Why are there so many homeless in Hawaii? 

Also outrageous housing cost, and low wages

well said!

I recently lost my home and vehicle then proceeded to have a nervous breakdown! Nothing to do with drugs or alcohol. I am petrified of this, If it were not for an old friend and family I could not survive on Kauai. I’m a veteran and senior and soon realized with fear that this can happen to anyone, anywhere. I had to leave the islands behind for lack affordable housing. I’m now having cultural shock in the Midwest. Be safe out there and remember that not all of the newly houseless, homeless want to be there. Paradise lost 🌺

Makes sense

My respect for you went WAY UP for the courage of conviction you showed in this video, Peter. You proved that you are not someone who just says what you think your audience wants to hear.

My heart goes out to these people. When I lived in Kona we saw many and it would break my heart. Sometimes we are so quick to judge. I catch myself sometimes too. I find it hard to believe anyone wants to live like that.

I haven't seen one mention of the horrific ice problem causing homelessness

I was in the first of the three groups you mention, I have a job and a place now. But it took me four years to get there, not six months. Cost of living, lack of job opportunities once you're on the street, and the ridiculously low minimum wage in Hawaii are the primary problems facing homeless. Period.

Locking people up in asylums was a cruel and horrible situation in the past and isolating anyone should only be used if they are a danger to others. Most people with mental illness are not dangerous, especially with proper treatment. We do need treatment centers as well as assisted living homes as most will need ongoing treatment and community support, especially those without family to rely on. We also need laws changed so they can get the treatment they need. Our laws prevent even family members from intervening to help someone in distress. We now have this problem because in the past, there were bad people who would falsely accuse someone of mental illness to lock them up against their will which of course we do not want to happen. But common sense clearly shows our current system is broken as well.

Coz of the weather they are all from the mainland. They will drive away some tourism if they are not careful

Agree 100 percent. Facts and truth are sometimes hard to hear but necessary to discuss so we can move forward. I deal with these individuals at work often and can tell you that your spot on

Hi, Peter! I agree with you. I also believe people who choose to be homeless, rather be homeless in a warm climate tropical place, than to be in a cold place. I know that's what I would do, if I was homeless. Good video. I like your videos. Thanks for sharing.

best place to be to be homeless because of the weather and the beach you can go to you're still going to have a job but you're just not going to be able to afford a place to live so you're going to have to live in your car or somewhere else in a tent somewhere but if you if you have a career or a job or anything they don't pay you enough so you're going to be homeless you might as well be in Hawaii or California

I'm homeless and I agree....

my belief is that the people who ‘want to be vagrants’ most likely have unresolved trauma, or substance addiction, and could use a lot of love, compassion, empathy, and aloha. we are all in this together. there are really no such thing as “homeless people”, we are all just people. some people are experiencing houselessness at this time. it may sound like just wording, but i think it makes a big difference. calling someone a ‘homeless person’ seems to be dehumanizing and “othering”.

You seem like a nice man who cares about people . Be blessed and safe . I pray for us all . Miss . Linda ❤

Tim West a realtor on Maui shows homes in Lahaina that look so small being priced for $650,000 plus. And Condos in Kihei for $650,000 to 1,000,000 . Just one and two bedroom 1,000 sq ft. 😢

Love your point of views. Very true and you hit the nail right on the head

I’ve been to Maui many times to visit and stay in Kihei for a couple weeks. It is more crowded and more people laying around on cardboard along ocean parks.😯

So many homeless in Hawaii, because it’s so darn expensive, pushing them onto the streets.

Hey Peter, these are some pretty good takes. Why would you think you'd get in trouble??

I like your analysis of the situation. I'm a new subscriber. ❤️🙂👍

Paradise?🤔⛸️🤫🤫🤫

Peter, PLEASE check this out...NYC SECRETLY EXPORTING HOMELESS TO HAWAII...

Such astute observations. Thank you for addressing homelessness in Hawaii. The group with mental health problems is the most heartbreaking. Not long ago I made a similar comment regarding homeless in Austin, Texas: that is a measure of our character as to how we approach these human concerns.

On the mainland, the biggest problem that makes people homeless is mostly 2 fold, Cheap Meth and people who don't mind shelters, food hand-outs, etc- which is a direct reflection of America's prosperity. See, 100 years ago, if you didn't work, you might end up dying, lol. That isn't the case anymore. I've been homeless my whole life, more or less, so I know exactly what I'm talking about. Why spend 8 hours a day working when you can go spange for some change, fill a bubble, and do whatever you want. (I don't do drugs and have always hated these types of people- I've been employed most of the times I've been homeless)

Very well said.

