Help our veterans
Help our veterans
My name is Olivia Halemano and I attend Hilo High School. There is a topic that I would like to ask for your help with.
The amount of homeless people in Hawaii has grown to 7,921 since 2015. In my research, I have found that more than half of them are unsheltered. On the Big Island, we have 1,934 of those people who are probably living out on the streets, wondering where their next meal will be and turning to drugs for comfort.
Throughout my life, I have come across many types of homeless people, but none of the those I have had conversations with struck me as people who did not want a change. They, however, do have a problem with living spaces.
People are aware of their situations and don’t need to be told about it; they need things to be done. Out there, people most likely feel like the government has done them wrong or doesn’t care about them.
I propose that we make a homeless shelter for our people who have served our country in Hilo. Many of those who come back from war end up on the street and are denied access to shelters because of illnesses they have. This is a shame.
Moreover, we need a place not just for them but for anyone with these problems. In Hilo, we only have two places and one is a women’s rehab shelter. So why can we not build one for our homeless veterans?
They need a place to ease their minds. A place where they can find others who have been in their shoes — people with the same understanding who will not overanalyze the situation and give them a hard time — a place where they also can receive counseling and medical help.
We need to get these men and women off the streets. We need a place for them in Hilo.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and I hope you will be willing to help.
Olivia Halemano
Hilo
Mahalo, police
This is a letter of gratitude to the Hawaii Police Department, where gratitude is due grandly for your service, your leadership, your protection, your correction and instruction.
Yes! You are making a dandy difference in our city as a result of your interactions with us — one person at a time being taught.
Effectuating law and order is a basic foundation for a sane and safe society. Thanks a million for performing this challenging assignment with courage. It’s priceless! Without the police, where would we be?
Theresa Goodall
Hilo