HOMELESSNESS
HELPING THOSE IN NEED.

No one should be homeless in Hawai'i. 

 

Our state's homeless population remains one of the highest in the nation. Due to our high cost of living, thousands of people across our islands are unable to make ends meet and are sadly forced to survive on the streets. 

 

To address our homeless crisis, we should incentivize the counties to increase taxes on vacant homes and investment properties. We also need to fully fund Hawaiian Homeland programs for our indigenous community. 

 

Additionally, the research is clear: Housing First is a program that works. It is based on the principle that once a homeless individual obtains shelter, they can more easily receive the social services that keep them off the streets.

 

Investing in stabilization facilities that provide addiction treatment is essential in empowering people to transition into permanent shelter. Expanding access to mental health programs is another important part of delivering a compassionate response for homeless families. 

 

Policymakers should explore innovative solutions, like kauhale villages, 'ohana zones, and communal living spaces that will save the state money, especially in medical, social welfare, and criminal justice costs.