The open drug market and weather conditions being ideal for outdoor life. The high cost of living and low minimum wage.

dude: outrageous housing cost, low wages, debt

The bank tells me I can’t afford a $900 mortgage, so ended up paying $1700 a month for an apartment.

Since I lived on Oahu in the 1980's housing costs have quadrupled. Has income quadrupled? The "middle class" are squeezed out. a helluva dilemma.

I feel bad for them

New York just got caught paying tickets to homeless people to ship them there. They did'nt choose: they where exiled!

Well said. It is a hot topic, and I wish we could find a solution that can stay working and finally get everyone help.

Sounds just like Florida

Hawaii is a beautiful place , you got a lot of rich people coming there renting property buying up Hawaii property, They fair market housing!!! This is just my opinion!! Why would the cost of living go up, when the jobs aren’t paying high wages !

Housing is not cheap, food may be

Our government don't care, of course we the tax payers always flipping the bill. Politicians only care about there families and friends only . Everyone else 2nd citizen. I don't see any politician in my life who had a big enough heart to really fix this problem. It's all about themselves and money. We vote for these politicians to represent the people but it doesn't work out that way because of personal interests. It's all about money, None of them cares about street struggles and mental illness. Going through the motions only.

Hawaii politicians did this and mainland send homeless here too

Drugs are a huge problem.

WHY SO MANY HOMELESS IN HAWAII? EVIDENTLY NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE "NO VAGRANCY LAW" THAT THE MAINLAND U.S. HAS ON THEIR OWN HOMELESS IN 2011 WHEN I USE TO LIVE IN AUSTIN TEXAS I RAN INTO THIS HOMELESS GUY THAT I KNEW WAY BEFORE HE BECAME HOMELESS IN EARLY 2000 AND HE ASKED ME IF I EVER HEARD OF THE "NO VAGRANCY LAW" THAT ALMOST EVERY MAINLAND STATES ARE MAKING TO MOVE THEIR OWN HOMELESS OUT TO HAWAII, IT PISSED ME OFF TO HEAR THAT THOSE STATES INCLUDING TEXAS ARE PASSING OFF THEIR PROBLEMS TO SOMEONE ELSE TO TAKE CARE OF AND THE PEOPLE THAT RUNS THIS STATE AREN'T DOING JACK LET ALONE SHIT ABOUT WE HAVE OUR OWN HOMELESS TO TAKE CARE OF FIRST THE GOVERNOR AND THE MAYOR SHOULD PUT UP A TEMPORARY "NO VAGRANCY LAW" TYPE OF THING AND THESE MAINLAND HOMELESS BACK TO THEIR OWN HOME STATE AND TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN AND IF WE HAVE ENOUGH MONEY LEFTOVER AND RESOURCES THEN MAYBE WE CAN HELP THOSE OTHER BUT UNTIL THEN THE MAINLAND HOMELESS NEEDS TO GO BACK TO THEIR OWN HOME STATE.

Clearly a spiritual old soul would have no problem living in a high vibe place like HI... my astrocartography indicates it be optimal for me too. 3D people would naturally struggle there.

city needs to build tent cities to keep people out of the elements ,provide at least 2 square meals a day, showers, sanition, ready access to medical and social help.

One other thing, I've seen beach people living and showering in public parks, fishing & sharing what they catch or find. I saw it on Hanalei Beach. One man lived neatly in a van, with all his clean gear hanging inside or in boxes. I met him while fishing in the Hanalei river. We are invited to share a BBQ with them right in the park. We brought some food and spent the evening with them. In Paradise, you can live on the land. What's wrong with that? That's what he wanted. He may have been a moocher, or perhaps living on a small check, I didn't ask.

The median price of a home?

We have mental hospitals, right where our capitol stands.

the systems of society produce homeless, homeless of all types aren't the problem

Same problem here in San Diego. All are addicted most are mentally ill. These social parasites are eating us alive.

Pretty much on target: temporary money problems, ill people, and moochers. eliminate the moocher support, and apply it to ill vagrants. No more taxes needed.

I went to Waikiki in 2010 with my daughter. The tourist areas r gorgeous. Hawaii is a beautiful tourist trap. Hawaii has always been for the wealthy! Gentrification has taken over. Mortgages and rents r high all over. The locals have trouble paying their bills. The homeless problem is everywhere.

