond supporting the request for county permission; audience members suggested alternatives such as infrared cameras, but cemetery representatives said cameras were not worth the cost. The association’s action is procedural—next steps depend on the county engineer’s review and any permits required for gating on county right-of-way.