Homeless settling in, in Iwilei
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
A homeless encampment including wood-reinforced shelters has sprung up in front of the Lowe’s home improvement store along Nimitz Highway in Iwilei.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Above, another camp has been set up outside an electrical substation on Pine Street.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
With the population of homeless people living on the sidewalks of Iwilei on the rise, business owners hope to get the city’s “sit-lie ban” expanded to include the area, although they acknowledge that will only make their problem someone else’s. Above, a sidewalk along Sumner Street is cluttered with homeless people’s belongings.
Add Iwilei to the growing list of Oahu communities seeing an influx of homeless people as the city and state continue to crack down on neighboring encampments.
“It’s my turn,” said Larry Heim, president of the Honblue print technology company on Sumner Street. “But collectively, as a community, it’s all of our problem.”
Honblue has hired part-time employees to hose down the sidewalk in front of its offices every morning to wash away human urine and feces, Heim said.
“We employ approximately 135 people, and our people have to walk down the middle of the street,” he said. “Just yesterday two people defecated on our front doorway. It’s a health-and-safety issue.”
Over the past six months, more than 75 homeless people have moved into Iwilei and set up encampments lashed together out of wooden pallets, plywood and lumber exactly like the reinforced encampments that filled up Kakaako last year.
‘Sit-lie ban’ sought
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At one point in August the Kakaako encampment grew to include 293 people, many of whom were forced out of Waikiki, Chinatown and downtown by the city’s “sit-lie ban,” which went into effect in 2014 and prohibits sitting or lying down in financial centers.
Now, as the city and state continue to sweep Kakaako, Heim and others hope to get “sit-lie” applied to Iwilei, even though they know that a ban in Iwilei will likely force the current homeless population into someone else’s neighborhood.
“Of course, I understand it,” Heim said. “I’m living the consequence of sit-lie. Yes, it will become someone else’s problem, and I suspect it’s going to continue to be my problem, as well. That’s one of the issues that our government has to be able to solve. Obviously, there’s no easy solutions.”
Iwilei, home to the state’s largest homeless shelter, has always had its share of homeless people sleeping illegally on sidewalks.
But Philip Richardson, who owns two businesses on Pine Street, said problems have jumped in the past few months.
“Ever since Waikiki got cleaned out and Kakaako got cleaned out, it’s been building,” Richardson said.
He ran down a list of complaints that included “defecation, trespassing, theft, littering, car break-ins.”
The closure of the Kmart across from the Institute for Human Services men’s shelter helped exacerbate the encampments, which are now sprouting up around a construction barrier that encircles the shuttered property.
“The homeless population within this area are pretty hard-core drug users,” said IHS spokesman Kimo Carvalho. “They prey on our clients and have even gotten a couple that were on a great path forward back into addiction.”
Kalihi-Palama Health Center regularly dispatches outreach workers who are seeing new faces in Iwilei, said Leslie Uyehara, director of Kalihi-Palama’s Health Care for the Homeless Project.
“Some of them are transient. They come and go when the sweeps happen,” Uyehara said. “It’s not always the same group of people.”
Scott Morishige, the state’s homeless coordinator, called the new arrivals to Iwilei “a different type of homeless population than you see in other parts of the island. My understanding is that some of the individuals have been homeless for longer periods of time and tend to have more limited financial resources, as well as mental health and substance abuse issues.”
The biggest encampments are located along Iwilei, Sumner and Kuwili streets, said IHS’ Carvalho.
But the most noticeable new one popped up about a month ago on the mauka side of Nimitz Highway in front of the Lowe’s hardware store in direct view of thousands of vehicles that pass by day and night.
Surrounded by the incessant sound of traffic on Nimitz Highway, Darryl Dupre, 57, used wire to create a living space out of pallets, all covered by a tarp. Inside, he lies on carpet remnants.
