So many homeless
So many homeless
I love Hilo. I spent 11 years on the mainland and am happy to be back in the islands. But I’m not happy to see how much the homeless population has grown.
Where did they come from? Why isn’t there a shelter for them? Why won’t they go back where they came from?
I can’t sympathize with people sitting around, holding signs, begging for money and food. I consider them an eyesore and a disgrace to the aina. I came home with very little, but I wouldn’t have returned if I didn’t think I could make it. I now have a full-time job and a rental apartment.
Sleeping in a doorway is shameful and a sign of low self-esteem.
It has been suggested that I not help the homeless or they’ll never get on their feet. I agree. I also wonder what will become of these people in the midst of the Trump administration. What’ll they do if social services are taken away?
Many people are struggling to make ends meet in Hawaii. We don’t have extra money to give to people for their drug, alcohol and nicotine addictions. They need to take responsibility for their lives.
Hilo is still a wonderful place. I’m proud to live here and know it is the best place I’ve ever lived. The city is a mecca of great food, art and diversified cultures. When I lived on the mainland, I would mention growing up in Hawaii and people would practically swoon. Do you know mainlanders dream of visiting the islands all their lives? I would like to offer them more than seeing drunks face down on sidewalks.
We all need to kokua to find solutions to the homeless problem in Hilo. After all, this is our home.
L. Jackson
Hilo
There’s a process
News for state Sen. Russell Ruderman: Mr. Graham Ellis is an illegal alien.
You are a lawmaker advocating unlawful behavior. There is a legal process to become a U.S. citizen. My father did it, as have millions of others.
There is a process for changing the immigration law as well. In the current time of increased lawlessness, we need the laws of the land upheld, not undermined or ignored by the government!
Ted Orssten
Pahoa