Homeless

Gov. Josh Green spoke to The Conversation on Thursday morning about this emergency situation, vaccine exemptions in schools, and the resignation of John Mizuno, who led the state's homelessness initiatives.

With funding set to run out at the end of 2026, Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering a bill that would make the project permanent. To learn more, The Conversation sat down with representatives from The Institute for Human Services.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi feels a sense of urgency in his second term and this new year to tackle the state's homeless and housing crisis. The Conversation spoke with Blangiardi on Wednesday morning about the new addition to his cabinet, plus efforts to finalize the Oʻahu landfill site.

House Bill 1486 states that loitering within 20 feet of a bus stop will be considered a disorderly conduct offense. The bill allows law enforcement officers to immediately remove anyone who violates this order.

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.