HAS THE ILLEGAL US OCCUPATION WORKED?
Showing posts with label Houseless. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houseless. Show all posts
Monday, December 31, 2018
Saturday, March 17, 2018
"BE HONEST WITH US FROM THIS DAY ON"
Honolulu Civil Beat - March 16, 2018
Support for a well-established homeless encampment at the Wai`anae Boat Harbor and frustration at state government were the themes of the night Thursday as about 100 people turned out for a Wai`anae Coast Neighborhood Board meeting also attended by Mike McCartney, Gov. David Ige’s chief of staff.
Community members complained about what they saw as a lack of transparency in the state’s efforts to create a plan for the camp, and said they want to see community leaders take the lead in helping the residents.
Speakers requested the state help those living at the camp, known as Pu`uhonua O Wai`anae, with trash pickup, access to bathrooms and by turning the water back on at a spigot at the harbor.
McCartney apologized for the mixed signals sent by state officials this month regarding the encampment.
At the last neighborhood board meeting March 6, residents were told by state homeless coordinator Scott Morishige and Pua Aiu of the Department of Land and Natural Resources that the encampment would be swept away by May or June.
In an about-face Tuesday, the governor assured leaders of the homeless community of about 200 people that they would not be evicted from state-owned land controlled by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. And on Wednesday, he said his office was looking for vacant land in Wai`anae where the community can relocate to.
The governor also said there is no federal grant application pending to build a marine education center on the site, as the officials indicated March 6.
“Be honest with us from this day on,” said Twinkle Borge, longtime leader of Pu`uhonua. “You guys totally wrecked my life. You guys gave me anxiety, many sleepless nights.”
McCartney blamed the confusion on miscommunications and pledged to work with the community moving forward.
He said there will be no presentation to the Board of Land and Natural Resources about plans for the marine education center at the board’s meeting March 23, as was announced at the previous neighborhood board meeting.
Borge and James Pakele, a Wai`anae resident and Pu`uhonua volunteer, asked to be involved in meetings with the administration moving forward.
The conflicting messages from state officials in recent days were brought up frequently Thursday by community members, including Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola of Nanakuli, a candidate for governor.
“To come here and talk about a federal grant and then all of a sudden this week it never even existed; that is not something our community should have to put up with,” Tupola said....
Honolulu Civil Beat - March 16, 2018
Support for a well-established homeless encampment at the Wai`anae Boat Harbor and frustration at state government were the themes of the night Thursday as about 100 people turned out for a Wai`anae Coast Neighborhood Board meeting also attended by Mike McCartney, Gov. David Ige’s chief of staff.
Community members complained about what they saw as a lack of transparency in the state’s efforts to create a plan for the camp, and said they want to see community leaders take the lead in helping the residents.
Speakers requested the state help those living at the camp, known as Pu`uhonua O Wai`anae, with trash pickup, access to bathrooms and by turning the water back on at a spigot at the harbor.
McCartney apologized for the mixed signals sent by state officials this month regarding the encampment.
At the last neighborhood board meeting March 6, residents were told by state homeless coordinator Scott Morishige and Pua Aiu of the Department of Land and Natural Resources that the encampment would be swept away by May or June.
In an about-face Tuesday, the governor assured leaders of the homeless community of about 200 people that they would not be evicted from state-owned land controlled by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. And on Wednesday, he said his office was looking for vacant land in Wai`anae where the community can relocate to.
The governor also said there is no federal grant application pending to build a marine education center on the site, as the officials indicated March 6.
“Be honest with us from this day on,” said Twinkle Borge, longtime leader of Pu`uhonua. “You guys totally wrecked my life. You guys gave me anxiety, many sleepless nights.”
McCartney blamed the confusion on miscommunications and pledged to work with the community moving forward.
He said there will be no presentation to the Board of Land and Natural Resources about plans for the marine education center at the board’s meeting March 23, as was announced at the previous neighborhood board meeting.
Borge and James Pakele, a Wai`anae resident and Pu`uhonua volunteer, asked to be involved in meetings with the administration moving forward.
The conflicting messages from state officials in recent days were brought up frequently Thursday by community members, including Republican state Rep. Andria Tupola of Nanakuli, a candidate for governor.
“To come here and talk about a federal grant and then all of a sudden this week it never even existed; that is not something our community should have to put up with,” Tupola said....
