Behind Its Beauty

Hawai’i is well-known for its magnificent landscapes, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, which attract millions of tourists each year. However, beneath the surface, the state is dealing with a growing homelessness crisis, which is being exacerbated by the tourism industry. According to a US Department of Housing and Urban Development report, Hawai’i has the highest per capita rate of homelessness in the US, with an estimated 5,000 persons experiencing homelessness on any given day. Many of these folks are parents with children, veterans, or persons with impairments. Homelessness has become especially prevalent in Hawaii's tourist areas, such as Waikiki, where visitors are frequently presented with the stark reality of individuals sleeping on the streets. Meanwhile, the tourism industry continues to grow.

Tourism serves as a crucial post of Hawaii's economy by driving job initiation, generating income, and community development. The industry supports a wide range of businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, local events, as well as other attractions. However, the constant influx of tourists has placed immense pressure on the state's housing market, exacerbating the already dire shortage of affordable housing for local residents – and the local and native communities aren’t too happy about it. The limited availability of affordable housing has forced many locals and Native Hawaiians, other known as Kanaka Maoli into homelessness. Rising housing costs, coupled with stagnant wages and a lack of accessible resources, have created a cycle of vulnerability for those struggling to secure stable housing. As the demand for accommodation from tourists continues to rise, the housing crisis deepens, further impacting the local and native population.

According to some Native Hawaiians, Kaimana Godines and Arien Dezafra they spoke on the issue of tourism and homelessness, agreeing that “tourism and overpopulation” should be fixed and better managed, as well as “environmental issues” that should be taken into consideration. There are many big issues that aren’t ever taken seriously, especially when it comes to the native and local communities; most agreed that tourism is always put first - many feel “taken advantage of.”  While tourism brings economic benefits, it also presents challenges that affect Hawaii's homeless population. The presence of tourists in popular areas can lead to the displacement of homeless individuals, as authorities attempt to manage public spaces and maintain an appealing environment for visitors. This displacement often exacerbates the marginalization and stigmatization of the homeless, pushing them to the limits of society.  In the interview with Arien DeZafra, she mentioned that there are people outside of Hawai’i who move to be purposely homeless because they believe that they can live on the beach  (homeless refugee homes). Similar to our other interview, Kaimana Godinez,  states he just wants visitors to respect their land, especially when it comes to animals and the sea-life where touching such animals is illegal.