Research Log #1 - 

Solutionary Project 2021
 
Date: February 6, 2021 
Name:  Kira Kaopua
Central Question:  What is the root of homelessness in Hawaii?
Thesis: Homelessness in Hawaii is reinforces a systemic injustice in the local economy and government .Hawaii needs to do this, this,
and this, to help those who are homeless.
Essay Sections: 
          #1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits? (Use three sources.)
          #2: What has been and is being done? (Use two sources.)
          #3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do? (Use one source.)
 
 
In which section will you use this source? #1: What is the Problem?

Excerpts:
In the article curated by Lieutenant Governor Josh Green he said, “Hawaii is currently facing one of the worst
homeless epidemics in the country with the highest rate of homeless per capita in the nation.”

The Hawaii Health Data Warehouse while collecting statistics on the rate of homelessness in Hawaii inquired that,
“The most common self-reported primary causes of homelessness by surveyed adults were the inability to pay rent,
job loss, and alcohol/ drug use.”

In an article in The Star Advertiser written by Dan Nakaso, we learn, “45% of Hawaii voters live in homes where
someone is considering moving away or has already left the island typically because of the cost of living, according
to a new poll of voters conducted for Pacific Resource Partnership.”

 
Commentary and Analysis:
  This article proves how the intentions of the government and their goal to cease homelessness is directed on the
wrong path. In this article it is stated that homeless people are in the top 3.16% of medicaid users and consume 61%
of the 2 billion dollar annual budget . This means that the medical attention given to homeless people is unpaid for
and it is cutting into money reserves. Immediately the ignorance of the government was highlighted. Hawaii is a
money driven state, so if they want to save the money spent on taking care of these helpless people living on the
street in need of medical attention they should be paying more attention to the fact that homeless are at the highest
risk catching infections, viruses, and enduring injury due to the lack of safety and security. If there is more money
invested in getting these people off the streets and into a more reliable living situation it would eliminate majority of
the problem of the excessive money spent on homelessness. The root of the excessive money spent on homeless is
specifically the chronic homeless. Chronic homelessness are those who have been homeless for more than 6 months
and and suffer from mental and or physical health conditions. I understand that they are putting effort into trying to
solve this problem, but the faster this is fixed the more attractive our state becomes to tourist therefore increasing
money revenue. If they spend the money on fixing this problem it will essentially pay for itself.

I find this piece of information self evident. In Hawaii a house in a low income area is still substantially greater to
that of the mainlands low income residence. The first reason for the increase of homelessness in Hawaii is inability
to pay rent. A studio apartment located in central Hawaii which is considered a fairly “affordable” is around $1500
compared to the mainland where a studio apartment with the same features and amenities goes for $795 dollars.
This also has to do with the economic status of Hawaii and the reliance on tourism. Being that the rent here is so
high and people are still making minimum wage income the comparison between the two ends with people living on
the streets. The correlation between rent and income is to drastic to uphold. From the data collected majority of the
working class people that live in Hawaii depend on another person to aid them in making the monthly rent payment
or finishing paying off mortgages. Especially during this pandemic job loss is increasing everyday. Due to the
capitalist mindset of this country if you don’t have money you suffer along with the fact, if you can’t keep with
fluctuation of set point of the economy, so many factors go into becoming a competent citizen of Hawaii, and if you
fall short it results in homelessness.

Fifty seven percent of those who voted in the Hawaii Perspective Poll agreed that the state and county
governments needs to invest more in mental health, drug treatment and other programs designed to move the
homeless from public spaces including parks. If you take the psychological approach to this issue people will do
anything to survive, thrive and strive for pleasure and if you put drug usage into the mix it rewires brains to
prioritize the certain substance. It is imperative that issues like this will arise because people seek immediate
pleasure and that is the main function of drugs. But the problem is addictions form and all income is soon poured
into a substances that grant temporary relief and people forget about the long term goals they have, reputations they
have to uphold, and their personal wellbeing. This is where the quality of empathy has to be utilized. These people
are still human beings and as a society, to improve the lives of everyone we need to move forward as a whole. The
government needs to recognize that the people they govern are people and not numbers people have emotions, they
need rehabilitation and guidance back on a better track. Those who suffer from alcohol and drug abuse should not be
deemed incompetent and then forgotten about they need medical professional attention to get back on their feet so
they can get a job and create a life for themselves.

