Homelessness in Hawaii is growing at an alarming rate, with more individuals and families being pushed into unstable living conditions every year. Experts across public service, outreach, and law enforcement point to rising costs, a lack of affordable housing, and system-wide gaps as key drivers of this ongoing crisis.
“The current state of homelessness in Honolulu remains a major challenge,” said Auger, the Executive Director at the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Housing. “We’re seeing a rise in elderly homelessness and more working families seeking shelter.” His observations point to a troubling shift—homelessness is no longer limited to any single demographic.
Housing prices continue to climb while wages remain stagnant, creating an increasingly unaffordable reality for many residents. Michele Mossman, the Broker in Charge at Coldwell Banker Realty, explains, “As property values and rental prices climb, people with limited incomes are increasingly unable to afford stable housing. This forces many into overcrowded living conditions, temporary shelters, or even homelessness when no affordable options remain.”…