Covering Hawaii’s homeless crisis.
Objections to U.S. policy over the war in Gaza led six of Hawaii’s 31 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to withhold their support for Vice President Kamala Harris following internal debate. Read more
Twinkle Borge, known as “Mama,” showed love and compassion to the hundreds of people who moved in and out of what is now known as Pu‘uhonua o Waianae, while simultaneously enforcing strict rules against violence or substance abuse. Read more
Twinkle Borge, longtime activist and leader of the Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae homeless encampment, died today. Read more
The relocation was performed via a partnership between the county and nonprofits including Hope Services Hawaii, Project Vision Hawaii, the Neighborhood Place of Puna, Going Home Hawaii and Salvation Army Hawaii. Read more
As states and municipalities across the country push forward with sweeps of encampments in the month after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling granted officials new authority to police homelessness, the city says enforcement actions conducted on Oahu should not be deemed to be the same thing. Read more
In early July, Hawaii County established what it called a “temporary respite area” on a small lot between Kilauea and Kamehameha Avenues. Read more
A flatbed truck on Wednesday carried two more newly built 100-square-foot tiny homes to a new “kauhale” going up at Kalihi’s Cedar Church as the state, counties and a hui of builders and developers work together to create more communities for low-income and homeless people on Oahu by the end of the year, with two more planned for the Hilo and Kona sides of Hawaii island in 2025. Read more
The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu on Monday jointly agreed to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the city’s homeless sweeps program on Oahu. Read more
Hawaii County officials have designated a parking lot as a temporary resting area for homeless people who occupy an area in and around a storm drain in downtown Hilo. Read more
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Waikiki Vista represents the newest approach between the state and city to get more homeless people off the street, especially adults who have children and are willing to work. Read more
The shelter will be opened under an agreement reached between the state, Hawaii County and The Salvation Army Hawaii and Pacific Island Division. Read more
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Friday said the Supreme Court’s ruling was “exactly what we hoped would happen. … This is a favorable ruling for the cities.” Read more
The center currently has 17 adult clients – mostly men ranging in age from the mid-20s to late 70s, with most having no health insurance — who are provided clinical and behavioral mental health services. Read more
Homeless people displaying mental health issues could be taken off the street against their will and brought in for assessment at a 3-month-old behavioral center in Iwilei if a new bill becomes law. Read more
Question: Regarding Oahu’s growing homeless population, we often hear about a program that flies people back to the mainland. Read more
The city and state have opened — and plan to open — more homeless housing across Oahu following the closure of some shelters and reduced bed space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
The number of homeless families increased 19% in just one year on Oahu, according to the latest Point In Time census. Read more
Since 2015 the percentage of Oahu’s homeless population that is unsheltered has increased steadily (to 62% from 40%), while the percentage that is sheltered has decreased (to 38% from 60%). Read more
The Waianae Coast had the largest concentration of homeless people with 783, or 28% of Oahu’s unsheltered population. Read more
The latest number of homeless people who were counted across Oahu in January will be released today in the latest benchmark of homelessness in Honolulu. Read more
A newly passed bill before Gov. Josh Green would protect homeless shelters that take in minors without the consent of their parents or guardians. Read more
