West Side community divided over effectiveness of Kauhale

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The State continues looking for ways to help houseless populations across the island, more recently on the west side.

“There’s a lot of homelessness,” stated John Mizuno, Statewide Homelessness & Housing Solutions Director. “The two hot spots on Oahu would be West Side and the Downtown, Chinatown, Iwilei area.”

Potential solutions like communal living or, Kauhale, have become increasingly controversial. Councilmember Andria Tupola believes funds should go toward existing Kauhale rather than being allocated toward building new ones.

“Get [kauhale] up to code, get them the infrastructure they need, help the people who already live there make sure that people are transitioning into permanent housing,” said Tupola. “People are suggesting Band-Aid solutions of us just doing something quick to try to solve this.”

According to Mizuno, funds are needed to help thousands of other homeless individuals who need a roof over their heads.

“Anyone who is homeless, they’ve gone through trauma and housing is the most powerful medicine,” said Mizuno.

Others are concerned lands zoned for those who are 50% or more Native Hawaiian will not be available.

“The issue you’re going to run into is that if you’re going to build Kauhale and then it is not deemed for people who qualify under the definition of a native point beneficiary, you’re going to upset hundreds and thousands of folks who are being bypassed on the way,” said House Representative Darius Kila.

Mizuno addressed these concerns reassuring communities on the West Side that if the state did plan on building any Kauhale, it would only be for West Side people.

“It wouldn’t make sense to build a Kauhale and have somebody from the mainland come in,” said Mizuno.