Saturday, February 17, 2018
FIGHTING FOR HAWAI`IʻS HOUSELESS
Honolulu Civil Beat - February 14, 2018
The state has no immediate plans to clear out a well-established homeless encampment near the Wai`anae Boat Harbor, according to state homeless coordinator Scott Morishige.
But community members and residents of Pu`uhonua O Wai`anae fear a sweep is increasingly likely.
About 15 of them gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday to defend the camp after recent criticism from some city and state leaders.
“The village is a safe and stable place to live,” said Twinkle Borge, the camp’s leader.
“We want to dialogue with people to make a decision about our future. We want to keep our `ohana together as much as possible. We are open to exploring all options including relocation.”
She said more than half of the roughly 200 camp residents are Native Hawaiian.
Many of the people who gathered Wednesday had planned to attend a House Health and Human Services Committee hearing to testify on a measure that would have exempted people living in the camp, which is on state land, from criminal trespassing laws.
But on Tuesday, committee Chair Rep. John Mizuno pulled HB 2754 from the hearing agenda. He was not immediately available for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Rep. Della Au Bellati, who introduced the bill, said even though it was tabled for the session, the measure generated important discussions about what the state should do about the encampment.
Borge said people in the camp are often blamed for crime, vandalism and dumping trash in the area, including dumping human waste into Pokai Bay.
“Pokai Bay is a far walk from Wai`anae Boat Harbor,” Borge said. “Nobody is walking down Farrington with their buckets of waste and pouring it into the bay.”
Morishige and Rep. Cedric Gates, who represents Wai`anae, both support plans to move people living on the land elsewhere, provided they receive advance notice and that permanent or transitional housing options are offered.
“It’s been clear that at some point there will be a transition of people out of that area,” Morishige said. “That won’t occur without prior notice.”
Morishige said the state has long offered outreach services to people who live in the camp.
He said the site on land controlled by the Department of Land and Natural Resources isn’t appropriate for an encampment because human activity might impact the natural resources there, including a rare shrimp found in ponds in the area.
Borge said she asked the DLNR to bring a biologist to the camp to teach residents how to protect the shrimp.
Honolulu Civil Beat - February 14, 2018
The state has no immediate plans to clear out a well-established homeless encampment near the Wai`anae Boat Harbor, according to state homeless coordinator Scott Morishige.
But community members and residents of Pu`uhonua O Wai`anae fear a sweep is increasingly likely.
About 15 of them gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday to defend the camp after recent criticism from some city and state leaders.
“The village is a safe and stable place to live,” said Twinkle Borge, the camp’s leader.
“We want to dialogue with people to make a decision about our future. We want to keep our `ohana together as much as possible. We are open to exploring all options including relocation.”
She said more than half of the roughly 200 camp residents are Native Hawaiian.
Many of the people who gathered Wednesday had planned to attend a House Health and Human Services Committee hearing to testify on a measure that would have exempted people living in the camp, which is on state land, from criminal trespassing laws.
But on Tuesday, committee Chair Rep. John Mizuno pulled HB 2754 from the hearing agenda. He was not immediately available for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Rep. Della Au Bellati, who introduced the bill, said even though it was tabled for the session, the measure generated important discussions about what the state should do about the encampment.
Borge said people in the camp are often blamed for crime, vandalism and dumping trash in the area, including dumping human waste into Pokai Bay.
“Pokai Bay is a far walk from Wai`anae Boat Harbor,” Borge said. “Nobody is walking down Farrington with their buckets of waste and pouring it into the bay.”
Morishige and Rep. Cedric Gates, who represents Wai`anae, both support plans to move people living on the land elsewhere, provided they receive advance notice and that permanent or transitional housing options are offered.
“It’s been clear that at some point there will be a transition of people out of that area,” Morishige said. “That won’t occur without prior notice.”
Morishige said the state has long offered outreach services to people who live in the camp.
He said the site on land controlled by the Department of Land and Natural Resources isn’t appropriate for an encampment because human activity might impact the natural resources there, including a rare shrimp found in ponds in the area.
Borge said she asked the DLNR to bring a biologist to the camp to teach residents how to protect the shrimp.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
SANTA BRINGS GIFTS TO WAI`ANAE HOUSELESS
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - December 26, 2017A single act of kindness was all that was needed to lift the spirits of hundreds of homeless keiki and their families on the Wai`anae Coast who were visited on Christmas by a Hawaiian Santa bearing gifts, toiletries and other basic necessities.
