Opinions on this matter?

[Wao nahele kane]

Several years back, I realized I'd rather work in surf shop for peanuts here rather than continue working a 6 figure career on the mainland. So I can fully sympathise with homeless people prefering to live here. I don't regret that decision even today.

[Johnd]

This is a country with a Constitution that names personal pursuit of happiness as one of its tenets. In addition, this is the United States where people have the right to move where ever they chose to move. Are we going to deny American citizens entry to Hawaii? Do we expect them to show a bank statement? We know fully well why so many folk from the mainland do not get hired here, so let's don't pretend, shall we. I have seen for over 30 years people come here with a dream and all their savings, and leave after trying hard to get a job with nothing on their back. I have known RN's and LPN's with way more experience and qualifications than some others who beat them to the game just because they are the right color. And golly, we all know how much we need good medical staff at the Hilo Medical Center.

Are poor people not entitled to see the sunset in Waikiki? Why are they so different than the lazy mothers we have here living for generations on benefits paid for by the American taxpayer? this is the USA and if someone for some obscure reason does not subscribe to that concept perhaps they are out of place. We are a compassionate nation, a Christian nation and a nation of many different religious persuations, all who believe that there is something greater than ourselves, and who mandates us to be compassionate with each other.

jdo

[Guest]

Well written Johnd, at least most of it. See mothers or women with children aren't necessarily any more lazy than the inheritance holders or retired county, state, or government X employee. Your writing can be a bit offensive at times yet your intentions seem very positive so I am left a bit confused. Maybe you just don't like women in general or maybe you have yet to realize your own existence comes from someone who sacrificed some of lives pleasures or wonders by staying home. (lazy)?
Now as for our homeless situation, its not getting any better and it does effect us all. Some of the diseases and or illnesses carried by our homeless shouldn't have to be spread to the keiki or healthy. Staph is terrible right now in town, maybe up to 30 % or 1 out of 4 carry it around town right now. Hep C is also bad and I have found needles at our pools, parks, and beaches. Saw homeless pissing on the library wall over the weekend and another homeless sleeping behind luquins with his private part in hand. These are not good signs for our keiki of tomorrow.

[punalvr]

As an active member of society, with degrees on Sociology, Psychology, and a Master's on Neuro-Psychology, I can tell you this people are suffering from Mental issues. Not to mention that most of them are ex veterans, with severe Post Traumatic stress disorder.

While in San Diego, I had fund raisers, at my home, And had truck loads of food delivered to them, with letters of appreciation from the Mayor and the food bank.

They need our help, not our judgment. Yes, some are just drug addicted fellows, but then, they do need our help to be rehabilitated.

I did this for almost ten years.

I stopped when I came to Hawaii.

Services should be centered on rehab, provide them with a sense of pride, not put them down, but encourage them to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. That is what they need.

That's what we should do as a community.

In some ways they do not want our pity, or our help, since they have been isolated, and ignored for so long.

Life is Aloha.. And helping the less fortunate, has enriched my soul in a way you can not imagine....

Just share your blessings. and it will be returned to you ten fold.

JMHO


punalvr

[bananahead]

Many of these so called 'homeless' are homeless by choice ie WWOOFERS from families with $$.. and some travel the world constantly... one 20something gal I know has been to India, New Zealand, Belize, burningman, Puna, Haiku, and back home to Marin NorCal 2x... all this same year... and still legally qualifies for $330/month in ebt when here in Hawaii... eating all the expensive healthfood her 110 lb frame can handle. She comes Back here just to renew ebt at times because Hawaii offers far more ebt $ than most states.

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save our indigenous and endemic Hawaiian Plants... learn about them, grow them, and plant them on your property, ....instead of all that invasive non-native garbage I see in most yards... aloha

[Wao nahele kane]

How often have you seen kindness that is actually nothing more than enabling? Enabling comes in many forms and today has become the social services paradigm. People think that they are helping when in fact they are only enabling other situations.

ETA - The problem isn't assistance, it's how that assistance is applied and structured.

[snorkle]

I have drafted a plan to solve our island's homeless problem; and have submitted it to the Mayor for his consideration.

Dealing with the Homeless,
by snorkle;

In a nutshell, Mobilize them! Dedicate a County Bus, possibly the big double Decker, and give them free rides around the island, 24/7. With an occasional stop at a liqueur store and restroom, our homeless population would be kept happy, rested and out of sight for extended periods of time; And isn't "out of sight" what people really want?

This approach would also save the County a lot of money by laying off most of those social worker types that drain our coffers. All that we'd need is a driver; In fact, there's a good chance that one of the "Lay-abouts" may have a Commercial drivers license, and volunteer to drive free. There may even be a homeless person with training in the avoidance of IED's and other road hazards.

This is a win win, believe me.

[Punatic007]

I agree they need professional help and thanks to Reagan the USA does not have sufficient mental facilities to house them. Mentally ill on the street pose a health and safety risk for everyone.

The next stage down the tier would be those who could work, but choose to be bums and mooch off society as homeless. There is something fundamentally wrong with anyone who is able bodied yet chooses to live off welfare including food stamps. Healthy minded individuals have pride and would not feel comfortable taking from a pot that is there for those truly in need such as children who have lost a provider parent, the truly disabled and seniors.

The welfare system originally set up for Native Hawaiians was deemed unconstitutional and since then has attracted those who would abuse it for decades. I'm not sure why we haven't revised it by now. Too many people think food stamps are an entitlement forgetting or not choosing to do their homework to see that the money comes from hard working people. Even people who work 2 jobs to make ends meet ironically.

Emotionally healthy folk do not enjoy receiving welfare of any sort. At times it is a great safety net but never as a way of life for the able bodied.

Those of undesirable character should not be enabled by our tax dollars.

[Tink]

A pretty radical revision would be since the check comes from the gov, do the "whiz quiz" and if you pass, you get your check. Part of the urinalysis is to determine what substance abuse is evident, get them the proper counseling and all would get job training as part of receiving a dollar from the government, since you are an employee of the government by way your income comes from. Exceptions to the rule would be the mentally unstable, but at least the County has "tabs" on them to get the help they need, and single mothers, but again, a "whiz quiz" so that the additional money per child goes to the childs needs instead of the habit.

Community begins with Aloha

[MattKarma]

quote:

---

Originally posted by snorkle

I have drafted a plan to solve our island's homeless problem; and have submitted it to the Mayor for his consideration.

Dealing with the Homeless,
by snorkle;

In a nutshell, Mobilize them! Dedicate a County Bus, possibly the big double Decker, and give them free rides around the island, 24/7. With an occasional stop at a liqueur store and restroom, our homeless population would be kept happy, rested and out of sight for extended periods of time; And isn't "out of sight" what people really want?

This approach would also save the County a lot of money by laying off most of those social worker types that drain our coffers. All that we'd need is a driver; In fact, there's a good chance that one of the "Lay-abouts" may have a Commercial drivers license, and volunteer to drive free. There may even be a homeless person with training in the avoidance of IED's and other road hazards.

This is a win win, believe me.

---

lol