Please allow this comment to document my support for Maui's unsheltered population to receive food, water and social services support as they are open to. We have acknowledged the housing crisis in Maui County, we've all seen the prices for homes and for rentals sky rocket, yet we have not created plans to support those directly affected. Closing Holomua Road and criminalizing homelessness is not the solution, we have learned that through the Amala Place sweeps, it's inhumane, unjust and doesn't solve the problem. We must support these folks in sustaining healthy lifestyles in their own community, wherever that is, as they are part of our community. It's understood that our community is traumatized by our recent wildfires, which will forever affect the way we react to potential fires. That being said, we need to empower each other to ensure our community, including our homes, yards, empty lots, gulches, are free of debris and fire safe. We need access to emergency throughways and safety planning. Fire safety issues are separate from homeless populations. It is known to folks who frequent the Holomua Road to support the community there that the fires were not set by Holomua Road residents, but as we often see in the illegal dumping of cars and household appliances, folks take advantage of these areas as scapegoats. Please carefully consider the need for support services for those affected by the housing crisis, we hope you will make the humane choices for our community members.
Cailin Goodier, Pukalani
Aloha kakahiaka iā ko kakou!
Koʻu ʻinoa ʻO Carol Lee Kamekona.
I am in support of providing a safe place for our houseless on Holomua Rd.
We all live in our little neighborhoods. Where we know who our neighbors are. Whether someone belongs or not in our neighborhood. A gentle wave as we drive by. An unspoken trust with a soft smile. A helping hand with no expectations. Looking out for one another. This to me is what commUNITY is.
Do you ask yourself… “why are there so many homeless camps around Maui?” Thatʻs because each camp is their own community! They watch out for each other. Like those gathered on Holomua Rd or Kahului Harbor or Cut Mountain to name a few.
We need to do better for our houseless! We need to provide a safe place (whether in cars or tents) for them to sleep similar to Puʻuhonua o Nene. Thatʻs where having a managed encampment (puʻuhonua) in each district would help mitigate our houseless situation. If tailored correctly, I believe it could also serve as a transitional facility into more permanent housing.
Speaking on Holomua Rd, there are several in our community that have been doing outreach. Providing food, water and basic necessities. These are the people that should be consulted on how to “better” living conditions and what services would be warranted.
Advocates for our houseless population know all too well that “Sweeps”, conducted by the County or State, are meaningless and serves no end. Itʻs despicable, demeaning and degrading! With no alternative, darn tootinʻ theyʻll return in a week or two. Itʻs Just Geography!
In closing, I would ask this Council to consider what action would you want to see taken should a member of your Ohana be among our houseless population?!?
Please allow this comment to document my support for Maui's unsheltered population to receive food, water and social services support as they are open to. We have acknowledged the housing crisis in Maui County, we've all seen the prices for homes and for rentals sky rocket, yet we have not created plans to support those directly affected. Closing Holomua Road and criminalizing homelessness is not the solution, we have learned that through the Amala Place sweeps, it's inhumane, unjust and doesn't solve the problem. We must support these folks in sustaining healthy lifestyles in their own community, wherever that is, as they are part of our community. It's understood that our community is traumatized by our recent wildfires, which will forever affect the way we react to potential fires. That being said, we need to empower each other to ensure our community, including our homes, yards, empty lots, gulches, are free of debris and fire safe. We need access to emergency throughways and safety planning. Fire safety issues are separate from homeless populations. It is known to folks who frequent the Holomua Road to support the community there that the fires were not set by Holomua Road residents, but as we often see in the illegal dumping of cars and household appliances, folks take advantage of these areas as scapegoats. Please carefully consider the need for support services for those affected by the housing crisis, we hope you will make the humane choices for our community members.
Cailin Goodier, Pukalani
Aloha kakahiaka iā ko kakou!
Koʻu ʻinoa ʻO Carol Lee Kamekona.
I am in support of providing a safe place for our houseless on Holomua Rd.
We all live in our little neighborhoods. Where we know who our neighbors are. Whether someone belongs or not in our neighborhood. A gentle wave as we drive by. An unspoken trust with a soft smile. A helping hand with no expectations. Looking out for one another. This to me is what commUNITY is.
Do you ask yourself… “why are there so many homeless camps around Maui?” Thatʻs because each camp is their own community! They watch out for each other. Like those gathered on Holomua Rd or Kahului Harbor or Cut Mountain to name a few.
We need to do better for our houseless! We need to provide a safe place (whether in cars or tents) for them to sleep similar to Puʻuhonua o Nene. Thatʻs where having a managed encampment (puʻuhonua) in each district would help mitigate our houseless situation. If tailored correctly, I believe it could also serve as a transitional facility into more permanent housing.
Speaking on Holomua Rd, there are several in our community that have been doing outreach. Providing food, water and basic necessities. These are the people that should be consulted on how to “better” living conditions and what services would be warranted.
Advocates for our houseless population know all too well that “Sweeps”, conducted by the County or State, are meaningless and serves no end. Itʻs despicable, demeaning and degrading! With no alternative, darn tootinʻ theyʻll return in a week or two. Itʻs Just Geography!
In closing, I would ask this Council to consider what action would you want to see taken should a member of your Ohana be among our houseless population?!?
Mahalo! 💜