Response to idea
for Hilo’s homeless
Michael Mamczarz’s “Idea for downtown Hilo homeless” (Your Views, Oct. 22) is a pie-in-the-sky idea that is thoughtful and well-described. But, unfortunately, it’s basically impossible given that even the detained have rights to refuse medication or long-term housing.
Merit incentives are at best punitive, and probably illegal, and having someone “sit on a chair all day” is absurd and again probably illegal. Daily exercise as stated could be refused, as would any classes. How many 90-day stints do you propose?
It’s all about the money. Many programs have been proposed and have even made law by the state Legislature — but without any consideration for enforcement or how to pay for the people to not only administer, but provide guidance on what seems to be a 24-hour service. The plan was just added to the state’s Adult Mental Health Division, which has been so underfunded for at least the past 30 years.
Everyone who reads your “Homeless Intervention Detention Plan” and has been active in the mental health arena would love to see folks get help, but you can’t go about it in the way you describe. The bridging between the “county public safety officers” and the “state Judiciary” have no path for this to happen.
The state has tried for years to try to offer tickets to the mainland, but again, it never goes anywhere for long. Without long-term assistance, housing, case management and treatment past the 90-day incarceration, a revolving door would happen (and has).
We live in a society that says we want to take care of those who can’t take care of themselves, and because of that, there is going to be abuse by those looking for a free ride. I hate to say it, but that’s the cost of protecting those who really need it.
You want to help? Advocate with your state senator for the Adult Mental Health Division for the necessary funding to provide services.
Big Island Substance Abuse Council is another strained organization. Homeless shelters and many other organizations need cash to make the difference. It’s going to get worse if token amounts of cash are given to these organizations.
Ask anyone working in the field. We are currently not even “putting a Band-Aid” on the situation.
A. Gary Gardner
Hilo