Dupre acknowledged using Lowe’s bathrooms but insisted that he and his six homeless neighbors packed together on Nimitz Highway cause no trouble for anyone.
“Being homeless isn’t right,” he said. “It’s a struggle for food, water. We don’t have electricity. We don’t have any of those things.”
One of Dupre’s neighbors, who identified herself as Naomi Steamboat, 53, also said she uses Lowe’s facilities.
But mostly, she said, “it’s shishi in a bucket, dump ’em in the street.”
A Lowe’s manager hung up on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and the store’s corporate communication office did not respond to emails and phone calls seeking comment.
Morishige said the sidewalk in front of Lowe’s belongs to the state Department of Transportation, while some of the nearby encampments are on city land.
Just like multiple landownership that allowed the Kakaako encampment to grow, Morishige said Iwilei also has “jurisdictional questions that continue to be challenging.”
City spokesman Jesse Broder Van Dyke said a special cleanup crew from the Department of Facility Maintenance regularly enforces the city’s sidewalk nuisance ordinance, or SNO, as well as the stored property ordinance, or SPO, in the area.
Last month the team went out on four consecutive Mondays and cleared Iwilei Road and Kuwili, Pine, Sumner, Pacific, Kaaahi, Kohou and Kaumualii streets, Broder Van Dyke said.
“This is another example of an area where individuals are regularly offered housing and health services but refuse,” Broder Van Dyke wrote in an email. “The SPO/SNO crew occasionally finds hypodermic needles during enforcement actions around Oahu and must exercise caution in removing items.”
The city and state continue to search for ways to work together to address homeless people who have learned how to avoid sweeps by moving to areas that are under either state, city or private ownership.
The city already has a right to enforce its sidewalk nuisance and stored property ordinances on state land on Ala Moana Boulevard directly across from the Kakaako encampment.
Several homeless people living in Kakaako’s Mauka Gateway Park have told the Star-Advertiser that the prohibition by the city against waiting out sweeps on the mauka side of Ala Moana Boulevard has merely forced them to walk less than a mile down to the sidewalks in front of Restaurant Row — only to walk back to a newly cleaned park the next morning.
Discussions are now underway to allow the city to enforce its rules farther down Ala Moana Boulevard and possibly along Nimitz Highway, Morishige said.
Councilman Joey Manahan, who represents Iwilei, met Thursday with Gov. David Ige to discuss issues including homelessness in Iwilei, affordable housing and better cooperation between the state and city when it comes to homelessness.
“There are pockets where encampments are popping up, and they’re getting bigger and bigger,” Manahan said. “At this point in the game, we should have a better handle. Especially for the Iwilei area, we need to be working hand in hand with the state.”
The City Council last year rejected a bill that would have imposed an islandwide sit-lie ban — a rebuke that Manahan supports.
“I don’t know that that (islandwide sit-lie ban) solves anything,” Manahan said. “It just puts us back to the issue at hand.”
But like Honblue’s Heim, Richardson, the Pine Street business owner, also hopes that “sit-lie” can be applied to Iwilei, even though he knows it helped create the problem.
Asked whether he understood the irony and implications of applying sit-lie to Iwilei, Richardson said, “Unfortunately, you find me in somewhat of a selfish position. All we’re saying is, ‘Not in my backyard.’ We need to come up with more positive ways to overcome the challenge.”
In February, Richardson organized a meeting of 14 Iwilei businesses that came armed with plenty of complaints about Iwilei’s growing homeless population. He’s now thinking of organizing a follow-up meeting and hopes to include bigger businesses, Iwilei landowners and elected officials.
In the meantime Richardson remains frustrated. But he’s also sympathetic to the homeless people moving into Iwilei.
“I wouldn’t want the homeless forgotten,” he said. “It’s an issue that needs care and attention. These are human beings.”
54 responses to “Homeless settling in, in Iwilei”
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The homeless have always been a significant presence in Iwilei, thanks mainly to the nearby Institute for Human Services.
