KC3 Draft

The Other Side of Paradise - Helping Out Hawaii's Homeless

Hawaii is very known for it's breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, massive waves, a rich variety of flowers, and many more. Here in Hawaii, tourism is the top industry in our economy. With all of these necessities, there are also some downfalls. Hawaii's homeless rate is growing and growing year by year. As of January 2010, there were 4,171 homeless - a 15% increase from the previous year. In the mean time, state officials are also comping up with great plans to help out the homeless - from flying them out to helping them become sustainable to buy and live in a new home. Some of these plans may seem upscale, but how will the state come up with that much money?

Many of Hawaii's homeless tend to be either lifetime or long-time residents in Hawaii. 40.7% of the homeless population has lived on the islands for their entire lifetime. 53%, more than half, were lifetime residents or people who have lived here for 20+ years. And about 3.3% have only lived in Hawaii for a year or less.

There are homeless shelters, homeless help centers, etc. everywhere! Some of Honolulu's homeless are drawn to the Waikiki Care-A-Van drop in site, wanting to get themselves off the street. 50-60 people drop by a day - from singles and couples to old and young. On Oahu, social services are provided to support the islands homeless population, including food stamps and other welfare programs.

One of the proposals that came up was to prove tickets for the homeless to the mainland, creating a tent city in a less visible state and to provide some affordable housing. The program is called  Another proposal was to fly the homeless to states where they have family, saving Hawaii money on welfare services but yet adding to other states' social services spending. If the proposal is approved, programs, such as a program called "Return-to-Home", to fly homeless out of Oahu won't begin for a while. It is estimated that for this plan to come through, it will cost Hawaii tax-payers $30,000 to $35,000, while in reality, a plane ticket can cost $400 or less. However, flying homeless people out will still keep them homeless elsewhere.. just not in Hawaii.

Meanwhile, if the proposal to fly homeless out of Hawaii is being approved, a more immediate project is to relocate the beach dwellers to campgrounds with some amenities and services provided by the state and not-for-profits.

Yet, some are concerned that continuing to provide services and set up camps will continue to draw homeless to Hawaii, being afraid that some may misuse the program to take a new vacation in Hawaii. Some suggest focusing on improving support programs that get people jobs and homes.

Hawaiis beaches are more hospitable than the streets in Chinatown. Every beach you go, or more appropriate, EVERYWHERE you go, there are always homeless residing there. These ideas may seem great leaving you with positive hopes, and some may seem dull leaving you with questions and doubts. But if all of these ideas take place, will the state have enough money?