 
MLA Work Cited:

Editors. "2020 Homeless Point In Time Count." Hawaii Health Data Warehouse. Healthy Hawaii Initiative, 16 July
2020. Web.

Editors. "Homeless In Hawaii : Facts and Resources." Homeless In Hawaii : Facts and Resources. 2020. Web. 07
Feb. 2021. <https://ltgov.hawaii.gov/homeless-in-hawaii-facts-and-resources/>.

Dan Nakaso Dnakaso@staradvertiser.com March 14, 2019. "Homelessness, Cost of Living Cited as Major Concerns
in Hawaii." Advertiser. 14 Mar. 2019. Web. 07 Feb. 2021.
<https://www.staradvertiser.com/2019/03/14/hawaii-news/homelessness-cost-of-living-cited-as-major-
concerns-in-hawaii/>.

 
This is a reputable and  reliable  article because these are government published websites, they put extensive effort into collecting
accurate data that must remain accurate or their reputation will become tarnished.

Research Log #2 - Solutionary Project 2021

Date: 2/18/21
Name: Kira Kaopua
Central Question: Who in our state is pushing to make a change in the treatment of homelessness in Hawaii?
Thesis: Homelessness in Hawaii is a systemic injustice in the local economy and government. Hawaii needs to do this give the
issue more attention and support in order to solve the problem and help those who are being affected.
Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits? (Use three sources.)
#2: What has been and is being done? (Use two sources.)
#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do? (Use one source.)
 In which section will you use this source? #2 What has been and is being done?

Excerpts:

In his efforts to solve homelessness in Hawaii Josh Green, while talking to the homeless shelter
Ka Hale A Ke Ola he said, “The shelter is always at capacity, and while the goal is to transition
people into permanent housing within 90 days.”

While he was trying to increase his knowledge about the issue Lieutenant governor Josh Green
found out that, “homeless encampments have emerged from the bushes and have begun showing up
prominently along major thoroughfares and around businesses in downtown Kahului.”

In the article published by the government of Hawaii Josh Green expresses, “Once it's done, it will
be Hawaii Island's first completed Ohana Zone project.”

Commentary and Analysis:

When it comes to homeless and trying to solve the issue most people shy away from it. It is important to
have people like Josh Green in our community because at his respected position he has a greater chance
of making a big change. I find it very commendable that he has sacrificed so much to the issue. According
to the article he has housed majority of the homeless on Maui meaning that he is taking the time to care
for these people and improve their quality of life. He is creating initiatives and shelters that directly
support these homeless people and the results are from these foundations are positive. When you can
visually see the change in the issue it creates motivation for others to do the same due to the comparison
made in other words the before and after. Josh Green has created the opportunity for former homeless to
receive permanent housing and I find that this is one of the most difficult things to do dur to the
overpopulation of our islands. Nevertheless, by seeing direct positive outcomes it gives me incentive that
it is possible to make a change in my community.

From this excerpt I learn that homeless gravitate towards places where there is high foot traffic. In
Kahului Maui there is more homeless near business districts. Along with Oahu we find that many
homeless station themselves downtown and in Waikiki, in both areas there is high foot traffic and daily
population due to tourism and people travelling to work and school. From this I can make the conclusion
that by doing this it is a cry for help. From experience, as I drive to school and see homeless along the
roads and in the parks it creates this great guilt, it hurts to see people in the same community to live like
they do. But it allows me to ask myself why I am I at the economical status that I am. By doing this it
brings me back to the fact about ill distributed health care in Hawaii. If I suffered from drug abuse I
would have the easiest access to psychological help but if I was poor and my parents didn’t have
sufficient jobs psychological help would be a non-factor. This brings us in a full circle back to the issue of
the capitalistic mindset of the NHS (national healthcare system). The wellbeing and health of people
should not equate to compensation in any way.

