Hawaii still has the highest rate of any state: in 2015 it had 487 homeless for every 100,000 people. Now it's fallen to 457 (6,530 homeless, 1.43 million population).The homeless population across all islands has decreased for the second year in a row, according to Hawaii's annual "Point-in-Time Count."
This tent was pitched across the street.
Volunteers counted 6,530 homeless people statewide. That's 690 fewer people than counted last year.
The largest decrease was on Kauai, where the homeless population fell nearly 29 percent. Maui County had a nearly 3 percent drop, while Hawaii island had a nearly 9 percent drop. Oahu's homeless population fell just over 9 percent.
These statistics don't mean much if the homeless like to camp out near you. Within a half-mile radius of Dad's home are parks, overhead protection (carports, small business awnings, etc.), and proximity to monied Waikiki tourists and Ala Moana shoppers. It's a constant battle: Dad had cameras (including 24-hour monitoring), as well as iron gates, installed, but there continue to be incidents by people who don't much fear getting caught.
When out at night, I walk quickly or jog. I've stopped giving handouts to people who ask, because they'll return. I'm willing to help, but not here. And so is the heart hardened.
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