Measure calls for homeless triage center
A homeless triage center would be established within the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the state Department of Health under a proposal advancing at the state Legislature. Read more
TO OUR READERS
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaii News Now are joining forces to report on the ever-worsening homelessness crisis.
While both news organizations will continue to report daily stories on homelessness, we will work together on bigger projects that delve into all aspects of the issue. To reach the widest possible audience for these important projects on this crisis, you will see reports in print, online and on broadcasts.
For example, on this page of the Star-Advertiser and in Hawaii News Now broadcasts on Monday, you will find stories on homeless encampments you might not be aware of and learn details about some of them.
Through stories such as these, we hope to raise awareness among the public — and public officials — about the gravity of the situation and the need to take action to help the homeless and, by doing so, help our community.
Both newsrooms hope you, as readers and viewers, will help with this project by offering comments, observations and suggestions online and in letters to the editor. While a collaboration between two competing newsrooms is unusual, Hawaii’s homelessness crisis requires an unusual approach.
A homeless triage center would be established within the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the state Department of Health under a proposal advancing at the state Legislature. Read more
Hawaii’s latest tiny home “kauhale” community will house 50 homeless people on Middle Street. Read more
Some community advocates say not enough public input was solicited by the state over the homeless project. Read more
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Marvin Boyd, 67, cried last week when talking about homeless senior citizens like himself living on the streets of Honolulu. Read more
Young adults who have lived on the street and are trying to kick a substance use disorder have found a place to call home for now at the newly opened ‘Apapane, the first clean-and-sober house established by Residential Youth Services & Empowerment. Read more
Since starting his new position Jan. 16, Tuesday marked the first time that new state Homeless Coordinator John Mizuno joined in the nationwide census of homeless people, known as the annual Point in Time Count. Read more
Elected officials urged the justices to take up the case because they say the rulings complicate their efforts to clear tent encampments. Read more
State homeless coordinator John Mizuno said he hopes a commission will be created to ensure ADUs lead to lower rent. Read more
Mayor Rick Blangiardi hailed the court decision as a victory for the public. Read more
Senior Pastor Laki Ka‘ahumanu of the Church on the Go and his wife, Malie, who have been ministering to Maui’s homeless individuals and families for years, now are seeing the homeless crisis worsen due to the thousands of Maui residents who were displaced by the Aug. 8 wildfires. Read more
Hawaii’s incoming homeless coordinator — state Rep. John Mizuno — knows the tragedy of homeless personally. Read more
Veteran state Rep. John Mizuno, who has used his own money to fly homeless people back to reunite with families on the mainland, was named by Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday to be the state’s new homeless coordinator. Read more
Since June 5 the first-of-its-kind facility to help homeless people in Hawaii with mental health and addiction issues has gotten 101 homeless people off the street. Read more
The ACLU particularly wants Honolulu’s sit-lie ban, park closure rules, camping prohibition in city parks and the 11-year-old sidewalk nuisance and stored property ordinances ruled illegal and unconstitutional in Circuit Court. Read more
A Maui County attorney acknowledged Thursday to the state Supreme Court that the county lacks procedures to store items seized in homeless sweeps to allow property owners the opportunity to retrieve their belongings. Read more
After more than six months of housing and treating homeless patients discharged from Oahu hospitals, Hawaii’s first “medical respite” kauhale will begin shutting down Thursday. Read more
The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii this week demanded that Maui County stop homeless sweeps that were pending at county parks near wildfire- ravaged Lahaina. Read more
A new pop-up homeless shelter on Maui with air- conditioned group tents, free meals, health services and planned movie nights has drawn considerable use a week after opening to serve people who were homeless in Lahaina before the town was leveled Aug. 8 by fire. Read more
Mayor Rick Blangiardi is fighting back against litigation condemning the city’s use of homeless sweeps in Honolulu. Read more
The Honolulu Police Department would be tasked with enforcing the proposed ordinance if it is approved in subsequent bill readings. Read more
The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has filed for a preliminary injunction against homeless sweeps in Honolulu. Read more