① The Honeymooner’s Dream, Hawaii
Hawaii is a dream honeymoon destination for couples worldwide. It has long been a favorite spot for newlyweds. The heavenly landscapes of Hawaii are indeed ideal for honeymoon. No matter where you go, you can enjoy the emerald sea; even the sky is stunningly beautiful.
However, the dark side of this dream destination has caught the attention of tourists. It’s hard to imagine the presence of homeless people in a place that feels so lovely everywhere. The sight of homeless people scattered across the beaches can seem strange to visitors.
Hawaii has been known to have the highest rate of homelessness per capita. At one point, the state struggled with a surge in homelessness, causing them a great deal of distress. The issue of homelessness was so severe that they had to declare a state of emergency.
Walking down the street, you can see a long line of tents along the Hawaii coastline. Homeless people used to often stay around Waikiki Beach, but due to complaints from hotels, it became illegal for them to remain on the sides of Waikiki Beach. As a result, the homeless began to set up tents and stay around residential areas.
Homeless people often beg tourists and even pick up their leftover food. They sleep in places like beaches and parks and wander around restaurants to find food. The appearance of homeless people is not pleasant for tourists who have dreamed of a picturesque atmosphere.
Famous tourist spots and streets in Hawaii are all occupied by homeless people. There’s a huge contrast to the scenery that tourists had imagined.
② Increase in Homelessness Due to COVID-19
Hawaii tried to solve the homelessness problem by building rental homes for the homeless. This solution was suggested due to the high cost of housing. However, it was not an easy task. Homeless people would only leave the area when the police were present, only to return later on and continue their lifestyle.
Especially after the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of homeless people in Hawaii has increased even more. Homeless people started to intrude into stores without permission. They have demanded money and food and have behaved aggressively. The newsstands established through Waikiki Beach have become camping sites for the homeless. There was even a phenomenon where homeless people flocked to take over the newsstands.
A significant number of them are regular users of drugs, causing discomfort to residents. As homeless individuals stay in one place for a long time, there is also a situation where various unpleasant odors arise. Fights broke out among the homeless to take over the newsstands, leading to multiple incidents and accidents. As residents’ complaints continued, the city government announced that they would remove all newsstands.
③ The Addition of Drug Problems
The problem of homelessness does not end here. Due to the high rate of drug use, this has become a serious social issue in Hawaii. The sight of homeless people intoxicated with drugs during the day allows us to reconsider the problem of public safety.
Chinatown is mainly known for having many homeless people in Hawaii. There are a lot of homeless people sitting on the streets. On hot days, there are so many homeless people outside that it’s worrying to stay outside. As homeless people flocked to Chinatown, businesses even started to run out.
Homeless people started to threaten people with weapons while on drugs. They wander the streets, illegally set up tents, and live on sidewalks and parks. This can lead to dangerous situations at any moment.
They even inject drugs in parks and leave the syringes anywhere. Parks are meant for families and children, but due to the actions of the homeless, children can’t even play freely in the park. Drug deals frequently occur among the homeless. The police first check for drug possession whenever they find a homeless person.
The police have especially warned against walking alone in places like parks at night. In the past, there was an incident where a homeless person threatened a police officer with a weapon after using drugs. Eventually, the homeless person died at the scene.
The high cost of living and low wages are one of the big reasons behind the high number of homeless people in Hawaii. The cost of living in Hawaii is known to be expensive worldwide. Even locals struggle with the high prices. The rising land prices due to limited land left no place for people without homes. Even employed people were driven onto the streets due to the skyrocketing cost of living.
The situation is getting worse with the influx of homeless immigrants.
By. Eutteum Kwon
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