Ige Extends Homelessness Proclamation

Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s extension of the state of emergency for homelessness allows the state to build housing faster.

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Hawaii Gov. David Ige extended the state’s emergency homelessness proclamation for the fourth time Friday since he declared a state of emergency for homelessness last October.

Hawaii is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis and surveys taken last year showed the state has the highest rate of homelessness in the nation.

The proclamation temporarily suspends laws that delay the state’s efforts to build housing projects for homeless people, according to a press release from the governor’s office emailed Friday.

Governor David Ige press conference DC trip4
Gov. David Ige speaks at a press conference in his office. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

“Extending the proclamation will continue the momentum,” said Scott Morishige, who serves as Ige’s homelessness coordinator, in the press release.

The projects underway include three developments in Waianae, Makiki, and Chinatown that make up a total of 52 units. A fourth 32-unit project is moving forward in Kona, Hawaii County.

There were 7,620 homeless people in Hawaii last year, according to the latest available data.

The proclamation will automatically terminate in 60 days, the press release said.

Click here to read Friday’s proclamation.

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