Valoha Giving Movement, a nonprofit that collected 4,000 donated toys this season, provided gifts to families including 36 people living at Cedar Farms in Wai`anae, a drug-free safe zone for people who are down on their luck, most of whom live in tents on a dirt road on the property for $25 per month per adult. The group shares a single portable toilet and makeshift portable shower that they put up and take down every day.
“I’m happy,” said 12-year-old Cedar Farms resident Ronsen Moniz, whose bounty included a scooter, shoes and backpack from donors. In return, he used a gift card he received as a present to buy his mother, Jojo Thornton, a necklace and pendant for Christmas.
That is the hope for Valoha, the nonprofit started two years ago by Christina Bush after losing her job, going into depression and then finding an opportunity to spread aloha to those in need.
The group has since grown to 9,000 volunteers, many of whom helped deliver gifts this holiday season.
Besides Wai`anae, Valoha distributed gifts to Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Kalihi and Barbers Point.
“I’ve never seen so many needy kids in my life,” said volunteer Michael Ferreira. “All year long they’ve lost hope. This gives them hope. It teaches them, too, how to give so that when they get older they learn to give back.”
Cedar Farms resident Stacia Martin says the help is much appreciated, especially during this time of year.
“Majority of us work. We’re trying with whatever job we have. Most of the time our job is not enough to cover rentals out there nowadays because it’s so high,” she said.
“Honestly, when they do come it’s the time that we actually need ’em. We’re short on money already. Even though we live in tents, we still get bills we got to pay. It makes our day happier knowing that someone out there cares for us and actually recognizes that we are up here, too.”
Thornton, 39, who has eight children ranging in age from 12 to 25, has been living at the farm for more than three years after being evicted from a low-income housing project down the road.
The fact that people know that “we’re human beings and we need help, too, (makes a difference) instead of labeling us as homeless people with drug problems,” she said.
“Majority of the families that are houseless — I going call them houseless cause we’re not homeless, Hawaii is our home — majority is just … we having hard time,” she said.
Thornton, a single parent who was working three jobs but still couldn’t make ends meet, is working to become self-sufficient to eventually move her family out of Cedar Farms and into permanent housing.
“That’s what I’m hoping we going be doing is moving forward. That way other families that need help can move to the farm and get the help that we had,” she said. “It is a blessing to have everybody that comes out to help each and every one of us.”
State Rep. Cedric Gates (D, Wai`anae-Makaha-Makua), who partnered with Valoha for his second annual west-side toy drive, said helping uplift a needy family on Christmas gives him great purpose.
“There’s so many underserved keiki out here on our coastline. Giving them a simple gift makes a huge difference,” he said. “It lets them know people out there care about them and want the best for them. I’m born and raised out here, so I look at these kids and I see myself. I could’ve been these kids right here in these communities getting these toys, and I know how I would feel if I got one from just a random act of kindness. It really brings joy to my heart.”
Sunday, November 26, 2017
TRANSFORMING HAWAI`IʻS HOUSELESS ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"
"A Hand Up - A Visit With Twinkle Borge"
A hand up, not a hand out is what Twinkle Borge, leader at Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae offers those who come to her for help. One of O`ahuʻs largest encampments for houseless individuals, Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae is a safe haven for those living on the street yet want to recover their lives and re-enter society. As someone formerly living on the street herself, itʻs no wonder sheʻs helped countless others to get back on their feet. Join us in our amazing visit at Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae and youʻll see why Twinkle Borge inspires others to become successful every day of their lives - Watch It Here
MONDAY, November 27th At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, November 27th At 5:30 PM & FRIDAY, December 1st At 4:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
NEW! - Now More Na Leo O Hawai`i Air Dates -
TUESDAY, November 28th At 11:00 AM & SATURDAY, December 2nd At 8:30 AM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 54
TUESDAY, November 28th At 7:30 PM, THURSDAY, November 30th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, December 2nd At 5:30 PM – Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
Sneak Peek! -
"Planting Twenty Trees - A Visit With Camilo Mora"
Weʻve often wondered what global warming and rising sea levels mean for islands like Hawai`i in the middle of the Pacific. So we met up recently with University Of Hawai`i professor and climate change expert Dr. Camilo Mora and what he told us came as quite a surprise. He showed us in very real terms how Hawai`i will be impacted by rising sea levels, but also shared a very simple way for each of us to do our part in helping to solve it. Join us in our fascinating visit with Camilo as he explains how Hawai`i can lead the way in saving the worldʻs environment - Watch It Here
