March'26
Representative Joe Gedeon recently hosted a “Let’s Talk Story” community meeting to bring residents together for an open and informative discussion on homelessness in Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i Kai Community Report: Talk Story on Homelessness
Representative Joe Gedeon recently hosted a “Let’s Talk Story” community meeting to bring residents together for an open and informative discussion on homelessness in Hawai‘i.
The conversation centered on a coordinated, statewide effort to move individuals out of homelessness and into stable housing, while also strengthening the support systems that help people stay housed long-term.
Jun Yang, the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness, outlined the state’s broader strategy, which is built around what he described as a “housing ladder.” The goal is to move people into stable housing as quickly as possible, rather than allowing them to remain unsheltered for extended periods. A cornerstone of this effort is Governor Green’s Kauhale Initiative—tiny home villages designed to provide safe, structured environments for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. These communities are grounded in the belief that “housing is healthcare,” meaning that when people have stability, they are less likely to rely on emergency rooms and crisis services. There are currently about two dozen of these projects in various stages of development across the state, with an ambitious goal of cutting unsheltered homelessness in half.
From the nonprofit sector, Keali‘i Kane Gray of the River of Life Mission shared how her organization is taking a more personal, relationship-based approach. Rather than operating from a single location, they have built a network of 73 partner sites—many of them churches—across O‘ahu. Through this “hub model,” they served nearly 189,000 meals last year. But the meals are only the beginning. These interactions create opportunities to build trust, which can then open the door to deeper support, including treatment, recovery programs, and long-term housing pathways. Their “Road to Redemption” initiative reflects this philosophy of meeting people where they are and walking alongside them toward stability.
Castro Masaniai of the Institute of Human Services (IHS) emphasized that addressing homelessness requires much more than providing shelter. IHS offers a wide range of services, including medical respite care, behavioral health support, and case management. One of their unique programs, “Return to Home,” helps reconnect individuals with family or support systems on the mainland when appropriate. Outreach teams cover a large portion of O‘ahu—from the airport to Sandy Beach—actively working to connect individuals with services and helping them obtain essential documents like IDs and birth certificates, which are often critical first steps toward securing housing. Importantly, IHS outreach teams are also available as a resource for individuals currently experiencing homelessness who are seeking help and don’t know where to start.
Public safety and mental health were also key parts of the discussion. Officer Corbin Matsumoto introduced the Honolulu Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), a specialized unit focused on responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Rather than relying on traditional enforcement, CIT officers are trained in de-escalation and empathy, aiming to stabilize situations safely and respectfully. They also use tools such as involuntary evaluations for individuals in immediate danger and court-ordered treatment plans to help people stay consistent with necessary care.
A strong theme throughout the evening was that the community plays an important role in this effort. Residents were encouraged to approach the issue with compassion—simple acts like acknowledging someone or taking a moment to talk story can help restore a sense of dignity and connection. When encountering someone in a mental health crisis, calling 911 and specifically requesting a CIT officer ensures a more appropriate response. For larger encampment concerns, residents can contact the Department of Community Services, while also helping connect individuals to resources like River of Life Mission hubs or IHS outreach teams.
