I guess no matter where we live whether here or in the Mainland there will always be homelessness. Recently I read a short article regarding Maui's homeless count this year being at 1137 which is a 12% increase as to last year. With the high price in rentals with in the past few years it is understandable that many are homeless.
I know that usually I look to the positive side of living in Maui but there is like anywhere else a positive and negative side to it. What caused me to decide to write on this subject was a visit to one of our food banks yesterday.
Everyone at some time has a hard time and the Food Bank thru the years have helped many of us. Well visiting, there was a couple who was standing in line waiting who had said they had just become homeless again. Yes, for anyone this is a very hard thing to deal with. But, this man was more positive to his new situation. I must say I gave him a lot of credit for it.
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| PhotoCredit:MauiNow.com |
When thinking about it, to many of us homeless or not Maui is our home. For homeless on Maui they are not homeless, just house less. Yes, living in a house brings stability but for some even those with mental illness, the cost of living is a major stress especially in Hawaii and there are not enough resources to assist them. Living in a home brings some of the luxuries of life that many take advantage. But, being house less leaves you with less stress of struggling to make the ends that some here can't meet.
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| PhotoCredit:EmpowerMaui.net |
Let me draw a virtual picture that will give a better understanding. Have you ever gone camping or slept in your car while camping? Just so you could get a break from stress, have fun at the beach or just enjoy the 'aina(land)? Can you remember watching the waves on the beach, or swimming, fishing, diving, or other while you were there? How about enjoying the sunset, sunrise, being under the moon and stars at night and just enjoying not just the view but the sounds around you? It is one of the most greatest blessings, means of stress relief, and healing given by God. Plainly, it's enjoying life, and living it to the fullest, loving what god has given us.
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| Papalaua Wayside Park |
Yes, you may struggle some living off of food stamps, going to food banks, soup kitchens, places such as Salvation Army and Family Life Center for a free shower, sometimes free clothes, and maybe a place to sleep sometimes, along with the programs that help you get on your feet or keep you going.
Here on an Island such as Maui which gives us the opportunity to live and in some ways enjoy what the old Hawaiians did.It is sad thou that because Maui is an island and tourism is its may means of income so the government has made it difficult for those that are homeless and try to live off the 'aina as before. Yes, we share our aloha and are proud of showing our home. But just as any other State in the United States and around the world you must accept the fact that unless there is enough shelter there will always be homeless. The local people will revert to the old ways of life as a means to survive.
Negative point to homelessness is the judgemental views of others, the treatment from some of the government agencies, and police officers. Maui's police have a duty to protect and serve everyone. Homelessness is not a crime it is a tragedy for some and an means to heal for others. Yes, there are a few that chose to live that way. But how can you blame them when we have such a beautiful island? It is a hardship when homeless have to worry about harassment for being where they are or living off of the land as they do by others who just don't understand or officers who some are there to check on your safety while others are there to find a way to ticket you and make you pay somehow for your circumstances. Thus again, unless at a shelter there is literally no where for a homeless person to stay. And again Maui cannot accommodate those with shelter as there is a lack.
Thou that is the main views to homelessness there is the other case of drug use as many tend to use it as a means to keep themselves safe from theft, and harassment. Understand that its not the homeless that live in the area that are the problem but those that come around to use the area as a means to transaction. Homeless just need a place to stay and peace of mind.
Understanding, accepting, and living with Aloha will change your perspective. Live life to the fullest, Enjoying what is around you, and Love everyone with Aloha! That is what living Maui style is all about.
Live Aloha!
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