Historical research is necessary to pinpoint the changes that led to the homeless crisis in America. Did local people and governments around the US make poor decisions that led to this result or can this phenomenon be traced to one or more mistakes at the national level?

Peter, every time I come up with another question for you, a video surfaces, and I appreciate your honesty. You tell us about the real Hawaii. You, my good man, are an incredible part of the RU-vid community. Thanks for your words!! (and great views and scenery from the Rylo 😁)

Do a video of your opinion on veterans in Kapolei

On contributing almost no one ever seems to discuss when discussing homelessness in Hawaii is the weather. When you have that kind of beautiful weather all year long, even with a tent you are probably quite comfortable. Compare that to being homeless in Montreal in the middle of winter when it's 15-degree weather.

Atascadero was a good place i did 3 years there. We need a dozen more like it...

Your absolutely correct on your 1/3 theory. Worked with homeless for years. The problem with the mentally ill is that they have advocates that demand you leave them alone.

Also do a video about the hazard of mold growth and seeing cockroaches all the time. It doesn’t faze me but to some people they just don’t understand that those critters are in every home.

1.5 million is the average price of a home on Oahu. I live on the big island. Waaay cheaper.

What cam/mic are you using?

cause it's a nice place to live, be nice to the homelesses peter

Hi Peter, I share similar opinion. My country (New Zealand) in the last 10 years has started having this problem more and more. It's always been there but now it's becoming more visual to the public. I think due to the weather in Hawaii it makes it way easier to live on the street as opposed to other places around the world. My wife and I only gift food to select homeless when we are holidaying in this wonderful (but sometimes sad) place.

Spot on with your views. It’s unfortunate but we are part of the problem with enablement. Starting at a young age, we have been trained to expect a certain amount of handouts from family to government. Americans don’t really know what homelessness and poverty is until they visit a third world country. As an example, in the Philippines, the poor rummage through garbage bins of fast food restaurants. They gather any food that has any meat left, clean them, cook them and feed themselves or sell to other poor people. It’s called pag pag and I encourage you and your viewers to look it up. It’s disheartening to see people in that state of poverty, yet here in the United States we have the means to spend billions of dollars on countries that truly hate us.

Peter at one point we had health facilities to deal with mental disorders, however it does become political, Mental Health Institutions, were partially funded by federal govt and the state. By the state meaning your local state and county and city. However City county and state wanted more $ from the federal govt.. so Feds pass laws and taxes to help fund the mental homeless institutions , but now you have a state that has less than 0.01 percent of it population in this category. That state can fund its own mental institutions at a lower cost than what the Feds are proposing so they pass on being part of the federal tax hike (similar to what happened in Obama care). So the burden now lies on the rest of the states. If enough states bail out the federal govt has to eat up the cost. Here is were it gets political, Politicians will look at a map, look at "homelessness" per city and state capita, and realize California (blue state) needs x amount of dollars, but (red states) Texas Nebraska and the Dakotas don't want to pay for it. The Fed. govt then cancels all funding, states cant afford it so they close all mental health facilities and pass the burden to local police, tax payer, and your local hospitals. In 2017 per 100,000 population New York, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Washington state, Massachusetts and Alaska took top honors, are we now seeing the pattern. By the end of 2019 California will of surpassed every state in the union, including Mississippi and Alabama who have historically been the poorest states in the union for homelessness and govt assisted programs. Yet its where the ultra wealthy live. As bad as Hawaii is, it will eventually fall of the top 5 due to its remoteness and tourism dollars. By no means am l bad mouthing these states, every state has a homelessness issue, govt is not the end all answer to everything, our local communities local church groups and cities need to step in to this problem, I know several church groups that go build homes and schools in third world countries, but due to our crazy laws they are not allowed to do it here.

I think the 3rd group should definitely be able to live outside as they wish on the island of Molokai. This situation has made it difficult for tourists to visit, home owners to protect their property value and just the average person trying to live their life responsibly

Great video!

