Floating Homeless Encampment Transforms Honolulu Waterway into a Two-Story Kayak-Accessed Community
A remarkable yet concerning two-story floating homeless encampment, equipped with solar panels and accessible solely by kayak, has established itself along a waterway in Hawaii's capital city. This makeshift settlement, which emerged nearly two years ago along the Keehi Stream in Honolulu, has gradually expanded into a significant eyesore, creating an extensive streamside neighborhood that stretches at least halfway down the river.
An 'Impressive' Yet Problematic Structure
Roy Miyahira, the city's director of homeless solutions, described the flotilla as 'impressive,' noting the ingenuity of its construction. 'It's impressive what they've built — from a two-story home to the use of solar panels and just able to access electricity,' he told Hawaii News Now. Residents navigate between the floating towers using boats and kayaks, with the encampment partly obscured by trees and foliage along the shoreline.
Resistance to Relocation and Outreach Efforts
Despite outreach efforts that began last month, many residents have shown little interest in relocating or engaging with relief services. Miyahira observed that they are reclusive and resistant to change, often unwilling to share personal details. While force could be used to clear the area, he emphasized a desire to avoid it at all costs. State officials initially hoped to clear the Keehi Stream by the end of April, but residents relocated the structure in June 2024, complicating removal efforts.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
The encampment poses serious risks, including unsanitary conditions that threaten both wildlife and residents. The Keehi Stream has previously faced wastewater spillages, contaminating the water, as reported by KHON2. Additionally, Honolulu's vulnerability to hurricanes, flash floods, and wildfires puts those living in the encampment at high risk. Removal is further hindered by the unstable shoreline, preventing the use of heavy equipment.
A Costly and Complex Solution
Pua Aiu, a coordinator with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), highlighted the challenges ahead, describing the solution as long, expensive, and complicated. 'It takes a huge amount of crew and a huge amount of time. It's very costly, and also quite a bit of risk to the workers,' she said, noting the unclean water poses hazards. Miyahira and the DLNR are collaborating to rehome residents and dismantle the structure entirely.
Growing Homelessness Crisis in Hawaii
Homelessness has surged in Hawaii, with over 6,000 homeless people across the islands and a 10 percent increase between 2023 and 2024, according to Homeless Hawaii. Miyahira has warned that Honolulu's homelessness crisis has 'reached a crisis point,' urging for immediate, effective, and scalable solutions. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Hawaii Office on Homelessness and Housing and the DLNR for further comment on this ongoing issue.
