Homelessness in Hawaii is growing at an alarming rate, with more individuals and families being pushed into unstable living conditions every year. Experts across public service, outreach, and law enforcement point to rising costs, a lack of affordable housing, and system-wide gaps as key drivers of this ongoing crisis.
“The current state of homelessness in Honolulu remains a major challenge,” said Auger, the Executive Director at the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Housing. “We’re seeing a rise in elderly homelessness and more working families seeking shelter.” His observations point to a troubling shift—homelessness is no longer limited to any single demographic.
Housing prices continue to climb while wages remain stagnant, creating an increasingly unaffordable reality for many residents. Michele Mossman, the Broker in Charge at Coldwell Banker Realty, explains, “As property values and rental prices climb, people with limited incomes are increasingly unable to afford stable housing. This forces many into overcrowded living conditions, temporary shelters, or even homelessness when no affordable options remain.”
This affordability gap leaves many one emergency away from losing their homes. Mossman adds, “Housing affordability is a root cause of homelessness. When people can’t afford a place to live, they are vulnerable to losing their housing altogether. Everyone deserves a safe, stable home.”
Efforts are being made to provide support through a more connected care system. Wolfson, Partners In Care Coordinated Entry System Team Manager, describes a coordinated strategy to improve access. “Our homeless services system uses a ‘no-wrong door’ approach, meaning that anyone can access coordinated entry through any access point, like emergency shelters, outreach teams, or medical centers.” Still, Wolfson emphasizes that this is not just a logistical issue but a societal one. “Homelessness is rooted in systemic gaps, not personal failure. It’s a crisis requiring coordinated, long-term investment in housing, healthcare, and support services.”
Meanwhile, law enforcement remains on the frontlines of visible homelessness, managing encampments and public safety. Sergeant Rakieten explains, “The difficulty of getting the homeless into shelters or treatment programs causes the number of our homeless population to swell.” He adds, “We give a day’s notice on the SPO website about where we are going, and if compliance is not heeded by the occupants of the encampment, HPD will go in and enforce all applicable laws and store property as needed.”
The complexity of Hawaii’s homelessness crisis demands more than temporary solutions. While shelters, outreach programs, and law enforcement interventions provide short-term relief, experts agree that lasting change requires systemic reform. Investment in affordable housing, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and living-wage jobs is an essential part of the solution. Without addressing the root causes, such as the state’s high cost of living, lack of accessible health services, and economic inequality, efforts will continue to fall short. Long-term progress hinges on coordinated policy initiatives, sustained public funding, and a commitment to treating homelessness not just as a housing issue but as a human rights challenge that calls for compassion and comprehensive action.
As Auger emphasized, “Everyone deserves dignity, and we all have a role in creating solutions.” Ending homelessness will not happen overnight, but through a unified community effort—across government, nonprofits, and everyday citizens—Hawaii can move toward a future where everyone has a place to call home.
