Concerns about rise in homelessness
I am composing this message to convey my profound worry on the startling increase in homelessness in our beautiful town of Hilo. We must all pay quick attention to and take action in response to this growing situation.
Hawaii’s distinctive and beautiful scenery frequently conceals the harsh reality that an increasing number of people live in unstable homes. The increase in homelessness has an effect on our communities as a whole, in addition to endangering the lives and well-being of people who experience it.
People from many walks of life, including families and veterans, are having difficulty finding assistance and a place to live due to the high cost of living in paradise.
While there are many contributing elements to this crisis, some of the more obvious ones include the high cost of living, the scarcity of reasonably priced housing, and the dearth of comprehensive assistance for addiction and mental health.
We cannot continue to allow this to continue as a community. We must push for policies that will provide affordable housing, mental health care, addiction treatment and other helpful programs that can assist individuals in getting back on their feet.
Furthermore, it’s imperative that we cultivate empathy in our communities. Myths and stereotypes about the homeless only serve to exacerbate the issue. Rather, let us collaborate to create a nurturing atmosphere where individuals who are facing homelessness can obtain the assistance and materials they require.
Every person who lives on these islands should uphold the aloha spirit that makes Hawaii unique. Together, let’s identify problems, back sensible legislation and build a better future for our state.
Addressing the increase in homelessness in Hawaii and working toward a more equitable society is our kuleana, or obligation.
K. Boteilho
Hilo
Army training area poses a fire hazard
Mahalo for the Nov. 5 Tribune-Herald article about fire hazards on the Big Island. But I haven’t seen any fire assessment or in-depth look at having a live-fire bombing and shelling military base in the center of our island, which is a very windy and dry area. How about an article on that?
How many fires were started by Pohakuloa Training Area in the last 25 years?
Just one year before the Lahaina fire, a fire that started in Pohakuloa burned 20,000 acres, including land outside the base. Instead of calling it the Pohakuloa fire, it was called the Leilani fire. Deception or what?
And given all the toxins used at Pohakuloa, including depleted uranium, what toxins are blowing in the wind and smoke off Pohakuloa?
Do any officials know and care? Hawaii Dr. Lorrin Pang, who spent and 24 years in the Army Medical Corps, said Pohakuloa should be ringed 360 degrees for a full year with proper air filters to know what’s coming off the base.
In 2008, after depleted uranium was confirmed to have been used at PTA, the County Council passed Resolution 639-08 by a vote of 8-1. It called for eight actions, including comprehensive independent testing and monitoring.
To date, none of the eight actions called for in that resolution have been done. Why?
Jim Albertini
Kurtistown