Together we can resolve problem of homelessness in Honolulu

It’s time to declare a war on homelessness, which is evolving into a crisis in Honolulu.

We cannot let homelessness ruin our economy and take over our city.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ 2014 report, Hawaii is listed as the No 2 state with an increase in homelessness per capita.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2014 assessment, Honolulu is ranked No. 1 in the number of homeless people among comparable-sized cities.

Here is what the city has been doing, and some new proposals for action over the next three months.

» Public safety is always our first priority.

A dedicated city team picks up three to 11 tons of items from sidewalks and parks on a weekly cycle. The city spends $500,000 per year on these enforcement action teams. They remove items that block passage and make public areas unsafe and unhealthy.

When we conduct these enforcements, we make sure that service providers have counseled any affected homeless individual on how to get help and go into a shelter.

Some say they can’t see a difference, but imagine the tons of dirty bedding, tents and trash piling up every week if the city stopped this enforcement.

» The city is partnering with the Waikiki hotel and resort industry to get more restrooms opened around the clock, and to work with their hotel security staff to help clear the sidewalks and public areas.

The city also has proposed an increase in the hotel and resort property tax (50 cents per $1,000 valuation) that is expected to raise $4 million dedicated for homeless initiatives in Waikiki.

For example, we recently opened a new food kiosk under the trellises at Waikiki Beach, an area that had been taken over by homeless. It is now clean and clear for visitors and residents to enjoy once again.

However, we won’t be able to continue projects such as this or the frequent sidewalk nuisance enforcement in Waikiki without a dedicated source of funding.

» My administration will introduce two new bills, one prohibiting sitting or lying on a public sidewalk, with certain exceptions, and the other prohibiting public urination or defecation.

Both give the police the authority, which they do not have now, to arrest or move people along, or who are using our public places as bathrooms. We will introduce this in Waikiki first, and if successful, will add other areas of Oahu.

»The city has researched and has selected a new design for public bathrooms that will be easier to keep clean and hold up to heavy use, and unfortunately abuse, and we have the funds to install a new bathroom in three key locations in Chinatown.

We are also considering a mobile hygiene center that would include bathrooms.

» Within the fiscal year 2015 budget, my administration proposes $3 million in rental vouchers and support programs that can be used in the next three months.

This means that 110 chronically homeless will be placed in permanent housing.

We urge Realtors and property owners to contact the city if they have properties that may work as Housing First rental units.

We have budgeted $19 million for long-term affordable housing projects for homeless individuals and families whose income is less that 50 percent of the average median income.

Housing First is a nationally recognized best practice that is proven to reduce the number of chronic homeless. It is pointless to keep shuffling the homeless from one place to another if they don’t have a place to go.

We can better manage our homeless challenge in a humane and effective way, but it requires everyone’s efforts, and it requires taking action now.

Many people ask me, "Mayor, what are you doing to address homelessness?" And within my response I ask if they can do something, too.

Together, let’s fight the battle to end life on the street for thousands of homeless individuals and families, and make life better for all of us.