Kaneohe Neighborhood Board Meeting Touches On Needs And Challenges Of The Homeless

The annual count of Hawaii’s homeless has concluded. As we await the results, our community continues to deal with the needs and challenges of this vulnerable population.

During our January meeting, the chairwoman of our Homelessness Committee, Deborah Collins, noted that there is a one-stop service for those seeking help for homeless people. 

The service, which is operated by Aloha United Way, can be reached in multiple ways:

By calling 2-1-1.

By texting 877-275-6569.

By using the United Way website to send an e-mail, live-chat or explore a list of services.

Ms. Collins said that for improper behavior involving homeless individuals, residents should call 9-1-1.

The Board also discussed possible remedies for problems with homeless people setting up camps and harassing transit users at bus shelters.

Board Member Warren Ditch asked what the city can do to redesign shelters so they are less attractive for camping. He mentioned replacing benches with stools that can’t be used for sleeping.

A representative of City Councilman Ikaika Anderson told the Board that his office was open to asking the Department of Transportation Services about the idea.

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