Homelessness in Hawaii: 2022 Point-in-Time Count

The 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) recorded 6,189 people experiencing homelessness in Hawaii on a single January night—a 22% increase from 5,084 in 2020.

Shelter Status Breakdown

• Unsheltered (72% / ~4,456): Sleeping outdoors, in vehicles, encampments, parks, beaches—not meant for habitation
• Sheltered (28% / ~1,733): Emergency shelters, transitional housing, safe havens

Structural Drivers

Housing costs: Hawaii has USA's highest median home prices (~$730k) and rents. Low vacancy rates (<5%). Tourism-dependent economy creates seasonal instability. Limited land for development. Interisland migration from neighbor islands to Oʻahu concentrates visibility.

Demographic Patterns

Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders overrepresented (~40% of homeless vs. 10% population). Veterans, formerly incarcerated, aging out of foster care, and COFA (Compact of Free Association) migrants from Micronesia face elevated risk.

Policy Responses

ʻOhana Zones (state-funded housing/services pilots), Housing First expansion, medical respite programs, rental assistance (federal ERA funds). Chronic underfunding and NIMBY opposition persist. Governor Green (2023) declared homelessness emergency, accelerating emergency proclamations for shelter construction.