Big Island Point-In-Time Count Returns Jan. 23 to 27 Volunteers needed for annual tally of homeless 

Regina Weller, a one woman Homeless advocate with 808 Homeless Task Force has provided transportation back to the mainland, vehicles, and job placement for homeless in Kona. She doubts the validity of the numbers that are reported. She said PIT is necessary however not a "cattle count."

"These are real people whether one sympathizes or not with their plight. The yearly count could be used more effectively and efficiently, like to motivate them, where possible, back to the mainstream" she said. "What would you consider right now in this time of your life, I ask them. Are you in misery? Do you want a roof over your head, to see your family again, to get a job, or just to eat a meal every day? Do you want rehab?"

Based on her encounters, she tries to provide services for those that want them.

She asks the homeless she encounters to talk to her.

"It's just you and me. From what I visually see during outreach, I think the PIT count is higher," she said, noting that she has not participated in the count.

"They are coming in through the airport every day, but find out right away that homeless in Hawaii is not paradise," she said.