The drive down Nimitz highway from the airport viaduct ramp to Aloha Tower has a growing number of homeless camps scattered all about. Honolulu is starting to look very much like metro-Manila with “homes” right on the sidewalks within inches of passing traffic. No problem. This is what tourists see, 5 minutes after leaving the airport on their Hawaii vacation. Awesome. I work on the waterfront and see these people every day, everywhere. They have been here for years, nothing new. But the volume of homeless camps and the level of tolerance for them continues to rise. Too bad. Those who work down here (as mentioned in the article) have to deal with the homeless every day. Otherwise, everyone else ignore them. This problem will only get worse as long as political leadership remains the same and the community continues to tolerate their existence. Some are in need of real help (need a job). But most have mental health issues. Until you solve that and the legal requirements to place them in homes, this will never be resolved and just get worse.
True. All the affordable housing and shelters will not be used by those individuals. Like many state in various news articles they do not want to move into housing due to the policies and rules that they would need to follow. These individuals will continue to live where they set up and we will continue to pick up the tab to clean the endless amount to garbage that they accumulate. The state and county pour in millions into solving this problem with no avail. Homeless programs receive thousand if not millions along the way with not results. Solutions anyone?
The rents are low. I guess they can’t pay rent.
The Gov & Mayor don’t care as long as they don’t camp out in Kakaako where the developers donated big money to them. Over and under the table. Eventually they’ll end up in Kalihi making their way west side.
Mandatory deportation via cargo ship destined for the mainland is the most economical method. Vote out any politician in the next election that keeps throwing millions of our tax dollars down the drain for not acting to deport these bums. Basic necessities like food are cheaper on the mainland. Also, I don’t want to hear about stupid laws. Cops in various cities dump bums onto skid row on a daily basis in other states and no action is ever taken against the police or government agencies. Our government needs to do the same, force them onto a cargo ship and off to the skid row towns on the mainland where they will be welcome.
dragoninwater – Shibai rantings from an angry old person. Really sad you haven’t got a clue.
The end of civilization as we know it is possible with the development of shantytowns. The main reason is population growth and unfit problem population has the most prolific breeders, while responsible people practice birth control. Every nook and cranny is being occupied. Without a one child only policy like they had in China and absolute immigration stop the future is a miserable life for the masses.
What are you talking about? It’s a bunch of nonsense.
I believe the increase in homelessness is directly connected to overpopulation, because it causes unaffordable housing.
It’s also because Hawaii offers general assistance, cash welfare for singles. People in states that don’t offer this can be tempted to get a ticket to Hawaii and go from the airport to the welfare office.
“He ran down a list of complaints that included “defecation, trespassing, theft, littering, car break-ins.”>>> Some bleeding heart once asked why the homeless are treated like criminals. There’s your answer.
Another reader had an excellent idea. Instead of adding and chasing forbidden sites, make ONE list of approved camping sites and be done. EVERYthing NOT on the list – no camping. If a site doesn’t have a POSTED approval – it’s not approved.
Soundofreason, your answer makes too much sense so it won’t register in our legislators brains. People who are homeless and want to get out of their situation will use available resources. Freeloaders, on the other hand, will always look for a free handout and have no social skills or respect for society so will do things like urinate and defecate wherever they choose. Time to identify the freeloaders and make it clear life is not a free lunch.
Currently visiting Seoul Korea. Have yet to see a homeless person on the streets. Likely helped by the fact there are numerous foot patrols in the major metro/commercial areas. Meanwhile Honolulu cops rising sound in their cars avoiding the issue.
Honolulu truly turning into third world country with big gap between the haves and have-nots.
Honolulu is turning into a “Soylent Green”. Only thing is they’re not using humans for food.
Korea likes to sweep their homeless away from tourist areas. Honolulu likes to have the homeless defecate in front of tourists because the choo-choo train cartel kingpin, Caldwell, doesn’t like having any homeless defecating in his distinguished neighborhood.
