Two reports in the same issue of the Star-Advertiser presented a sobering picture of Hawaii’s homeless problem. In one, the state announced that Iolani Palace grounds will close at 6 p.m. rather than 11 p.m. because of vandalism, including vagrancy and discarded drug paraphernalia (“Palace grounds to close early to deter vandalism,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 16).

In the other, Loretta Yajima, CEO of the Children’s Discovery Center, warned that the center may be forced to close because the surrounding encampments of the homeless have made the situation intolerable (“Homeless may force center to close,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 16).

These are two of the premier places in downtown Honolulu that are under siege. What must be going on in lesser valued locations? Obviously we are in serious trouble.

Carl H. Zimmerman

Salt Lake

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