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KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER
(808) 768-5001 (808) 768-1217 (fax)
E-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02/28/19
Councilmember Pine’s Statement on Preliminary Oahu Point in Time Count
Homelessness is one of our most vexing and long-standing public health and safety issues.
Despite multiple state emergency declarations, the passage of new laws, increased public focus and new funding over the last three years, we see no visible change in the population.
The latest point in time count indicates a 12 percent increase in our unsheltered population at a time when our communities are struggling to manage encampments that line our public streets, sidewalks and parks.
It is our responsibility to enforce the existing laws and strike a balance between helping those who seek social services and a path forward and those who abuse our system and would rather sleep outside. What we cannot do, is what we’ve been doing, because clearly, it is not working.
In September 2017, the city auditor revealed that the city and state lack coordination and a comprehensive plan with measurable performance benchmarks to address homelessness.
As we start work on the City budget, we must work with the state on a coordinated, comprehensive plan, to address homelessness.
The plan should focus on the development of affordable housing, the implementation of Ohana zones with wrap around social services and targeted, consistent enforcement of existing laws.
Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine represents residents of District One (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko ʻOlina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua)
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OahuPICStatement022819.doc