Josh Green is showing significant progress in absolving homeless in The Big Island. He has created the
Ohana Zone Project which is an initiative to get homeless families into homes and the children in schools
and adults at work. Each island has their own “headquarters” and so far the Big island success rate is at a
high. Knowing this it allows the public to have the peace of mind that something is being done and goals
in terms of helping this less fortunate people are being achieved. Governor Josh Green serves as a great
role model to those who aspire to make a change in society, because he is making measurable, visible
change he is not as some would say “all talk”. He is dedicated to making life’s better and changing the
world in the way he can.

MLA Work Cited:

Hawaii.gov. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN TAKES NEIGHBOR ISLAND

HOMELESSNESS TOUR, 2019, ltgov.hawaii.gov/blog/lieutenant-governor-josh-green-
takes-neighbor-island-homelessness-tour/. 

This is a reputable and reliable article because the website “Hawaii.gov” is a state website that has
direct information from the government and those who are affiliated. Anything but accurate information
is insufficient for them to publish due to the need to uphold a reputation.

Research Log #2 - Solutionary Project 2021

Date: 2/18/21
Name: Kira Kaopua
Central Question: Who in our state is pushing to make a change in the treatment of homelessness in Hawaii?
Thesis: Homelessness in Hawaii is a systemic injustice in the local economy and government. Hawaii needs to do this give the
issue more attention and support in order to solve the problem and help those who are being affected.
Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits? (Use three sources.)
#2: What has been and is being done? (Use two sources.)
#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do? (Use one source.)

In which section will you use this source? #2 What has been and is being done?

Excerpts:

In his efforts to solve homelessness in Hawaii Josh Green, while talking to the homeless shelter
Ka Hale A Ke Ola he said, “The shelter is always at capacity, and while the goal is to transition
people into permanent housing within 90 days.”

While he was trying to increase his knowledge about the issue Lieutenant governor Josh Green
found out that, “homeless encampments have emerged from the bushes and have begun showing up
prominently along major thoroughfares and around businesses in downtown Kahului.”

In the article published by the government of Hawaii Josh Green expresses, “Once it's done, it will
be Hawaii Island's first completed Ohana Zone project.”
Commentary and Analysis:

When it comes to homeless and trying to solve the issue most people shy away from it. It is important to
have people like Josh Green in our community because at his respected position he has a greater chance
of making a big change. I find it very commendable that he has sacrificed so much to the issue. According
to the article he has housed majority of the homeless on Maui meaning that he is taking the time to care
for these people and improve their quality of life. He is creating initiatives and shelters that directly
support these homeless people and the results are from these foundations are positive. When you can
visually see the change in the issue of homelessness it creates motivation for others to do the same due to
the comparison made in other words the before and after. Josh Green has created the opportunity for
former homeless to receive permanent housing and I find that this is one of the most difficult things to do
the overpopulation of our islands. Nevertheless, by seeing direct positive outcomes it gives me incentive
that it is possible to make a change in my community.

From this excerpt I learn that homeless gravitate towards places where there is high foot traffic. In
Kahului, Maui there is more homeless near business districts. Along with Oahu we find that many
homeless station themselves downtown and in Waikiki. Both areas there is high foot traffic and daily
population due to tourism and people travelling to work and school. From this I can make the conclusion
that by doing this it is a cry for help from the homeless. From experience, as I drive to school and see
homeless along the roads and in the parks it creates this great guilt, it hurts to see people in the same
community to live like they do. But it allows me to ask myself why I am I at the economical status that I
am. By doing this it brings me back to the fact about ill-distributed health care in Hawaii. If I suffered
from drug abuse I would have the easiest access to psychological help but if I was poor and my parents
didn’t have sufficient jobs, psychological help would be a non-factor. This brings us in a full circle back
to the issue of the capitalistic mindset of the NHS (national healthcare system). The wellbeing and health
of people should not equate to compensation in any way.

Josh Green is showing significant progress in absolving homeless in The Big Island. He has created the
Ohana Zone Project which is an initiative to get homeless families into homes and the children in schools
and adults at work. Each island has their own “headquarters” and so far the Big island success rate is at a
high. Knowing this it allows the public to have the peace of mind that something is being done and goals
in terms of helping this less fortunate people are being achieved. Governor Josh Green serves as a great
role model to those who aspire to make a change in society, because he is making measurable, visible
change he is not as some would say “all talk”. He is dedicated to making life’s better and changing the
world in the way he can.