I agree, the contrast in homelessness / mentally ill on the streets is one of the first things that strikes you in Seoul when coming from Hawaii.
Lots of foot police (always in pairs) plus lots of CCTVs to record any crooks make a big difference in Seoul–crime seems almost non-existent in most places you go there. Many of the uniformed foot police seem like young college kids and are generally pretty mellow and helpful if you need directions — think a lot are doing their military service by serving on the police force.
http://www.businessinsider.com/south-korea-covered-up-killings-2016-4
they round up their vagrants and force them into camps where they suffer abuse from administrators. it will get worse as the 2018 olympics gets closer.
Put them on a container ship and send them all off!!!
Absolutely, been saying the same thing! I’ll even help pay for the cost of the container to get these bums off the island. The bums have a much better future in the socialist sanctuary state of California which loves to distribute all the wealth to bums and illegals.
That would be well worth paying for, Im in too!
The homeless situation is getting worse by the day and our officials have no clue on how to deal with it. Kakaako Gateway Park is a mess with increasing numbers of homeless campers, with gang activity, vandalism, feral cats, feces on the ground, etc. Ige and Caldwell need to get off their fat butts and do something about it. I would be in favor of having an approved site for the homeless. At least they will all be in one location, making it easier for social services to work with those that can be helped.
…one location…where?
Kunia Loa Ridge Farmlands.
Good answer.
“Honblue has hired part-time employees to hose down the sidewalk in front of its offices every morning to wash away human urine and feces” – It will all go into the storm drains and straight to our ocean and beaches. Is that the City wants?
They should have made the “sit lie ban” island wide from the beginning. At least, make it so NOW!
sailfish, your suggestion makes too much sense. That’s why it won’t get passed by our inept City Council.
The only thing that these bums understand is a few skulls being hammered by vigilantes. Cruel but necessary. Strike fear into them and they’ll think twice.
Many are mentally ill. Then again the few that aren’t won’t get the news so they won’t move. Mandatory deportation off the island on a cargo ship destined for the mainland is the only feasible solution that wouldn’t cost exorbitant amounts of funds.
Can’t be real! Kirk says that he fixed the homeless problem. Might be lying though, he said rail would be built on time and on budget.
Yes, Captain Kirk is a “legend” in his own mind. Blame everyone else and toss them under the bus for his failures. It’s about time he rolls up his sleeves and get to work on the homeless issue.
Instead of paying a company to hose down the sidewalks, how about the city use the fire trucks to shoot down their tents and make-shift houses?
Get used to it. There is no solution in sight. What used to be temporary tents are now permanent. Kapahulu, Diamonhead, Waimanalu, Kaneohe, Nimitz, and of course this story and thousands of other sites around the Island, north, south, east and west. At least after the rail is built, there will be more restrooms along the route to use.
They should just build a tent city prison to house all the drug users and other petty thieves. This would cut down on the homeless problem since at least a few of them are on drugs and all the nuisince crime that our prison system can’t handle. this way you kill two birds with one stone. Cut down on homelessness and take petty criminals off the street.
No social skills, no marketable skills, no motivation for betterment, irresponsible, and just living off the people who work hard. This describes a good percentage of the homeless population.
Now Lowes will have to close their restrooms.
Spoil it for us customers?
create a shantytown at the tip of Sand Island?…million dollar beachfront view from your tent flap for free……Lord of the Flies next?
The new Long’s store may have problems.
Or Ross Dress for Less (in the spot where K-Mart use to be).
