HONOLULU (AP) - The homeless population across all islands has decreased for the second year in a row, according to Hawaii’s annual “Point-in-Time Count.”
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.
Last year, Oahu was the only island that saw its homeless population increase - by 19 people.
The count was announced at the Father Damien statue at the Hawaii State Capitol. The location was a nod to a commitment from this year’s House and Senate to provide $30 million to establish areas where the homeless can live.
The details have been left to Gov. David Ige’s administration, but the measure authorizes living areas to be created for homeless on state and county lands. Up to three of the zones would be established on Oahu, and one each on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii island.
The results were greatly improved from last year.
In December, federal officials released data from the 2017 nationwide Point-in-Time Count, which showed Hawaii still had the nation’s highest per capita rate of homelessness.
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