MLA Work Cited:

Hawaii.gov. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN TAKES NEIGHBOR ISLAND

HOMELESSNESS TOUR, 2019, ltgov.hawaii.gov/blog/lieutenant-governor-josh-green-
takes-neighbor-island-homelessness-tour/. 
This is a reputable and reliable article because the website “Hawaii.gov” is a state website that has
direct information from the government and those who are affiliated. Anything but accurate information
is insufficient for them to publish due to the need to uphold a reputation.

Research Log #3 - Solutionary Project 2021

Date: 2/18/21
Name: Kira Kaopua
Central Question: What kind of people suffer from homelessness? Why?
Thesis: Homelessness in Hawaii is a systemic injustice in the local economy and government. Hawaii needs to do this give the
issue more attention and support in order to solve the problem and help those who are being affected.
Essay Sections:
#1 What is the problem? What are the systemic causes? Who is hurt and who benefits? (Use three sources.)
#2: What has been and is being done? (Use two sources.)
#3: What do you think should be done and what do you intend to do? (Use one source.)

In which section will you use this source? #1 Who hurts and who benefits?

Excerpts:

While explain the course she took towards homelessness Beck Blanton explained, “ the speed at which I
went from being a talented writer and journalist to being a homeless woman living in a van took my
breath away.”

Becky Blanton was a talented writer who ended up homeless as she tells us her story she said, “ I hadn’t
changed my IQ, my talent, my integrity, my values, everything about me remained the same but I had
changed somehow.”

When Becky Blanton was explaining her story to a friend he said to herthat with work comes hope: “You
have a job, you have hope, the real homeless don’t have hope.”

Commentary and Analysis:

This brought to me a new perspective of homelessness, I often view homelessness as a racial or economic
injustice issue because it often is. In this video Becky Blanton is a skilled writer who became homeless
because of a decline in mental health. This showed me how important it is to take care of ones mental
state. She suffered from depression from her father’s death resulting in a lack of motivation causing her
decline all the way to the state of homelessness. When someone lacks motivation the do not feel the urge
to improve themselves in all aspects of life. We can also see the same array of events with homeless
veterans. They come home from military with many mental disorders due to the trauma they experienced
out at war and they are not able to function properly and create a steadily way of life for themselves and
they too engage in a downward spiral resulting in homelessness. This showed me that mental healthiness
can too cause people to fall into homelessness, and that homelessness is not always forced upon people
because of status and race.
Successful, well put together people are also susceptible to homelessness. Becky Blanton had her life put
together, she a had a good job, companions and everything in her life was on track, but it took one turn of
events to lead her to homelessness. Disregarding addictions and lack of opportunity, ending up homeless
has everything to do with your mentality. Due to her father’s death and depression it brought her into a
self-destructive mentality cause her to constantly doubt herself and forcing herself to live in misery
although she had all the tools to be so much more. Homelessness does not change your personality, but it
does change the person you become. It is psychologically inevitable that you become what you surround
yourself so, as a homeless yet well-functioning person it forces you be surrounded by negativity and
loneliness and those two factors can ruin lives. If you have good morals, are smart, and have integrity all
of those positive attributes can be obliterated by a negative state of mind.

Showing a sense of empathy and being kind to a person who suffers from homelessness can change their
life. In the video Becky Blanton talks to someone who explains to her that she has a homeless mentality
but she is not really homeless. I find the statement that, “homeless don’t have hope,” very true. Hope
propels people to improve because they believe things I’ll get better due to the hope they obtain. This
woman had no hope she felt invisible and as if she equated to nothing. This person instilled hope into the
mind of Becky and pushed her to improve herself and preserved and now had the opportunity to talk on
this prestigious platform to share her story. This is evidence of how one act of kindness can turn someone
life around. Showing empathy to a homeless person makes them feel seen, it makes them feel like they
are more than just “homeless” it gives them a purpose. Achieving purpose is something that everyone
strives for regardless of current status.

MLA Work Cited

Blanton, Becky. “The Year I Was Homeless.” TED, BCG, 2009,

www.ted.com/talks/becky_blanton_the_year_i_was_homeless. 

This is a reputable and reliable article because TED allows experts or real life experience speakers to
share their knowledge and only allow the best and those who deserve recognition to speak on their
platform.