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HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii is conducting its first point-in-time count since 2024, and volunteers are fanning out across the state to gauge the homelessness problem in the Islands.
The point-in-time count aims to provide a one-time snapshot of people in shelters and on the streets, beaches or other places that are not meant for habitation. Oahu’s survey began at 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, and is expected to wrap up around 11 a.m.
“We used to do it every year, but we had decided here on Oahu that we would mirror our partners on the neighbor island, and so they chose to skip 2025,” said U.S. Vets Waianae executive director Tanya Brown. “We used to do it every year, but we had decided here on Oahu that we would mirror our partners on the neighbor island, and so they chose to skip 2025. If it’s not in alignment with that, it’s probably more.”
Oahu volunteers complete their count in one day while efforts on the Big Island continue through the week. HOPE Services Hawaii highlighted the ongoing challenge of finding affordable housing.
“When we get people housed, they stay housed at a much higher rate than the national average,” said HOPE Services Hawaii Community Relations director Kristen Alice. “But there’s only so much affordable housing available, right?”
West Oahu lawmakers suggested a return to a yearly count in the Islands and said there has at least been temporary progress on the Waianae Coast.
“Definitely, significant change in a positive way from a year ago. However, until we find a permanent solution, permanent housing for homeless individuals, we’re just going to — it’s going to be a revolving door,” said Sen. Samantha DeCorte. “I think we’re yet to identify accurate numbers in the point-in-time count.”
The purpose of the count is to gather data, but every individual who is surveyed has their own story that might be more relatable than one would think.
“I’ll never forget my first point-in-time count. I met a woman who was fleeing domestic violence, and if one small thing had changed in my life, it could have been me,” Alice said, “it could be you.”
The full report — including trends and demographics — is expected by June to guide funding and find potential solutions to the ongoing housing crisis in Hawaii.