Report on Addressing Homelessness on Public Trust Lands in Hawai‘i

Introduction

On October 14, 2022, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) of Hawai‘i released a statement addressing the challenges of homelessness on public trust lands, specifically focusing on Sand Island State Recreation Area in Honolulu. This report highlights the ongoing issues, management efforts, and future plans, emphasizing alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Background and Current Situation

Sand Island State Recreation Area, O‘ahu’s only urban state park, is divided into two sections:

1. A groomed area with permitted camping, day-use sites, softball fields, and comfort stations.
2. An undeveloped urban wilderness used traditionally by fishermen and canoe clubs.

The increasing homeless population has adversely affected the park’s accessibility and safety, causing concerns including:

• Presence of loose dogs and frequent fights.
• Reduction in recreational use by residents and visitors.
• Accumulation of rubbish and illegal campsites.

DLNR’s Division of State Parks Administrator, Curt Cottrell, noted the social complexities and the challenge of balancing public land use with homelessness issues.

Management and Clean-up Efforts

Collaborative Approach

DLNR conducts several homeless camp clean-ups annually in partnership with service providers such as the Institute for Human Services (I.H.S.), Hawai‘i Health and Harm Reduction Center, and the City and County of Honolulu’s TEAM Work Hawai‘i program. These efforts include:

• Providing advance notice (1-2 weeks) to occupants.
• Outreach to connect individuals with case management, medical services, and benefits (e.g., SNAP).
• Offering assistance with obtaining identification and vital documents.

Clean-up Operations

Following outreach, contractors remove belongings left behind and store them for 30 days for owner retrieval. Challenges include:

• High costs of clean-ups, with $200,000 budgeted in 2022, insufficient to cover needs.
• Continuous generation of rubbish impacting park maintenance and improvements.

Challenges and Social Implications

• Homelessness is not illegal, complicating enforcement on public lands.
• Many individuals refuse housing offers, preferring campsites as safe spaces.
• Vandalism and theft affect nearby community assets such as BMX tracks.
• Daily sweeps require significant resources including staff, law enforcement, and social workers.

Scott Morishige, Governor’s Office Homelessness Coordinator, emphasized the complexity of homelessness and the need for balanced enforcement and supportive services.

Future Plans and Community Engagement

DLNR aims to “activate” the shoreline to enhance public use and deter re-establishment of camps. Proposed initiatives include:

• Reopening and supporting BMX tracks.
• Conducting mass clean-ups of nearshore waters.
• Partnering with canoe clubs to increase recreational activities.
• Implementing regular patrols and community involvement.

State Representative Daniel Holt highlighted the necessity for both short-term and long-term solutions to revitalize the park.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 1: No Poverty – Efforts to connect homeless individuals with housing, social services, and benefits aim to reduce poverty and improve living conditions.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Providing access to medical services and harm reduction supports the health of vulnerable populations.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Managing public lands to balance recreational use and social challenges promotes inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban environments.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Protecting natural and cultural resources on public trust lands ensures conservation and sustainable use.

Conclusion

The DLNR continues to address homelessness on public trust lands through coordinated clean-ups, outreach, and partnerships, while recognizing the complexity of the issue. The department calls for community support in reporting crimes and participating in park use to help restore and maintain these valuable public spaces. The situation is likened to solving a Rubik’s cube, requiring persistent, multifaceted efforts to achieve lasting solutions.

Resources

• Video Feature: Addressing Homelessness on Public Trust Lands

Media Contact

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Email: dan.dennison@hawaii.gov

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • The article discusses homelessness and the challenges faced by the houseless population on public trust lands, directly relating to poverty alleviation.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Reference to health and harm reduction services, medical services, and assistance with vital documents indicates a focus on improving health and well-being of homeless individuals.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The article addresses urban park management, public space usage, and the impact of homelessness on community safety and recreational access.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Issues of law enforcement, trespassing, and community safety are discussed, relating to peaceful and inclusive societies.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Collaboration among DLNR, service providers, City and County of Honolulu, and other organizations shows partnership efforts to address homelessness.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified in the Article

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.4: Ensure equal rights to economic resources, access to basic services, and ownership of land and property.
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of people living in poverty in all its dimensions.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.3: End epidemics of communicable diseases and address substance abuse.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 1

   • Number of homeless individuals accessing housing or shelter services.
   • Proportion of homeless population connected to social services.

2. Indicators Related to SDG 3

   • Number of homeless individuals receiving medical and harm reduction services.
   • Access to identification and benefits such as SNAP among homeless individuals.

3. Indicators Related to SDG 11

   • Number and frequency of clean-up operations on public lands.
   • Usage rates of public parks and recreational areas by community members.
   • Incidence of crime or misconduct in public parks.

4. Indicators Related to SDG 16

   • Number of trespass citations issued.
   • Reports of criminal acts and community safety incidents.

5. Indicators Related to SDG 17

   • Number of partnerships and coordinated efforts between government agencies and service providers.
   • Funding amounts allocated for clean-ups and homelessness services.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dlnr.hawaii.gov