mezuza off door

[David F. Klein]

I appreciate your response to my post.

I am an attorney in Honolulu (criminal defense) who has been faced with the
problem of the mezuza..

Interest enough, I may not have a problem with state action as the the
condo is leasehold (leasehold is common in Hawaii as it stems from the
Monarchy owning everything and the people using just what they need).

The land is actually owned by the City and County of Honolulu and leased to
the Association on a 99 year lease.  I am sure the lease would contain
non-discrimination clauses.  I have yet to obtain a copy of the lease.

The association sent out a notice that the mezuza is to be removed by April
21, 1997 (which happens to be the first night of Passover).  If it is not
removed, they claim that the owner of the apartment will have to pay $10
per day which will result in a lien being filed against the property.

I plan to file for an injunction to prohibit the condo from filing the
lien, enforcing any type of violation and removal of the mezuza.

The condo has indicated that this rule applies to everyone.  I cannot
recall if at Christmas people had wreaths on their doors.  I do recall a
large Christmas tree in the lobby of the building (I am not suggesting that
the Christmas tree be banned), but wonder if this should be used in the
pleadings.  I do not wish to offend anyone at the building by suggesting
that the tree not be allowed.


David F. Klein
Pacific Tower, Suite 1510
1001 Bishop Street
Honolulu, Hawaii  96813
tel: 808 523-7774
fax: 808 537-2322

dfklein at aloha.net