During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to enhance community services aimed at addressing homelessness and mental health issues in Hawaii. Director Lusk highlighted the establishment of a new initiative, the Stepping Up Initiative, which encourages counties to collaborate in improving public safety and rehabilitation services. This initiative aims to divert individuals struggling with homelessness and mental health challenges away from the criminal justice system and into supportive community services.

Lusk also shared insights from the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, which trains police officers to handle mental health crises effectively. She presented success stories, including instances where officers successfully de-escalated potentially life-threatening situations. One notable example involved Sergeant Corbin, who, after receiving CIT training, was able to save lives by effectively communicating with individuals in crisis.

Council members expressed interest in expanding the CIT program and improving collaboration between law enforcement and community service providers. They emphasized the importance of communication and information sharing to better serve individuals in need. Lusk noted that the previous community outreach unit within the Honolulu Police Department had been disbanded, which hindered collaborative efforts. She advocated for reinstating such initiatives to enhance coordination between police and service providers.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue fostering dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders to address the pressing issues of homelessness and mental health in the community. The officials plan to hold further discussions and invite key participants from the CIT program to future public safety hearings to explore these initiatives in greater detail.