homeless

Recent headlines saying outreach workers would not be out on the streets counting homeless people this month raised some eyebrows. The Conversation talked to Partners In Care Director Laura Thielen to learn more.

This week, following a big news conference Monday about fireworks enforcement, we learned that Jordan Lowe, the director of the Department of Law Enforcement, stepped down. HPR talked with Gov. Josh Green on Thursday morning.

A new kauhale called Alana Ola Pono opened in Iwilei, along the edge of Chinatown in Honolulu. Kauhale are tiny home villages that the state hopes will get those experiencing homelessness off the street and into housing.

The unsheltered community of Maui’s Holomua Road is making changes for the better. Once lined with piled-up rubbish, the road is now cleaner thanks to regular community cleanups by residents and volunteers. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol has the story.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that municipalities can enforce sit-lie and camping ordinances against homeless people, even if there aren't enough shelter beds available. HPR's Ashley Mizuo shares how this decision marks a significant shift in how cities can implement regulations.

Some of the measures highlighted in the bill-signing ceremony seek to improve the long-term care and recovery for people with substance abuse, mental health issues and those who are homeless. HPR's Mark Ladao reports on the upcoming changes.

The Lēʻahi Behavioral and Medical Respite facility near Diamond Head offers emergency housing, medical care and substance abuse treatment to homeless individuals, even to those without health insurance. The city is covering the cost of those services via funding from the state.

The latest Point-in-Time Count found that Hawaiʻi Island takes the lead in state efforts to reduce the homeless population. The report showed a 28% decrease on the island between 2023 and 2024. County officials said "unprecedented" government support for homeless services and affordable housing led to the improvement. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

According to this year's Point in Time Count, the amount of people experiencing homelessness increased by about 12%. For those unsheltered, the increase was higher at 17%. Throughout one day in January, volunteers surveyed Oʻahu's homeless population. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on the latest data.

Oʻahu homeless numbers are up by 12% over last year — about the same as in 2018, according to the annual Point in Time Count. Gov. Josh Green talked with The Conversation on Thursday morning about the long view in tackling the homeless and housing crisis.