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State officials say the number of unsheltered homeless people in Hawaii has dropped in the last year or so.
In a statement, the governor’s office said the number of unsheltered homeless fell from about 2,500 in 2009 to almost 2,300 this year.
During the current fiscal year, which ends later this month, almost 4,050 persons were moved into permanent housing through state homeless programs.
Officials say about 11,680 homeless people received services from outreach agencies and nearly 9,500 utilized services at homeless shelters.
The state’s findings contrast with complaints from Hawaii business and community leaders who contend that homeless people are more visible in Waikiki, and at nearby beaches and parks.
