Hawaii
Hawaii County relocates homeless living in canal into netted tents
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii County says it transferred a homeless community into what they call a “safe respite area” off Ponahawai Street on Monday.
Twenty-four people were living in a canal by the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields and the county has been working on clearing the area to work on the canal’s drainage system.
Officials said the homeless were offered netted Quickshades to store their items and receive vital services.
The county is giving the campers until the end of July to stay in the netted tents.
They added that the tens are not open to other individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown Hilo.
A non-profit is helping to find each individual find permanent housing.
Meanwhile, the county is working with the Salvation Army to open a new homeless shelter in downtown Hilo in late August.
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