I don't think that all of the homeless people choose to be homeless . Some of them are homeless because they have lost there jobs , mental illness , homes are to expensive , depression among other things that can go wrong in this world . No one or nothing is perfect . I think that rich people and middle class people need to go live a life of a homeless person liveing on the streets in some old tent , a cardboard box , and sleeping on the ground somewhere for a month or 2 and see how they would feel , I bet they wouldn't feel safe out there . I bet they would be hungry sometimes , no baths or bathrooms , Homeless people miss out on things that some people take for granted and alot of it may not be there fault .That's so sad . I think that some of the 3rd group of people who may be on drugs don't want to be liveing on the streets either , America has a very bad problem of people on Opioids , crack and other bad drugs so sounds like to me America needs to do more to help people on drugs and help people get off of them . But I do agree that some people maybe like liveing on the streets cause they can set there own rules whatever . My mama used to say We couldn't judge a book by it's cover. Or We don't know what another person is going through until we have walked in there shoes . We just need to help each other rich or poor nomatter our skin color . I pray for us all . Be blessed and safe . Miss . Linda 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤

Easy to say while you drive your fancy car

Nowhere did you mention the ever increasing housing costs, cost of living, easily 2 of the biggest contributing factors to living here. Life is hard, as it is. But add in ever increasing high prices due to limited supply & increasing demand for shelter, there’s your problem. You are somewhat right, but you misidentified & simplified the reasons for the third group, vagrants, it’s quite off-base.

Hahaha that overpass by Kokohead Elementary School, my Mom was afraid to go on it because she was afraid of heights!

Aloha!I totally agree with you 🤙👊😇

When I was in Waikiki my Uber driver had told me that the US officials in Detroit send homeless people one way tickets to Hawaii to get them out of Detroit smh

A lot of it is the obvious... I'm sure the drug problems (last I checked there's a serious ice crisis) have a lot to do with it. Even when that's not the case the low wages just don't keep up with the cost of living. It's a national problem for sure and always has been a problem on the Aina but it's SO MUCH WORSE now. Rent is absolutely OUTRAGEOUS, like worse than San Fran. Even if SF is more expensive the low wages in HI make it all the more unlivable. The only way a lot of my Ohana is able to live in HI is by having 3-4 generations living under one (usually small) roof and I'm sure quite a few of them would be homeless (or forced to move to/back to the mainland BEST CASE SCENARIO) otherwise. It's not because they're LAZY but because that's how ridiculous the price of paradise is. Plus, there's the perfect weather in HI... it's a similar problem to here in CA (especially in coastal cities) where if one HAD to be homeless they would rather live somewhere 75, sunny and with a view of the ocean than in the snow in ND or the heat of AZ.

I Fully agree with you

What you said completely defines what it's like in every area of the country. You're right without the mental hospitals these people that suffer wo no fault of their own will never get well and that is horribly sad. It puts a real tarnish on the U.S. Yup there are those who don't want to live by the rules and then those that are temporarily in a bad spot but will recover. I was surprised I really didn't see any on Maui. A little on Oahu but they must be hidden? Anyway Peter another great video.

Agree!!

I love your videos🙌

I agree that a lot of the homeless population are vagrants. The climate makes it easy for these people to do this. Although Hawaii housing prices are insane so I think you might be able to argue that that forces a lot of people onto the streets

There's a 4th and 5th group. 4th group of people are the working poor who work full time but still can't afford a place because the requirement to obtain housing is that you make at least 2.5. Times the rent. So that $1500 studio you want requires your income to be at least $3500 a month and you don't qualify to rent. Or the landlord does not accept section 8. 5th group are the mentally ill who are in disability but average about $900 from social security and can't even afford a room to rent or can't find a landlord to rent to them because they have social security disability which brings us back to group 4. Same problem. When you add in all the complexities we are really talking about 10% of people wanting to live on the streets. Lets also mention that people are living in vehicles and aren't counted.

Peter, I agree with you 100%! To answer your question about the mental health problem, unfortunately we have laws in Hawaii that prevent the Government from placing mentally ill people into facilities and as a result, they choose to live on the streets to avoid being placed in a safe environment where their mental health issues can be treated and managed. We personally experienced this with an adult foster child with mental issues who chose to not take her medication and left our home. Because she was an adult, she was free to do as she pleased and is still out there out of choice. That is where part of problem lies. Yes, we should not at all fund people who choose to live on the streets or we will see more of them. Totally in agreement here!

