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We stay on the Waianae(west side of Oahu) coast every winter and are pretty familiar with that scene. You have some very desperate folks living in those parks, as that is the last resort for many. In the past 2 years the state has built at least one large shelter near Makaha and many have gone there, but there needs to be another solution, which is affordable permanent housing opportunities. Hawaiian real estate is very expensive, as you can well imagine, and even modest places are well beyond the reach of working people. We saw several of the larger encampments cleared out and seemed much better than a few years ago.
The state changed the rules on camping(they are all "camping") and now the permit only runs for a short period-then you must leave the park with all your stuff. Some families are living with many generations and cousins, etc, in one house in shifts, just to stay off the beach. Very sad situation. There is also a drug problem, mainly with homeless ex-west coast bums who are living the life for "free". The cops are like a cloud over the area, and pretty effective for what I've seen.
I agree, it is shocking to see it the first time, all those blue tarps on some of the most beautiful beaches. However, the Hawaiians have a way of taking care of each other and they will work through it, I am sure. Lots of homeless in NY and Miami too, just not where the tourists can see them.
We didn't take any photos, it's like taking a photo of the Amish..
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