HONOLULU (KHON2) — A neighborhood in Kahlihi said it’s been an ongoing issue for years. They’ve been needing long-term solutions for a homeless encampment on the banks of a canal and the City said help is coming in the next few months.
When you’re driving past the canal through Middle Street, the sights are hard to miss.
“It’s a public health concern for the person that’s there,” stated Kahlihi Neighborhood Board Chair, Amanda Ybanez. “They might be suffering from substance abuse, mental health issues. Who in their right mind would want to live like this?”
Ybanez said the homeless encampments in her district have increased leading to issues like trash buildup. Even with the City’s periodic clean-ups, the same encampments end up coming back. Items collected from the sweep are kept in storage for 30 days, which gives individuals the chance to pick up any belongings.
According to Honolulu Homeless Coordinator Sam Moku, the City plans to build more shelters in the next few months. There would be up to 100 shelter beds available for those experiencing homelessness for however long they need to get back on their feet.
“This will alleviate a lot of the pressure that you see out in our community,” said Moku. “More of these types of shelters that serve that community of mental illness and drug addiction.”
The City and Neighborhood Board said more community reporting will help its service providers stay engaged with the homeless community.
“One of the issues is that these homeless don’t want to come into shelter,” stated Moku. “We’re going to keep on working with them and trying to get them to shelter and get them help no matter what.”