Posts: 4,533
Threads: 241
Joined: Jan 2006
1) Call a licensed surveyor and have the LS set the boundary line so you legally know where it is instead of guessing. If this has already been done, string line it so for awhile everyone can see it. (then plant something along the line that will not get out of hand but will set a natural boundary like Ti plants along the boundary line.)
2) Call planning and find out what the rules are governing catchment tanks in setbacks. I think they can not go into the setback but I know there are some things that can encroach 1/2 the distance or 5 ft which ever is less. So call planning 1st and find out what you need to do. If he files a complaint - you wont get a letter for 21-30 days, then you will usually have 30 days to remedy the situation or ask for a extension. Then the inspector comes out within 30 days after your 30 days (or extension date) and checks. Then if not remedied they send you a letter to fix or fine/day.
3) eventually you will need to move the tank but you can get plenty of time to do it if you are over the setbacks, or you can request a variance. Go on line or call Planning to get info on variance.
You can take care of the setback issue
But in the meantime, go over to him peaceably and let him know (maybe for the 3rd time) that you have no issues with his life style and will be clearing up the issues that are legal issues (i.e catchment tank in setback) and I would actually ask him for his "advice" on the grass. Tell him you have done everything you can, and what does he suggest? People usually can not resist giving advice so win him over to your side. Take him something - like mangoes or avos or banana bread, and say thanks for the advice. As my Pops used to say Kill them with kindness.
As for the swampy talapia pond, do not put anything in it. Unfortunately, that would cross a line legally for you in the negative. As long as there are some fish in it, the mosquito larvae will get eaten. Or if no talapia, tell him if he wants some - you can get some, (and then call me - we have tons!)
What is his real issue? The former residents he did not like because they were gay? You arent going to change his mind on that issue but if he gets that you have no quarrel with him on his naked pot smoking, well then you have removed his complaint and keep taking him "gifts" like I mentioned above every once in awhile. It's hard for people to stay mad when you are handing them home-made banana bread ('specially a stoner!! [  ] ).
Posts: 1,450
Threads: 109
Joined: Mar 2013
It's a big adjustment moving here, so give yourself some time. Nanawale has lots that are small enough to necesitate having more interactions with other people, than some of the other subdivisions. That's why it's inexpensive.
Posts: 907
Threads: 12
Joined: Apr 2012
I would deal with the catchment issue as suggested here. I would inform the neighbor that you don't want any pot smoking on your property or you will call the police. I know people that smoke pot - and most have the common sense to know to keep it to themselves - as any respectful person would. I would weedeat his grass that is running into your property at 6 in the morning (Saturday preferable). I would let him know that the smoke is blowing right into your house and you could report him to the fire dept - but you'd be willing to be cool if he uses some common sense when burning (like when you're not at home or when winds are blowing in the opposite direction. I would also casually wonder out loud what his compliance with the county with regards to permits is when talking about the catchment issue.
he wants to blow smoke in your face - i would blow it right back in his. sounds like he's the one with something to worry about - not you. sounds like he's trying to bully you. best thing to do to a bully - punch them right in the face - in public.
Posts: 2,655
Threads: 42
Joined: Sep 2006
The winner: Bluesboy. Yes, respond from a position of strength. Don't come across as weak. I wouldn't initially make threats to call the authorities but I would have certainly called him on it immediately, firmly but with a smile, if lighting up in my yard. As for the burning, I would tell him that although you know it's against code you don't really care as long as he does it when the wind is the other way or you're not there, but no threat to call, initially. I wouldn't worry about his concern over your tank. Just laugh and say yeah, OK. He will eventually move on to another issue if you move it, or not, but there will always be an issue. Be firm but act and talk in a friendly manner with a smile. He is nuts and your bending to his will will only encourage him. Smile and wave, but minimally and don't initiate interaction with him. The next time he is annoyed with you for whatever his next reason will be, just enjoy the interlude of not having to interact with him.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
Gotta say, Many of these are really good ideas...but you will never really KNOW where his head is at... and you will be his neighbor for quite a while...
I don't think I would mention the catchment tank to him...UNLESS he brings it up again...then, of course you must FORGET you ever had any discussion with him in the past about it, feign real concern & suggest that you should call the building dept. to find out how to correct these things, sweeping your hand from the catchment tank, & leaving it pointing to his shed/house...he may/may not get the hint... if he does, he may back pedal....
We found that neighbors sometimes breed mosquitoes...when we were in HPP, had one with bromiliads (the PERFECT Puna Skeeter breeder) all around his yard...& he was really nice...but no matter what we tried, the skeeters loved those things...so we used DEET....& those wrist spring things on our ankles, wrists...everywhere... you may want to look into investing in something like a "mosquito Magnet" had one in the Midwest that really did cut the numbers down...
Nakedness...well, there are children...so you must try to explain & protect them & maybe a privacy fence is the best solution for them...but if he mentions it again, laugh & try to shrug it off, maybe with a backhanded comment like " Oh, I have a hard time focusing on little things, I don't even notice it"...
As for the open burning & pot...wellll... these are those things that will start neighbor wars....and that privacy fence would help with these also...
Posts: 144
Threads: 14
Joined: Apr 2013
All good thoughts, ideas and encouragement, Today hubby wacked through all grass on property line and found all pins which were all set in concrete and he measured we are into setback with the tank but just a little, called county and theres to be no tanks in setback. We will have to deal with it eventually, just cant right now.I dont like to feel like I have to ask him "would it be okay if we cant do it for a few months?"
This guy is about control you are right!and if it wasnt this, if I moved the tank today, tomorrow it would be something else.
I also have a tree someone planted too close to my septic that will need to come out but its totally on my property and nowhere near his however he told us when we moved in it needed to come out (which we knew), in a couple days he came over and stated "he didnt think we were listening to him about having the tree taken out and he was upset that we didnt even ask him how to do it"! Its a control thing and a crazy thing. We have fenced the front yard thus far and started landscaping and had planned on fencing the back next however I think we will do it much sooner and with the tallest fencing we can get.
like most things if its not one thing its another, your damned if you do and damned if you dont, so I think I'll have a seat and eat an icecream sandwich!
Posts: 2,014
Threads: 46
Joined: Jun 2003
As for the smoking, I don't allow any smoking on our property, have a sign posted to that , and it doesn't bother me to tell someone, be they relatives, friends, or strangers.
David
Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com
Ninole Resident
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
Many of our neighbors (we are in town - Keaau) use old roof tin for backyard fences....some are done quite nicely ('course some LOOK like old roof tin thrown up to divide the lots...) If you know anyone with a re-roof coming up... may be a win-win!
Posts: 24
Threads: 6
Joined: May 2013
I don't think we will have to worry about fencing, as his grass is about 6' high right now. eventually we won't have to see him at all. But seriously I don't understand how someone who cares so little about their land would care about my catchment as it isn't on his property, or I should say the property he is leasing to own which I believe to be the case. I haven't complained to him about the pile of tires and garbage or all the broken down vehicles, He is just a crazy and I am done wasting my time on him.
Be Now
Aloha
Be Now
Aloha
Posts: 1,450
Threads: 109
Joined: Mar 2013
That's what I mean, he is "craving human contact" although denying it all the while. That is why he is approaching you about it. Signs saying "No Smoking" are good. Just say you are "severly asthmatic" or whatever. He might escalate if you ignore him. You may just try some minimal, nice contact like Cat suggested. Crazies are everywhere, but with a small lot you may be forced to deal with him more then you might otherwise. GL
|
