“Homelessness On The Rise In Wai’anae”

News Release from Rep Andria Tupola, June 28, 2018

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI  – Representative Andria Tupola actively participated in the annual Point in Time Homeless count this year, and worked closely with Kealahou West to provide resources and volunteers during the 4-5 day process in January 2017 and 2018.  She is very active with shelters and homeless agencies throughout the Wai’anae Coast and expressed concern about the city administration’s approach and the need for clarification and a more collaborative community-centered approach.

“Although there have been statements made that statewide average of homelessness is down, this is clearly not the case in Wai’anae,” said Representative Tupola.  “We’ve seen a rise in homelessness on the coast, and the city policy to relocate the homeless from town to Wai’anae is NOT a solution to the problem.”

On May 16, three vehicles transported homeless individuals from Chinatown to the Waianae Civic Center as reported by the executive director of the city’s housing office.  On June 13, the director used a city van to take two people and their dog to the Waianae Civic Center during outreach efforts in Ala Moana Park, Waikiki and Old Stadium Park.   Despite statements made about the statewide average of homeless individuals decreasing, the 2018 Point in Time Homeless Count showed that there has been an increase of 17.6% in homeless individuals on the Waianae Coast over the past year.

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