Totally agree with you. Politicians need to fix this problem. But, sad, no politicians really want to solve this problem. Only I heard from Trump, he mentioned it.

state own and federal own lands or building must be used for the homeless, especially in CA, NY, and HI the can encamping freely, government must provide toilet, bathroom for them. In China homeless eat free, they can go to state own hospitals any time, if homeles don't use drugs or drink, they are so fine can be great neighbors

Hi Peter. I love your videos. Im part Hawaiian and I have family who live on the Big Island. Me and my gf just visited in Nov 2018. Well, I felt something when I was there that I never felt before and ever since I left Ive felt like a part of me is missing. I know that I belong there, where my heritage is. And I dont mean just to vacation. I need to live there. I wanna adopt the culture and be a part of the community. My gf is about to finish nursing school and she has done research about the field on the island. She really wants to move there with me and get a job helping the ppl of Hawaii. We plan to move there in Sept of this year, 2019!!! We would be living in Pahoa at 1st bcz my mother lives there and we met her landlord who was such a gracious host. Everyone there was amazing tbh. We currently live in NJ and unfortunately I cant say the same for all the ppl here. We've lived here our entire lives and the negative vibe and rush to get nowhere has grown old for us. I am 33 and I have a supervisor job at a manufacturing plant. We have been watching your videos lately in preparation of making our big move. Im reaching out to you bcz I hope that we can be "the right kind of ppl" who belong on the big island. I know exactly what you mean when you say that and I think we fit the description. I would love to communicate with you before finally moving there. Who knows, you may know my uncle who has lived there for over 50yrs haha. Either way I think that you could be a huge help with advice for living in Hawaii. I look forward to watching more of your very insightful videos. We appreciate you taking your time to make them. Its been great for us and we have yet to hear 1 reason why we shouldnt make this move. Ill be in touch. Aloha

Another thing ,What if I have brothers and sisters. What a unrealistic assumption to wait for parents to leave a home to a whole family of kids😬 There should be land only natives of island can purchase 🤔👍

A story: "Once upon a time I had a mouse or two in my barn, so I got a cat. The cat hunted the mice in the barn, and all was well. Then one day, with misguided kindness, my neighbor starting putting a saucer of cream out for the cat. What happened? Now, my neighbor is overrun with cats screeching for more milk, her lanai is covered in cat waste, and my barn is overrun with mice." Aloha!

Your opinion seems to match mine, I don’t know why we can’t or won’t solve this as a country, I guess it’s not really considered that big of a deal by the powers that be

Hey Peter how many bedrooms do you have in your house? How many homeless people have you brought into your home?

ptsd can be a big part of it

How do they get checks with no address? Is this fact based or just opinion? No disrespect, I really want to know who in our government is accountable. I feel bad for those who have lost their jobs, elderly who have no family to look out for them and people too sick to work. One thing I think everyone agrees on, we don't need people moving here to sponge off of us.

Your three categories are true for the homeless everywhere. What I was left wondering at the end of the video was why the homeless problem is so bad *in Hawaii*. You make it the title of the video yet never answer the question.

So in the mean time,you never leave home and stay with parents wife and family. No Way. The rich are pushing out the natives of Hawaii. How sad is that🤨

Which island is worse? Hawaii, Oahu, or Maui? Pretty bad in Oregon too. I am moving to Hawaii now so researching...

Nice videos keep them coming more regularly! I'm from the UK and loved Hawaii when I visited last year, the people are so wonderful including the homeless. There needs to be something done to help as many homeless people as possible!

Hawille Homeless split Drop a coin should take a full responsibility. if government cannot control the drugs. Problems. they going to have the more more people live down the street do nothing and make a city dirty troubles everywhere..

You are considered lucky to have a condo out here. Rich white men know that so they pack people in like sardines so they can squeeze as much profit as possible. It is truly sad. While tourists come here and see the 50's style hawaii, they never see the slums.

check out calif and who runs the gov

Did the covid situation hit the homeless hard in hawaii? Where I'm from the Amish people did not isolate, no vaccines and hospitalizations. They did just fine and I bet the same for the homeless who are some of the most unhygienic people. I lived on every island short term and seen them walk around grocery stores with no shoes, barely dressed. It's ridiculous how they let them post up outside stores, I wonder if covid changed that though.

Peter what kind of car? Can you include a shot in the next video? Mahalo🤟🏽

Because the housing is too expensive and the pay is too low. Also this guy say there are vagrants Bc if welfare payments. But the truth is the welfare payments are attractive bc it pays more than most minimum wage jobs. Why would anybody want to work when even working earns less than benefits? They have to make it so that no matter what kind of job; as long as it’s full time it should pay enough to make it possible for at least one person to live decently. This should be guaranteed by law

I’m a Christian and got fired for sharing the gospel pretty much.

This is ironic coming from a rich guy in a expensive sports car.