Thomas Square Bike Owner Wants Bike Back From City

A man whose bike was impounded at Thomas Square early this morning by the Department of Parks and Recreation has already asked for the bike to be returned.

It’s the first case of anybody at the park, which has become home to the Occupy Honolulu encampment for three months, requesting a return of belongings confiscated by city workers.

Press secretary Louise Kim McCoy says the bike was taken around 2 a.m. today. It will be available for pickup — free of charge — at the Halawa baseyard (pictured above) where other items are being stored.

She said Department of Facility Maintenance Director Westley Chun called the bike owner personally to make arrangements, since the bike was in transit at the time.

No other Occupy protesters have yet tried to claim items impounded at Thomas Square, McCoy said. Two homeless people previously claimed items collected by the city in Moiliili last month.

The city issued 16 removal notices at Thomas Square Monday and returned today to take two storage bins worth of items, plus some furniture. Two storage and disposal notices were posted today. She said city workers will continue to return to the area to ensure compliance with both the sidewalk possessions ban and the overnight camping ban in city parks.

“Individuals are able to exercise their freedom of speech,” McCoy said. “We just ask that they do sow without violating the law.”