A pressing concern for the Hawaiian Homes Commission emerged during their recent meeting, as officials highlighted the alarming number of homeless Native Hawaiians. With over 8,000 residential units in their program, the commission is taking significant steps to address this crisis through innovative housing solutions.

One of the key proposals discussed involves the introduction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and standalone dwelling units (SDUs) within existing homesteads. This initiative aims to alleviate overcrowding and provide more housing options for families, particularly those facing homelessness. The commission emphasized that many individuals in these situations are not choosing to leave their homesteads but are forced to abandon them due to inadequate living conditions.

To combat this issue, the commission has allocated approximately $3 million in their budget to support homeless shelters and related initiatives. Additionally, they are collaborating with the state’s homeless czar and various county initiatives to create a comprehensive approach to the problem. The commission is also considering utilizing part of a $20 million state allocation for Kauhale projects to incentivize the construction of these Ohana units, which are designed to foster family support and community involvement.

The commission believes that empowering families to provide housing for their relatives not only addresses homelessness but also strengthens community ties. By focusing on permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes, such as the Kauhale setups, the commission aims to create a sustainable model for housing that includes necessary support services.

As the commission moves forward, they are committed to working closely with community groups and exploring additional funding opportunities to ensure that the needs of homeless Native Hawaiians are met effectively. The urgency of this initiative reflects a broader commitment to improving living conditions and fostering a sense of belonging within the Hawaiian community.