Geriatric Tyranny

“Old Folks Home” in Waikiki

Yesterday, at 6:45am, the fire alarm at the “old folks home” in Waikiki broke the silence of the morning as opposed to the usual cacophony of numerous garbage disposal trucks. Only about seven residents actually exited the building. During the walk down the fire exit stairwell, an observation was made that the handle of the fourth floor access door was scorched with burned pieces of what looked like a disposable face mask laid on the floor. No doubt, that’s what triggered the sensors.

The fire alarm continued blaring away until someone finally notified the new resident manager about 45 minutes later. The fire department never arrived during the interim. So, what purpose does the fire alarm serve?

Just about a week ago, the new resident manger issued several notices. One notice reiterated the prohibition of smoking any kind of substance anywhere in the property and required a signed statement agreeing to the latter. Another notice warned tenants that anything that is placed in the fire exit stairwell or in common areas would be disposed of if not voluntary removed. Thus, the furniture and plants that tenants had placed in the common areas to add to the decor rapidly disappeared.

Also, there were numerous pieces of decrepit furniture stacked in the fire exit stairwell. Clothes and personal belongings were strewn about, which indicated that someone was homesteading there. The furniture was apparently transported later to the garbage dumpster area.

The new resident manager, Heather, was formerly the so-called “property administrative assistant” at the “old folks home” in Makiki. She is apparently married with a newborn child. The only personal encounters with Heather during the brief tenure in Makiki were cordial. No telling what she will be like as a resident manager, although she seems to have a tyrannical streak.

Miscellany: The preferred Subway® in town did not reopen today as promised. Thus, this was the fifth day of consuming greasy hamburgers, greasy deep-fried chicken sandwiches, and greasy breakfast sandwiches for dinner from either of the two fast food joints in town (exploiting every available coupon deal) along with the token can of beans.