For many tourists, Hawaii is the land of laidback beach escapades and worry-free vacations. For most of its locals, however, the situation is an altogether different story. The 50th state's alarming homelessness crisis has gotten so severe that Governor David Ige was forced to declare a state of emergency last Friday.
According to Hawaii's official press release, the proclamation will enable the state to allocate funds, specifically $1.3 million, towards the facilitation of the construction of temporary shelters for homeless families, as well as other programs that will promote immediate housing.
"Despite the recent success of enforcement efforts in the Kaka'ako Makai area, homelessness remains a serious issue in every county throughout the state. We plan to replicate the Kaka'ako model as we work to address homelessness in communities across the state," Gov. David Ige said in the statement.
According to Scott Morishige, Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness, Hawaii has the highest rate of homelessness per capita in the entire country, with an estimated 465 homeless individuals for every 100,000.
The juxtoposition of its bustling tourist scene against the increasing number of locals living in tents couldn't be any sadder. Business Insider reported that in June 2013 alone, more than 700,000 people partied at the "Aloha State" and spent $1.3 billion. But hidden behind its world-class resorts are some of the island's largest homeless encampments.
Some believe that low wages and soaring real estate prices are to blame. According to PayScale.com, the cost of living in Hawaii is about 65 percent higher than the national average. This includes costs for groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and health care. Wages are not significantly higher than other states, making it difficult for locals to buy their own property.
Hopefully, with Gov. Ige's state of emergency declaration, Hawaii took a step closer to solving this viscious problem. "The lesson learned is that great things can be accomplished when we all work together," he added on the press release.
