For three years, I have been dealing with crime and homelessness at the top of Fort Street Mall next to my church. According to the Honolulu Police Department, there are three levels of mental health (MH1-3) on which they may detain someone.
MH1 is when a mentally ill person is a threat to themselves or to others. MH1 in downtown is rarely enforced. Speaking with HPD, many are reluctant to detain on an MH1 because of the ACLU, the lack of support from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, lack of places to house the individuals and knowing Queen’s Medical Center will let the person go within 24 hours in most cases, sending them right back to the street.
The system is broken. We need to focus on fixing what is known — and yes, HPD, Steve Alm, the mayor and Queen’s are aware of the problems, as I have spoken with each of them personally.
John Fielding
Volunteer safety/risk minister, Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
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