“Business leaders described the atmosphere as a fundamental threat to the tourist-based economy.”
“But these days, the homeless who had crowded large parts of this city are, to a considerable extent, gone.”
“The change came after Honolulu responded with force to what the governor described as a state of emergency, passing tough criminal laws aimed at ridding sidewalks, streets and parks of the homeless. At the same time, the city sent teams of social workers out to help the homeless move into shelters. And the tourist industry put up money to cover airfare for homeless people who had come from the mainland and who said they were ready to go home.”
“Many of these people actually have part-time or even full-time work -- they just can't afford the insane housing costs. But hobo life in Hawaii isn't as simple as sticking your bindle in some patch of sand: Different parts of the island are "open" at different times, making life one big game of musical chairs.”
“I keep losing everything. They steal everything. That's the part that's getting me."
In 2015 Wahiwa had a growing problem of homelessness related crimes. Since then homelessness has gone down and it does not affect the community nearly as much as it did before.
Because of the harsh laws and strictness of the government especially in touristy areas, more and more homeless people are looking elsewhere to find refuge.
