More than 50 volunteers came together on Saturday to build  emergency shelter structures  in the parking lot of the NAS Pool parking lot.  The volunteers, including the Hawaii County Fire Department Recruit Class with the guidance of HPM Building Supply, built 32  shelters measuring 10′ x 8′ that are expected to be ready for occupancy early next week and serve the most vulnerable homeless individuals in our community. Each unit can house up to two people.  According to county officials, about 40 eligible individuals have been identified to stay in the units.  Residents in the units will have access to the the restrooms and showers at the NAS Pool, which is currently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hale Hanakahi Emergency Shelter facility is being built with unencumbered ‘Ohana Zone funding approved by the State of Hawai‘i, and will pay for the shelters and operation costs of an estimated $200,000. HOPE Services Hawai‘i and the Neighborhood Place of Puna are working in partnership to deliver 24/7 shelter monitoring services, delivery of “grab & go” meals, laundry services, and the coordination with on-site mental and behavioral health services. They will also provide case management to connect program participants to appropriate permanent housing. Other non-profits working coming together to get vulnerable homeless people off the streets include Bay Clinic and the Boys & Girls Club. “We are grateful for the County’s leadership in making this happen,” said Hope Services Hawai‘i Chief Executive Officer Brandee Menino.

Mayor Harry Kim said, “It’s great to have the Fire Department, Public Works and HPM come together for this community project. They’re doing this in a wonderful spirit of community, and it’s really special.”