HONOLULU -- A group of Kahuluu residents scored a victory at the City Council on Wednesday over a land dispute with a Japanese billionaire.

The council took the first step toward condemning property owned by Genshiro Kawamoto.

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Caroline Sluyter Reports

The land has been used for more than 40 years to access the homes of two families. Just before Christmas, Kawamoto had their driveways ripped out.

"We're fenced in. We can't get out. I have to jump over the wall to get down, and you know how high that is from here to there," Cecelia Murakami said.

Murakami's home on Hunaahi Street is landlocked. It's surrounded by a large retaining wall. No trespassing signs block the road she has used for more than 40 years.

Signs that state 'violators will be prosecuted' are also posted in front of her carport and in front of her neighbor's house.

"We tried to work it out amicably with Kawamoto but he wouldn't talk to us," Bill Murakami said.

Jeffery and Mercy Schade live across from the Murakamis. Their access is also cut off. Jeffery Schade said his title insurance company is offering to put in a new driveway through his yard. However, he said Kawamoto's attorneys are harassing him.

"They tried to get a TRO to keep me from my property on the day that they tore out my driveway because we had written them a letter saying let us know when your going to tear out our driveways we want to be present," Jeffery Schade said.

The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward with the condemnation process. Now, the resolution will go before the full council for a vote on Feb. 20.

Councilman Steve Holmes said once passed and approved by the mayor, the city can take possession of the land after about 20 days.