Homeless problem
Homeless problem
In recent months, I have seen an increase in the homeless in the downtown Hilo area. Maybe it is because I have been in the area more because of work. But the homeless I am focusing on are those with behavioral problems, mental illness and substance abuse, or in most cases, all of the above.
My concerns are the safety and security of those who work and patrons of the area. Another concern is the image of our town. What brought much attention to the area was the murder of a woman on Kamehameha Avenue. Many merchants in the area, as well as myself, see new faces every week! Where are they coming from?
The problems these people cause are verbal and physical assaults, vandalism, urinating and defecating in public (health and sanitation), petty to felony crimes such as shoplifting, theft and burglary, trespassing and, of course, drug sales and purchases.
I also will add conning and scamming — trying to trade or sell EBT/TANF benefits for cash. They also go around begging/panhandling for cash to buy food, but the majority of the time we all know they want the cash to purchase cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. This is factual, because in many cases, if you offer to buy them food they will deny the offer or make an excuse.
Many are really bold. They will come right up to you and ask if you have drugs to sell. Not only marijuana or crack, but prescription drugs. Myself and others close to me have had experiences with such people. Some have medication for their illnesses, but too often they refuse to take it, along with the help some agencies provide. Some do not have their “meds” because they traded or sold it.
Too often they cause trouble and the police are called, but nothing is done. If they are picked up by the police, they are out and back to doing what they were doing the next day. Apparently, there is a law that generally says that they cannot be put into an institution or kept separated because they have civil rights and must be kept in the general population, unless they admit themselves.
It is similar to our public schools where special education students are not to be separated into a special class. They have a right to be in the general population and receive the same educational opportunities. But oftentimes this takes away from the “normal” students because the disruptive behavior takes the time and attention away from the other students. But that is another subject.
These particular homeless are a nuisance and a threat to many, and we have nowhere to put them. They also are not able to receive help with their illness or problems because doctors, hospitals or health programs decline to treat them without medical insurance. Medicaid or Medicare programs reimburse caregivers a little more than 50 percent of their expenses. So it is not cost-effective for them to treat these people.
They continue to be on the streets costing businesses, residents and visitors money to clean up after them, not to mention the public resources such as police and fire who have to deal with them when called.
Our Hawaii County Council and the state Legislature need to address this soon before it gets even worse. We see more violent crime nowadays. Look at the rampant auto thefts and home invasions. The word will get around and we might become a “undesirable” destination.
Look at the image of Honolulu! I warn friends and visitors to the area to be very cautious. Hilo is not the same Hilo from 10 years ago. So instead of wasting time trying to ban plastic bags, raise cigarette purchasing age, charging to throw trash, roundabouts, building a walking trail in Bayfront, etc., look at the pressing issues our community is facing. Start working on our image problem. Apparently, Hilo is a very desirable destination for these people.
Cary Tahara
Hilo