FRIDAY, December 1st At 8:00 PM & SATURDAY, December 2nd At 5:30 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
"A Hand Up - A Visit With Twinkle Borge"
A hand up, not a hand out is what Twinkle Borge, leader at Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae offers those who come to her for help. One of O`ahuʻs largest encampments for houseless individuals, Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae is a safe haven for those living on the street yet want to recover their lives and re-enter society. As someone formerly living on the street herself, itʻs no wonder sheʻs helped countless others to get back on their feet. Join us in our amazing visit at Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae and youʻll see why Twinkle Borge inspires others to become successful every day of their lives - Watch It Here
MONDAY, November 27th At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, November 27th At 5:30 PM & FRIDAY, December 1st At 4:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
NEW! - Now More Na Leo O Hawai`i Air Dates -
TUESDAY, November 28th At 11:00 AM & SATURDAY, December 2nd At 8:30 AM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 54
TUESDAY, November 28th At 7:30 PM, THURSDAY, November 30th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, December 2nd At 5:30 PM – Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
Sneak Peek! -
"Planting Twenty Trees - A Visit With Camilo Mora"
Weʻve often wondered what global warming and rising sea levels mean for islands like Hawai`i in the middle of the Pacific. So we met up recently with University Of Hawai`i professor and climate change expert Dr. Camilo Mora and what he told us came as quite a surprise. He showed us in very real terms how Hawai`i will be impacted by rising sea levels, but also shared a very simple way for each of us to do our part in helping to solve it. Join us in our fascinating visit with Camilo as he explains how Hawai`i can lead the way in saving the worldʻs environment - Watch It Here
FRIDAY, December 1st At 8:00 PM & SATURDAY, December 2nd At 5:30 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Monday, November 20, 2017
BECOME A FAN OF "VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE" ON FACEBOOK
See Behind The Scenes Shots Of Our Shows
Click HERE To Become A Fan
See Behind The Scenes Shots Of Our Shows
Click HERE To Become A Fan
Sunday, November 19, 2017
A HAND UP FOR HAWAI`IʻS HOUSELESS ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"
"A Hand Up - A Visit With Twinkle Borge"
A hand up, not a hand out is what Twinkle Borge, leader at Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae offers those who come to her for help. One of O`ahuʻs largest encampments for houseless individuals, Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae is a safe haven for those living on the street yet want to recover their lives and re-enter society. As someone formerly living on the street herself, itʻs no wonder sheʻs helped countless others to get back on their feet. Join us in our amazing visit at Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae and youʻll see why Twinkle Borge inspires others to become successful every day of their lives - Watch It Here
MONDAY, November 20th At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, November 20th At 5:30 PM & FRIDAY, November 24th At 4:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
NEW! - Now More Na Leo O Hawai`i Air Dates -
TUESDAY, November 21st At 11:00 AM & SATURDAY, November 25th At 8:30 AM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 54
TUESDAY, November 21st At 7:30 PM, THURSDAY, November 23rd At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY,November 25th At 5:30 PM – Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
SATURDAY, November 25th At 5:30 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
"A Hand Up - A Visit With Twinkle Borge"
A hand up, not a hand out is what Twinkle Borge, leader at Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae offers those who come to her for help. One of O`ahuʻs largest encampments for houseless individuals, Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae is a safe haven for those living on the street yet want to recover their lives and re-enter society. As someone formerly living on the street herself, itʻs no wonder sheʻs helped countless others to get back on their feet. Join us in our amazing visit at Pu`uhonua o Wai`anae and youʻll see why Twinkle Borge inspires others to become successful every day of their lives - Watch It Here
MONDAY, November 20th At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, November 20th At 5:30 PM & FRIDAY, November 24th At 4:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
NEW! - Now More Na Leo O Hawai`i Air Dates -
TUESDAY, November 21st At 11:00 AM & SATURDAY, November 25th At 8:30 AM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 54
TUESDAY, November 21st At 7:30 PM, THURSDAY, November 23rd At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY,November 25th At 5:30 PM – Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
SATURDAY, November 25th At 5:30 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
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