Hawaii County has taken proactive steps to address the growing homelessness issue in its urban centers by setting up a temporary encampment in downtown Hilo, as the region prepares for an upcoming inspection of the city's storm drain system by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The encampment, which consists of 20 tents placed on a county-managed lot along Ponahawai Street, aims to provide immediate shelter for the houseless individuals who were previously residing in the soon-to-be-inspected storm drains.
The site, which is set to serve as a temporary solution until a 25-bed Salvation Army shelter opens next door on Ponahawai Street in August, is referred to as a "temporary resting area" – a label that denotes both the transient nature of this solution and the government's intention to safeguard the dignity of its residents during the transition. According to a statement obtained by Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Mayor Mitch Roth emphasized the initiative as "a critical measure to ensure the safety and well-being of our unsheltered community members."
Residents of the temporary shelter have expressed gratitude for the support provided by the county. "Really, really grateful to have shelter, you know, and not have to be moving around and not have to worry about anything being stolen," Sonja Costello told Island News in an interview, highlighting the relief felt by many who are now benefiting from a more stable environment.
Local businesses, though supportive of efforts to aid the homeless population, have raised concerns over the potential for increased disturbances as a result of the site's proximity. Taylor Coons, owner of Nalu Builds Design Center, shared with Hawaii Tribune-Herald her experiences with calling the police on multiple occasions due to altercations. However, with additional supervision anticipated at the new site, stakeholders hope for a reduction in such incidents.
Furthermore, this temporary arrangement serves as an opportunity for the houseless community to receive immediate assistance from service providers. Maurice Messina, the Director of the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation, detailed to Island News, "People are in here, and they're asking for help. The housing office is able to get somebody down right then and there to help them provide the services." The county has also established park rules at the site to maintain order, prohibiting activities such as gambling, drinking, and drug use.
Hawaii County's Office of Housing and Community Development made the temporary shelter possible through funding from the Homelessness and Housing Fund, as stated to Island News. The fund dedicates 75% of tier two property tax revenues annually to combat homelessness and housing challenges on Hawaii Island through 2027.
