Homeless Population Explodes in Hawaii

According to government data, Hawaii has a homeless population of 487 out of every 100,000 person, the highest number per capita in the United States, reports ABC News. The rise in homelessness stems from such factors as high costs and low-wage jobs. Around 40 percent of homeless people in Hawaii have part-time jobs, and the rate of homelessness among families skyrocketed 46 percent from 2014 to 2015. The problem caused Governor David Ige to declare a state of emergency as the state struggles to shelter so many people.

According to government data, Hawaii has a homeless population of 487 out of every 100,000 person, the highest number per capita in the United States, reports ABC News. The rise in homelessness stems from such factors as high costs and low-wage jobs. Around 40 percent of homeless people in Hawaii have part-time jobs, and the rate of homelessness among families skyrocketed 46 percent from 2014 to 2015. The problem caused Governor David Ige to declare a state of emergency as the state struggles to shelter so many people.

Working class Hawaiians are at a disadvantage because of the island’s high standard of living. Hawaii is an expensive place due to its detachment from the mainland, high taxes and higher import costs. Expenses such as gas, electricity and housing are traditionally three times pricier than the mainland. However, housing is the primary factor that many people struggle with, as the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Hawaii is $1800 a month.

Housing Problems

Officials spend an average of $15,000 a week to get rid of homeless camps to satisfy complaints from hotels and other service chains, but many of the downtrodden found themselves unwelcome as they began moving into neighborhoods. People without a home found themselves with nowhere to go as shelters fill to capacity. Roughly, 30 percent of transients require public assistance, but many end up on waiting lists where it can take years to get into affordable housing. In response to the crisis, the state plans to spend at least $16.8 million in public services, and officials plan to raise $32 million in bonds to fund housing projects. The housing dilemma is dire to the point where the government will rely on shipping containers to house as many people as possible. Even if the housing projects gave shelter to people struggling to get on their feet, Hawaii still has another 30 percent of homeless people who suffer from drug and mental health issues that prevent them from functioning in society, and changes in health services exacerbated the problem.

Homeless Composition

Data from homeless shelters reveals that 30 percent of the homeless are native Hawaiians, 26 percent white and 27 percent Micronesian or Pacific Islander. The influx of Micronesians derives from an agreement between Hawaii and the U.S. government, allowing migrants to take advantage of certain services and opportunities, but some native Hawaiians complain they are being left behind. On the other hand, Micronesians have complained of rampant discrimination, and they are flocking to an island with stagnant wage growth and limited resources, prompting economic and societal tensions.

Missing Links

While the government tries to tackle the issue of homelessness, no one has truly delved into the issues of boosting wage growth and expanding the economy. Further, more housing units will help to lower housing prices, but many residents complain that such a move would bring congested traffic and block scenic views. Nevertheless, more housing projects are inevitable as the status quo grows unsustainable, and Hawaii still has a chance to enrich its diverse economy to benefit the population. Hawaii may seem like a tourist-only destination, but the state also relies on manufacturing, agriculture and the service sector as major sources of income.