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State says new homes for 32 Waimanalo homeless not allowed

By Craig T. Kojima

July 1, 2020

Homeless in HawaiiVideo

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In just three months, “Auntie Blanche” McMillan has created permanent homes for 32 homeless people from Waiminalo and plans to build 100 more on state land at the end of the road on Hilu Street. McMillan’s vision called “Hui Mahi’ai Aina” — or loosely the land of group farming — originally was part of Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s plan for a statewide system of “kauhale” tiny homes to provide permanent housing for Hawaii’s homeless. But troubles lie ahead. In a statement, Suzanne Case, chairwoman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that McMillan’s ambitious plans were never allowed.
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Pamela Rundgren was one of the first residents to follow "Auntie Blanche" McMillan to the kauhale homes in Waimanalo.
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Tara Mossman hugs her son Luke Anthony in front of their home.
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Auntie Blanche McMillan points out the garden area that residents started.
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Jadfree Purdy had spent four to five months on the beach before following "Auntie Blanche McMillan" to the kauhale homes.
7/13
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Dylan Mossman and son, Luke Anthony, take a ride on a scooter.
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Rozlyn Sorgent, left, and Tara Mossman talk about their experiences.
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Larry Kaihue, left and Isaiah Ruiz talk about their experiences.
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Volunteers work on building a new house on Tuesday.
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Susan Becker walks a short distance to the meeting tent. She has been there for a few months and is originally from Los Angeles.
12/13
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Tara Mossman shows off her bedroom. To make room for Luke Anthony, they converted a room into a bedroom.
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Tents are seen in Waimanalo on Tuesday.
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