Actually, filtering through years of comments on the problem, some really good, practical ideas have been put forth. Obviously, it makes no sense to keep “kicking the dog” moving the encampments from one neighborhood to another. Frankly every neighborhood now has been infiltrated by people living more like vermin than people of the 21st century. The most obvious idea that seems to be gaining momentum is to establish sanctioned “camp grounds” with very basic rules (no fire, no harrassment or threatening behavior) along with basic services: restrooms or porta-potties, showers and sinks, counseling to refer residents to more comprehensive services, and security officers to keep the peace. If such a refuge is made available, there can be no objection to making unsociable use of public spaces a crime, punishable by sentence to work camps, and away from drugs and alcohol. Location of the “camp site” would need to be chosen carefully, that is, it cannot be remote. It needs to be located in the vicinity of other resources, which would exclude Sand Island. The City and State need to think boldly, to best serve the citizens that pay their salaries.
Take over a golf course using “Eminent Domain,” any golf course will do. Build high rise apartments using storage containers (search Google for images), or use large 3D printers to build housing like being done in China (again, search Google), using current building codes. Housing units would only be for homeless, with areas divided for single and family uses. Using same construction, add offices for administration, security, and health services. Also, add buildings for the now non-homeless to use for training/work in various skills, such as an automotive repair shop, grocery store, etc. The businesses would employee only the resident now non-homeless, but the goods and services could be provided to the general public. Money generated would be used to pay the now non-homeless workers, and facility maintenance. Also, a large portion of the land could be used for agriculture, to grow vegetables, fruits, and houseplants, etc., with related jobs just for the now non-homeless. There will be some that are incapable, or too stubborn to participate, and their issues can be handles on a case-by-case basis. The main things are that they homeless would have housing away from the business/vacation areas, be isolated in a secured, maintained area, and they’d provided with a respectable place to live and work, access to healthcare, and assistance in re-establishing their lives. And, STRICTLY enforce any further panhandling/vagrancy laws! No more nonsense. It would cost some money up front, but is far better solution than throwing money away doing sweeps.
Barbers Point
Niihau or Kahoolawe
City, County and State are just a joke. Absolute failure.
Let’s suspend 40 foot container houses from the rail structure and let the homeless live there. With 20 miles elevated track should be enough space for all the homeless already here and those that are on their way. This would be a “Rail Friendly” development.
What became of the “Dude from the mainland” that was going to solve all our homeless problems?
Good question
Hawaii should bring back the vagrancy laws.
Many of these homeless refuse to go into shelters because they don’t want to follow the rules. In other words, they don’t want to be law abiding citizens. So why should they expect any sympathy from the rest of us?
Why not ship them to Niihau? Ask the Robinson family to take them in, teach them how to live off of the land. Camping on a remote island instead of camping on a city cement sidewalk. Fish for their own food, plant their food, don’t need to have a job. Just camping.
These bums would never work for anything. Many are mentally ill to begin with. Only sound and reasonable solution is to pack them onto a cargo ship destined for the mainland. They have much better prospects on the mainland as many basic necessities like food are far cheaper. I would propose the military should force them onto their next cargo shipment destined for the mainland.
The Homeless will congregate in close proximity to rail stations because of the amenities of water, restrooms and hold out their signs begging for alms. They will also prey upon cars parked for the workday in the unguarded parking lots at the stations. I see trouble brewing….HAS HART GIVEN THOUGHT OF THIS???? Why am I even asking of this senseless question?
How is this news. They’ve had tents set up for years right next to IHS.
As a caller to AM radio from San Diego said this morning. I saved a long time to bring my wife and kids to Hawaii. I had no idea they would see people defecating in the streets in broad daylight [1 n 2] This gentleman was beyond words. He did say , he would make sure his friends, his travel agent and local news media were informed of the current state of affairs here on Oahu. That is the kine of sight you never, ever forget Something here has got to give. Throwing more money at the problem is not the answer. I’m not saying to lock them all up, but there needs to be order and decency if Oahu wants the tourist dollars.
These people dont want help!
Why do you fools waste our tax money on them!
Homelessness is worse than stage 3 cancer!
THERE IS NO CURE FOR HOMELESSNESS!
Use that money for education or cancer research!