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.
Outreach workers fanned out across Oahu on Thursday — starting at 4 a.m. — to survey the island’s homeless population in a one-day, compressed census as part of the nationwide Point in Time Count. Read more
The numbers may not reflect deaths that occurred in hospitals or other health care facilities, the city said. Read more
Waikiki Health, which operates Kakaako’s Next Step Shelter, began welcoming formerly homeless tenants this week into a three-story shelter it now operates in Moiliili. Read more
Few people seem to expect Gov. David Ige or the Legislature will launch a slate of bold new initiatives to resolve homelessness, housing and other pressing issues. Read more
In its first two years of existence, Oahu’s Community Outreach Court that addresses minor, nonviolent crimes committed by homeless “participants” “has made significant progress,” Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald wrote in a report to the state Legislature. Read more
The Punawai Rest Stop facility in Iwilei celebrates its first anniversary this week, and city officials offered up some hope Tuesday that other hygiene centers can be established. Read more
Hawaii no longer holds the ignominious title as the country’s leading state in per capita homelessness. Read more
In the 2018 legislative session, lawmakers approved a whopping $30 million to fund a homeless concept that became law under the banner of “ohana zones.” Read more
The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i and a host of other homeless advocates again are asking the city to stop clearing the homeless off Oahu sidewalks during the holiday season and again are being rebuffed by officials who insist that Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s “compassionate disruption” policy is best for the public and those being removed. Read more
A unique city, state and police homelessness pilot program using inflatable tents at Waipahu Cultural Garden Park and offering short-term shelter 24 hours a day has been a big success in its first two weeks, the Honolulu Police Department said Friday. Read more
About 40 people attended a Saturday night service at Central Union Church to commemorate the deaths of over 100 people who died on the streets of Oahu or in homeless shelters in 2019. Read more
Across Oahu every day, outreach workers from ‘Ohana Health Plan work with nearly 90 “Level 5” chronically homeless clients such as Jeffrey Chipman, who sees people who do not exist and hears voices telling him to kill himself. Read more
A new HONU homeless approach in Waipahu Cultural Garden Park gets an occupant before official opening. Read more
Ten low-income, homeless seniors — most of whom are living in transitional shelters — got their first glimpse of their new city-backed studio apartments Thursday. Read more
Hawaii’s newest idea to reduce homelessness by quickly inflating portable structures to triage homeless people’s issues went up to applause on the lawn next to the Honolulu Police Department Wednesday before it moves to Waipahu Culture Garden Park Friday night for no longer than 90 days. Read more
A new garden at the Hale Mauliola navigation center at Sand Island represents hope for the homeless, and an innovative approach to solving homelessness. Read more
More construction- related companies, architects and two private landowners have stepped forward to help create a new, communal “kauhale” concept to build permanent, tiny homes for Oahu’s chronically homeless adults. Read more
Lt. Gov. Josh Green is “satisfied” with a New York City program that sent a homeless family to Hawaii with one-year’s worth of rent and prearranged employment. Read more
The first 10 tiny homes aimed at housing homeless military veterans are scheduled to go up next month in Kalaeloa. Read more
On Thursday, West Hawaii launched Hawaii’s fourth Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion homeless program that pairs law enforcement officers with outreach workers. Read more
The newest homeless shelter on the Big Island has reached near capacity weeks after opening, Hawaii housing officials said. Read more
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