Homelessness In Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradise for most. The sunsets, beaches, and rainforests are just some of the many beautiful attractions the state has to offer. The waves are firing, and the sunshine reaches every crack of the island. The sky has never seemed so blue. Tourists swarm the International Market, Waikiki Beach, and Hilton Hawaiian Village. After, they go to wind down at Duke’s. The sidewalks overflowing with people. You cruise down the crowded streets of Waikiki. The aura of aloha fills in the air. However, you come across a street side filled people. They are sleeping on the cold cement surrounding by fortresses of junk. This is their home. This is where they will sleep for just this night or a couple weeks. Then, you recognize those people. You …show more content…
However, this still cannot keep up with the rate of homelessness. Currently, only 46% of homeless citizens in Hawaii are being sheltered or are receiving aid. Many of shelters are too full to even maintain their current residents. With shelters being short-staffed and funded mostly on donations, what did you expect? Even the folks that are receiving help are still struggling to get back on their feet. The result of this are homeless communities in public areas like beaches, parks, streets, and even schools. With no one to turn to and nowhere to go, it is evident that living in these areas with temporary belongings is the only lifestyle …show more content…
For example, in 2015, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s signed laws regarding homeless citizens disturbing the flow of tourism on sidewalks. He created a harsh fine of up to one thousand dollars for citizens lying or sitting on a sidewalk. This means that the government is fining people without money to buy a house, about half of the average rent. This was an obvious move to support Waikiki business owners who complain about homeless driving tourists away. This law worsen the rate of homeless people not only on Oahu, but it had a bigger effect on the Big Island and Kauai where the rates rosen up to 30%. Another law that is coming into light is regulating a distinguished camp for homeless citizens in a remote area on the islands. Once again, Hawaii’s government is concerned with the image that homeless bring to tourism, and this is completely understandable. However, this was already tried in the late 90s in Honolulu, and it was disbanded because of violation and illegal activity within these camps. This won’t really help homeless citizens. In reality, it’s a move to separate homeless from the urban areas in the state. These are just two of the many laws that hurt or could hurt the current and future homeless