The unconscionable vandalizing of light fixtures at Kakaako Waterfront Park, with wires dangerously exposed, once again demonstrates the maddening problem of sharing public spaces with homeless campers.
Vandals cracked open access panels of about a half-dozen light poles, apparently intending to tap into the electrical grid for power — making the park’s homeless population the prime suspects.
Last Monday, workers discovered potentially live wires within reach of a child, and the state responded in the only sensible way it could, by shutting off power and closing the park before dark — at 6 p.m. rather than 10 p.m.
The result: Those who use the park in the afternoon and evening, such as Point Panic surfers, may find themselves shut out early. The homeless campers remain.
Such a situation cannot be tolerated.
It is one thing to live with a benign homeless presence while seeking alternatives, as is done routinely across the islands. But when such a presence may be causing a health and safety hazard, thus denying access to the public — that’s another matter entirely.
It’s also dangerous for the homeless themselves, living in an unlit, dark public park after hours.
The Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA), which operates the park, will need to increase security and take a stronger hand in moving along the “chronic” homeless — about 50 mostly single people who have lived on the streets for years — who have taken up residence there.
A frustrated Steve Scott, HCDA’s vice chairman, noted that homeless campers tapped into electrical outlets and water valves at the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center.
“Now they’re using state HCDA power to run televisions, charge telephones,” he said.
They need to be guided firmly toward the services that can help them.
It’s been done before.
More aggressive enforcement of sidewalk and sit-lie laws, combined with providing essential services and alternative places to stay, brought to an end the once huge and notorious homeless encampment in Kakaako.
The state converted a maintenance shed next to the park into a new shelter for homeless families, with plans to fast-track its residents into permanent housing.
Furthermore, serious efforts have been made to provide services to those who will accept them.
The Next Step Shelter in Kakaako has relaxed its rules to make the facility a more inviting option, and shelters around town generally have space for single people — if they are willing to go.
And that’s the rub.
“A lot of the people still out there on the streets homeless are not looking for shelters,” Scott said.
The result has been that areas once open to the public are closed.
The state closed down the Mauka and Makai Gateway Parks to repair landscaping and sprinkler system allegedly damaged by homeless trespassers who took over the parks.
More recently, orange fencing blocked off part of Mother Waldron Park in Kakaako, where homeless tents once sprouted.
Of course, none of these efforts will get rid of the homeless problem.
What’s needed is a much greater supply of truly affordable housing, allowing low-income people a chance to make it on their own and freeing up more resources to help the most desperate of the homeless.
But in the meantime, staunch efforts to guide the homeless off the street and into safe, healthier shelter must match the persistence shown by those who would remain outdoors.
