Nearly four years after Hawaiʻi County began investing in homelessness programs through a $33 million initiative, officials are questioning the effectiveness of those efforts as requests for new funding face increasing resistance on the County Council.
Last month, a $6 million funding request for nonprofit homelessness services passed narrowly in a 5-4 council vote. Council members Ashley Kierkiewicz and Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder, both of Puna, opposed the funding, citing concerns about a lack of visible improvement.
Kierkiewicz questioned whether the investments have had any measurable impact, citing her observations in downtown Pāhoa and Hilo. “I have to recognize the reality of what we are seeing,” she said. Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder added, “I don’t think the results are evident.”
Hawaiʻi County distributes funds for homeless programs through its Homelessness and Housing Fund, which is set to expire in 2027 unless extended by the council. The money supports emergency shelters, outreach, short- and long-term housing, and related services.
Council member Heather Kimball supported the latest $6 million allocation but called for an audit to assess spending and outcomes. She said an audit proposal is likely to come before the council this month. “If the public views the program as unsuccessful… it is going to be harder for the council politically to free up the program,” she said.
The latest funding round includes $6 million distributed to nonprofits performing outreach, shelter operations, and housing placement, while a separate $5.14 million funding proposal awaits council approval to support shelters and “safe space” programs in East and West Hawaiʻi.
At a December hearing, Kierkiewicz expressed frustration about park conditions and questioned whether services were reaching those in need. “I get plenty compassion, but I also know responsibility to community,” she said.
Council member Rebecca Villegas of Kona echoed concerns over recurring grant recipients, saying the same organizations receive large allocations with limited visible results.
Brandee Menino, chief executive of HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, said the local homelessness situation is worsening due to ongoing housing affordability issues and reductions in federal assistance. She said 552 people moved from homelessness to housing last fiscal year, with 74% remaining housed.
“While we’re doing a rock-star job at exiting people and securing housing… more people are falling into homelessness,” Menino said, citing data showing 80% of homeless residents would accept housing if available.
The county’s Office of Housing and Community Development reported efforts to address council concerns, including adjusting grants to emphasize emergency shelters and expanding support across more nonprofits. However, budget reallocations resulted in reductions to some outreach and shelter programs.
Community Development Administrator Kēhaulani Costa said reduced funding has led to fewer emergency beds and outreach services.
A consultant report commissioned in 2024 found the county faces a shortage of affordable housing and recommended that homelessness efforts be part of a broader strategy. It also suggested creating an Office of Homelessness and continuing the fund post-2027 as a flexible funding tool.
Still, several council members questioned the long-term sustainability of the fund. “At some point it’s going to die out,” Kierkiewicz said. “It was always temporary in nature.”
Council member Dennis “Fresh” Onishi said programs should have a plan to become financially independent. “That’s what I don’t see,” he said.
Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder cited California’s $24 billion homelessness investment over five years as an example of high spending without commensurate results. “There has to be an outcome to spending $30 million in taxpayer funds,” he said.
