Kenoi: ‘No Plans’ For Homeless Sweeps

The Hawaii County mayor is taking a different approach than state and Honolulu officials.

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Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi said Monday that no homeless sweeps are planned on the Big Island, even though that has been the policy on Oahu.

“We know that it will take all of us working together to address the challenge of homelessness,” Kenoi said in a written statement, as reported by the Big Island newspapers and the Associated Press. “Our administration will continue to work collaboratively with Governor Ige and his team, state agencies, and our local and statewide organizations to care for our community together.”

A yearly point-in-time homeless survey earlier this year counted 1,241 homeless people on Hawaii Island, “a sharp increase from the 869 tallied in 2014 and more than twice the 2013 total of 557.”

Kenoi’s approach is in contrast to Gov. David Ige’s announcement Monday that the state will start clearing out new homeless encampments at Kewalo Basin Park and Kakaako Waterfront Park.

Families move their personal belongings on carts along Ahui Street as city workers sweep on Ilalo Street on Oct. 8.
Families move their personal belongings on carts along Ahui Street as city workers sweep on Ilalo Street on Oct. 8. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

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