​

This was another successful Homeless Outreach effort by request of County leadership on

June 7th to uphold park rules, address the violence and criminal drug activity and provide cleanup of unsanitary conditions, and to offer social services to all Inhabitants.  Families had complained that it was not safe for their keiki to utilize the pool recreation center because of overt drug activity in the area.   It is not our intent to "shoo away or sweep away" the unhoused,  but to "situate" them into safe haven options to upscale their lives. Parks and Recreation maintenance crew, Kona Community Police Department, our 808 Homeless Task Force, Care Hawaii and Hope Services were present at the 5am call at the recreational pool area.  Hope services had set up coffee and donuts at dawn, and transported 3 people to their Hilo shelter facilities.  Our 808HTF organization was present to offer housing, clothing and food cards, phones, interim hotel stays, and airfare to return home under a family mediation plan.  We assisted 7 people with lodging and flight fare home.  Care Hawaii staff drove 2 people to their Kealakekua Crisis Shelter for 14-day stay and clinical assessment.  

​

Community Policing Sgt. Brandon Mansur was at Wednesday’s operation. “No persons were removed.  Folks packed up and left voluntarily and very cooperatively, while being offered assistance from our partners. No persons were arrested, and no persons were issued citations. We are there to help people, while also making the park safe for all,” he said.

Mayor Mitch Roth said in a written statement: “Today’s park rules enforcement effort at the Kona Community Aquatic Center reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, compassion, and the well-being of our community,” “We are not embarking on malicious sweeps; we are upholding the law while providing vital services and resources to enhance the quality of life for those affected by it.  By working together with dignity and aloha, we are building a future where our public spaces are safe, clean, and inclusive for everyone.”

​

​​“These people here did not experience violence, they experienced kindness,” said Regina Weller, Executive Director of 808 Homeless Taskforce, "It was a good day."

​