Governor’s Office Denies Reported Plan to Move Encampment

Hawaii News Now reports that state and city have reached agreement regarding homeless camp in Kakaako.

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Hawaii News Now reported Monday that Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell have agreed to move the residents of Kakaako’s growing homeless encampment to a “safe zone” elsewhere.

The TV station cited anonymous sources, but Ige spokeswoman Jodi Leong said the report isn’t true.

“The governor is still exploring all options and ideas as he and various stakeholders work on a plan to address the homeless situation in Kakaako,” she said via text late Monday night. “It would be premature to comment on the ongoing discussions until there is a concrete plan.”

Homeless tents along Ohe Street in Kakaako fronting condominium skyline. 3 july 2015. photograph by Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Homeless tents along Ohe Street in Kakaako on July 3.

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

The TV station reported that Caldwell and Ige agreed on a plan Friday and that the move could happen within the next month.

Rising crime, such as the recent assault on state Rep. Tom Brower, are reportedly part of the motivation for moving the encampment, HNN reported.

Click here to read the full report from Hawaii News Now.

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