GOVERNOR IGE SIGNS SUPPLEMENTAL PROCLAMATION AS HOMELESS POPULATION GROWS IN KAKA‘AKO WATERFRONT PARK

News Release from Office of the Governor, October 26, 2015

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today signed a supplemental proclamation that paves the way for coordinated outreach efforts by service providers and the enforcement of park rules.

Since Gov. Ige signed the Oct. 16 emergency proclamation that was specifically tailored and time-limited to meet specific needs across the state – service providers say 130 homeless individuals have relocated to Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park and Kewalo Basin Park. An estimated 90 individuals (two-thirds) are now at Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park and an estimated 40 individuals (one-third) are now at Kewalo Basin Park.

This population has consistently been offered shelter and services during the continued outreach in the area. Since Oct. 16th, 11 additional individuals from Kaka‘ako have been placed in shelters or permanent housing. However, despite multiple efforts, many individuals decline help.

Homeless campers are violating park rules on closure times. The supplemental proclamation supports a coordinated response that includes continued education of the homeless population regarding the availability of services and compassionate relocation efforts.

There is no additional funding connected to this supplemental proclamation. The governor signed the Oct. 16 emergency proclamation after state agencies identified $1.3 in funding to be allocated to existing homelessness programs that promote permanent housing. (A breakdown is attached to this email).

Enforcement of park closure hours is set to begin as early as November 12th. Over the next two weeks, the state will make every effort to inform and educate the homeless population through outreach by sheriff’s deputies, Hawai‘i Community Development Association staff and service providers who will canvass the parks and provide notices of park closure times and enforcement. Additional signage detailing park closure hours will also be posted.

The state continues to monitor the availability of shelter space as it prepares to enforce closure hours at Kewalo Basin and Kaka‘ako Waterfront Parks.

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