Hawaii Senate Bill SR214

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Relocate, With Dignity, The Homeless Encampments From The Waianae Small Boat Harbor And Provide A Timeline For Removal.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution could lead to a significant change in how homelessness is managed in public spaces across Hawaii, particularly in coastal areas. By emphasizing the need for a dignified relocation, it encourages a more humanitarian approach to addressing homelessness, focusing on the welfare of those affected while also protecting public facilities. The DLNR is tasked with not only relocating the encampments but also providing a timeline for the execution of this plan, which indicates a structured response to a pressing social issue.

Summary

Senate Resolution 214 requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to relocate homeless encampments from the Waianae Small Boat Harbor in Hawaii with dignity. The resolution highlights the significance of the harbor as a public resource for the residents of West Oahu and addresses concerns regarding the presence of homeless individuals in the area, which has reportedly led to property damage and accessibility issues for boaters.

Contention

While the resolution seeks to balance public access to the harbor with the rights and needs of homeless individuals, there may arise contention regarding the effectiveness of such relocations. Critics could argue that simply relocating encampments does not address the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing and mental health support. Moreover, if the relocation is not handled properly, it may lead to further issues in other areas, sparking debates over accountability and ongoing support for those displaced by such actions.