On Oahu’s west side, worsening homeless problem draws calls for greater outreach

“They need to treat these people with a little more respect.

[captainsaveaho]

If you want to become wealthy, get involved working in the "Homeless Industrial Complex." Each year American cities spend more on this problem, but I only see the problem increasing.

[kawikadee]

The drug use there is so out of control that nothing can be done if the homeless druggies are not willing to change.

[dekan]

Not just an eyesore but increased risk of crime and violence. I used to live on the beach as well but it took being removed and not being coddled for me to get my life together.

[robsan]

That former homeless lady inadvertently hit the nail on the head. It's an addiction problem first before it becomes the latter. And until America gets real and starts dealing with the addiction side first it will remain a viscous cycle of handouts to no end

[travisbruce]

Create Homeless parks with complete facilities; Then, all your social services can provide resources for them and feed them in one place. Learn what each individual needs, because they are all homeless for different reasons and a one on one is needed. This will not solve homelessness but it will solve most of the problems homelessness creates on both residence and businesses. It will be much more cost effective and beneficial to all. We provide parks for kids and adults why not the homeless?

[ichiganade]

This problem is everywhere. Townside is getting crazy. Can't even walk my baby on the side walks anymore woth all the tents and kronis everywhere

[kaskahea]

Mahalo Sheri for sharing your story and MAHALO NUI to council woman Tupola! Your efforts NEVER go unnoticed. IMUA!

[garysmith]

I lived on Ohau back in the late 90's. This was starting to become reality back then, further up the road.. I remember families living out there because the cost of living is just too much. So sad to see this. And yeah, they are people with needs just like everyone else. God bless these folks..

[sinavaitululeupolu]

They r people but it's up to them if they want the help, nobody can force them.

[donaldcastillo]

Everyone says we should treat the homeless with respect .... well I for one don't just " give respect ", it's earned, , , and littering committing crimes and being rude are not the traits that will earn my
EVER.

[Pilaufakka]

Cut the pay of all the politicians to $60k a year with no pay after term serviced. Use the money saved to help the homeless that are drug free. It’s simple.

[vibe]

Gotta fight against meth
Our state understood this 10 years ago but didn’t do a thing.

[jakeolthof]

Hawaii still had a surplus after 3 years of a pandemic due to the ultra high taxes so the only reason there isn't resources is because of the massive corruption and embezzlement in Honolulu.

[PaulBP]

A lot of political posturing but no real solutions.

First remove the illegal campers from the beach to an alternative campsite. Either an industrial park, temporary campground or an unused open area.

Utilize portapotties, and assign medical personnel and drug counselors.

Those that want help, give it to them.

If they refuse and continue to violate the law arrest them and make them do jail time.

Either get help or go to jail.

[soupbums]

Yeah a studio apartment 2500 a month go after those people there part of the problem too 👎👎👎👎👎👎

[ZDHTJ]

Addiction to batu has been in Hawaii since the 80’s during the crack addition on the mainland so I honestly feel it’s connected. They need to solve this before trying to “remove them.” I was raised/grown in Wai’anae and yes I was around choke homeless but they were more like ‘Ohana (my dad and I did/do meals on wheels and also went to the beaches during the holidays to drop food off here cooked) unlike town side. Town side/tourist look at them with disgust which bothered us though we relate. Our prayers goes to those still struggling out there cause it breaks our heart seeing this happen to those who are just trying to survive in their native land especially!☹️🥺😡🤬

[vincef]

Mahalo for bringing this issue to light. Politicians need to see these homeless people as PEOPLE.

[coffeecup]

Congratulations on the former homeless person who is one year sober. Why can't Hawaii send these people to New York City were Mayor Adams said he welcomed the new arrivals and would provide free housing to all who show up.

[ponokealii]

The way we eliminate homelessness, hunger and poverty is by dealing with this tragic issue by initiating traditional Kānaka Oiwi social values, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Homelessness, hunger and poverty are traits of nā po'e haole.

Homelessness, hunger and poverty never existed in Hawai'i kahiko because every individual Kānaka Oiwi considered every member of their ahupua'a as ohana.

[jeffarcher]

I've been thinking about a compassionate solution to the homeless problem.
It's even sadder when they're ex military who served our country sometimes even in battle.

My idea is to form an Urban Corps out of freshly discharged volunteers.
Go into the homeless camps and rescue any and all ex military who want to join along with others who want to work.
Take them into barracks and train them to operate machinery and run a campground.
Then go make one.
Go back to the camps and give them the choice of going to a safe campground with rules, showers, internet for taking care of business not games, lockers and a soup kitchen or being considered criminals for illegal camping and hide where you can't be found.
This separates the crazy druggies from those who really want to get their lives together.
Offer the opportunity to join the Corps for those who qualify.
Those in the Corps can always leave for a job but if they get fired they don't need to go back to the streets but back to the Corps.

This guarantees any veteran a rewarding job serving the country for life.
It's also something our country desperately needs.