GOVERNOR EXPANDS HOMELESS RESPONSE EFFORTS

News Release from Office of the Governor December 24, 2015

HONOLULU — Gov. David Y. Ige today signed a second supplemental proclamation that allows the state to continue its coordinated efforts with the counties to provide emergency shelter, long-term housing and services to those without homes.

“We are continuing to work closely with the counties to focus on specific services that we know will move people toward permanent housing. Whether it is emergency shelter or wrap-around social services, the programs supported by this action are needed to ensure that our community members who are without homes can get the help they need,” said Gov. Ige.

The supplemental proclamation is extended by 60 days to support the following specific efforts:

Kaua‘i County – Temporary Houseless and Assessment Shelter. This facility will serve as a safe and central place for homeless individuals to receive wraparound social services and assessment, as well as meals, laundry assistance and hygiene services. It will accommodate up to 20 individuals per day.

Maui County – Pu‘uhonua in Kahalui, Wailuku and Lahaina. Each Pu‘uhonua (Sanctuary) will offer modular units, which will be placed on property located near existing emergency or transitional homeless shelter. The three Pu‘uhonua are estimated to serve 192 individuals total, an estimated number of 64 per site.

Hawai‘i County – Micro-Unit Housing. A micro-unit housing project in West Hawai‘i is anticipated to provide permanent housing for up to 32 individuals. Social services will be coordinated by an on-site facility manager.

City & County of Honolulu – Longer-term Housing Options for the Homeless. Up to six long-term housing projects are being contemplated by the City & County. The projects will range from temporary housing projects (up to six years) to permanent housing, and will be targeted specifically to homeless individuals or homeless families. The sites will be geographically distributed throughout the island.

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