Moving homeless into shelters

When it comes to Hawaii’s homelessness crisis, transformative solutions are sorely and desperately needed. In reality, though, addressing the problem has been a slog, with affordable housing too slow to materialize.

So it’s easy to shrug off news that some 17 people have agreed to move off the streets and into shelters, as was the case this week with the closure of Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park in Kakaako, for “maintenance” through July 5. After all, that’s a mere 17 people out of at least 5,000 homeless people in Oahu.

Still, that is 17 more people off the streets than a week ago, and if they can follow through on the potential for improvement, hope is better than despair. Consider also that they were among the chronically homeless who for years have migrated between the state’s Kakaako Waterfront Park and nearby gateway parks and now, the city’s Mother Waldron Park.

So much more must be done, obviously, toward permanent solutions — and that means housing instead of the streets. To that end, much is expected from House Bill 2748, just passed by the state Legislature, which allocates more than a half-billion dollars for a range of housing help, from rental assistance to seed money for public-private projects. After Gov. David Ige signs the bill, as he is urged to do, anyone touching these funds must not squander the money or the opportunity.

Kauai’s north shore isolated again

As work crews labor to clear and restore roadways on Kauai’s north shore, access remains limited and residents are experiencing something uncommon — a tourist-free solitude.

Only local traffic with approved passes — for residents, work crews and shuttles — can get to the Wainiha-Haena area, which was hit hard by massive rainfall, flooding and landslides in April.

The single-lane stretch of Kuhio Highway connecting Waikoko and Wainiha can be used only at certain scheduled times of the day, with late-night slots recently added.

The restricted access has eliminated, for now, the uncontrolled hordes of visitors flocking to Haena State Park and environs, bringing some measure of peace and calm to this remote corner of paradise — a reminder of times long gone. The state’s welcome efforts to limit access to the park reflect a desire to preserve what’s left, and suggest one way forward to address the competing claims of tourism and protecting our natural resources.

Of course, there needs to be a balance that includes welcoming visitors. For businesses that depend on the tourist trade, the restricted access has been a significant blow to the livelihood of area residents. For example, the owner of the Opakapaka Bar and Grill in Haena, Gregg Fraser, estimated he was losing $5,000 to $6,000 per day.

Kauai’s north shore remains one of Hawaii’s most beautiful places. It’s hoped that when the roads eventually reopen to normal traffic, visitors and locals alike will see the area with fresh eyes, rediscovering its beauty and taking pains to keep it that way.

On the job, safety must come first

It is with considerable alarm that the stark toll comes into focus: Over a 20-day period in May, four workers were killed on various jobs, while seven more were seriously injured. That prompted state Labor and Industrial Relations officials to issue a timely reminder this week, for both employers and workers, to reinforce workplace-safety policies and training.

Accidents will happen, but staying alert and minimizing hazards go a long way toward preventing tragedy. The horrendous situations last month involved mostly heavy-equipment or electrical work, resulting in the four deaths and injuries such as amputations and burns. There were six fatalities each in 2016 and 2015, the most recent years with data available.

“This surge in serious industrial accidents is a harsh reminder for employers and workers to think about safety when taking any work actions,” said DLIR Director Leonard Hoshijo.

This heightened awareness seems especially needed now, as major natural disasters are taxing crews on Kauai and Hawaii island. Heavy recovery work is still ongoing on Kauai’s north end, which was devastated by record-setting rainfall and flooding in mid-April.

And still unfolding on Hawaii island, of course, is Kilauea’s unpredictable lava flows, which has destroyed major highways and roads in the Puna district, necessitating the use of excavators and other heavy equipment. Significant electrical work, too, was underway after a Tuesday lava flow crossed Highway 132 and took out major utility corridor infrastructure providing electricity, as well as cell-phone and internet service.

Employers should take the state up on its free service to help identify hazards and assist with occupational safety and health programs: call (808) 586-9100. Remember, safety first.

Every Saturday, we’ll present these short-take editorials that reflect on some of this week’s news.