Neighbors voice concerns about looting, cleanup costs after Kitsap County tornado

Neighbors speaking at a Sunday town hall meeting in Kitsap County voiced their frustration about recovery efforts in the days after the EF2 tornado hit the community.

“People here want to know how we were forgotten?” asked one man to a panel of elected officials and leaders of local and state agencies now working to get the community back on its feet.

“We had a lot of activity going on and lot of needs being missed,” said another man.

Some neighbors were upset about paying debris disposal fees, a lack of law enforcement patrols and garbage services.

“The sheriff — where in the world is he?” asked neighbor Skip Olmsted.

Several neighbors, including Olmsted, said their homes or neighbors’ homes had been targeted by looters in the days after the tornado damaged dozens of homes.

“We just haven’t been protected or helped,” said Olmsted.

Olmsted isn’t able to stay at his home of nearly 50 years that was damaged by the tornado. He said someone stole tools out of his garage and looted his neighbor’s home, stealing a television.

“(Law enforcement) needed to be there to ensure only definite residents were getting in there and certified workers,” said Olmsted.

The panel leading the town hall said part of the recovery efforts have included finding temporary housing for people and speeding up the permitting process for repairs to damaged buildings.

“Whether it’s removing debris from their yard or whether it’s kind of figuring out how things work with permitting and other things like that to rebuild,” said David Rasmussen with the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management. “We want people to come away with answers but we also want the residents themselves to be able to express their concerns because maybe we’ve missed something and we want to know how we can help.”

Neighbors, although frustrated, were appreciative of the help and resources that have been given to the community.

“It’s hardest especially for those who were renters in the neighborhood and so they just have to find a new place to live,” said Rasmussen.

Officials took notes as neighbors spoke and promised to help by looking into concerns.

“This level of devastation is pretty unique and so your thoughts have been real valuable to us,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Charlotte Garrido.

The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management said a tornado recovery committee has been formed to address long-term community needs and will meet next week.

By Michael Spears, KIRO 7