Dorm residents outraged at new housing rules

Malie Espin, a Noelani resident, is one of several students irritated with the increased security presence in the dorms. Photo by Leah Gouker

By Leah Gouker

Facing a wave of assault crimes, Campus Security's presence at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa has been increasing this semester. However, some residents say security's efforts are misdirected.

"Campus security is out of control," said Malie Espin, a Noelani resident in her second year. "I feel the issues the school should be worried about are not being addressed," she said.

Espin said that security's presence has all but ended the "fun" of living on-campus. "Even if you aren't drinking alcohol, if you are in a gathering larger than three, campus security instantly surrounds you," she said.

"Students can't drink at (dorm rooms) without fear of being kicked out, which means if we drink, we drive," she said.

"This is obnoxious," Espin continued. "They're completely kicking out the social aspect of college," she said. "The social skills you get out of college will help you throughout your whole life. It doesn't matter what you major in, it's all abut the connections you make."

Another Noelani resident said that the poor conditions and negativity in housing makes him want to go home.

Eli Kimmerle is a third-year student and resident at UHM, but says the strict rules in the housing policy this semester are overbearing. He plans to transfer to UH Hilo in the spring.

"We don't have any freedom," Kimmerle said. "Before, it was different. Everyone used to be friends."

"It's depressing here. No one is being social," he continued. "There is no spirit."

Espin said this year is very different than her previous experiences. "I feel like I met more people in the first week of school last year than I have this entire semester," she said.

Derec Bruchs, a Noelani resident and sophomore, also said there are changes this year. "Last year all the doors were open and people were around," he said. "Now they're all closed and cops are around."

Joshua Greenspan, Kimmerle's roommate, also feels the effects of increased security. He said it seems like they are "just trying to bust us."

Greenspan often works until early in the morning. "I'm not looking for someone mugging me," he said. "I'm looking for security trying to bust me for something stupid."

Greenspan says he has yet to hear of a campus party. "They don't really allow us to have a social scene anymore," he said.

Privacy is an issue for these roommates. Recently a Resident Advisor stuck his head through an open window and past a closed curtain to catch Greenspan with a beer. While Greenspan acknowledges that Noelani is a dry dorm, he said the R.A. went "too far."

"Especially because it was just (the roommates) and we weren't making a lot of noise," Greenspan said. "Is that legal?"

For Espin, the increase in security does nothing to increase the quality of life on campus. Leaky faucets, faulty sinks, chipped paint, broken light fixtures and lack of parking are some of the problems, she said.
"But if you have a bottle cap on your floor, campus security is at your door," Espin said.

Espin said that funding is misused. "They are wasting our money on new uniforms instead of actually doing something productive," she said. "I am so angry."

"I think the most ridiculous thing UH has done is to tow two completely totaled cars on the lawn across from the cafeteria (Hale Aloha) and the lawn across from Quik Zone," Espin said.

The cars had banners that read, "Zero tolerance means zero chances," in honor of alcohol awareness week. Espin sees this campaign as "ridiculous and ironic."