By Barry Villamil, MyPearlCity.com
I recently came across the Honolulu City and County homeless tent village (HONU) located at Blaisdell Park in Aiea/Pearl City. The Homeless Outreach and Navigation Unsheltered Person (HONU) Program currently occupying Blaisdell Park will soon be entering its fourth month in the park on July 1, 2024. HONU moved into the park on April 1, 2024 from Keehi Lagoon Beah Park and is scheduled to be relocated on July 31, 2024.
It was an extremely humbling experience to witness up close, behind the temporary fenceline that separates temporary residents from the public/park users, life for those living in the tent city and what lays ahead in the future for them on July 31.
Ironically, there are a lot of homeless persons occupying the Blaisdell Park pavilion facilities, as well as along the Pearl Harbor Bike Trail on the Pearl Harbor shoreline in the area, and even on the grass along the HONU tent city temporary fenceline.
During last Saturday’s Rotary Club of Pearlridge clean-up on the Pearl Harbor Bike Path near Blaisdell Park, volunteers came across a few homeless structures on the shoreline. Litter and rubbish debris scattered in the area. Unhealthy and a critical safety concern for the public and those who use the Pearl Harbor Bike Path for recreation and exercise.
In my opinion, the family-oriented Blaisdell Park needs some TLC. The spirit and inspiration of a public park comes from beautification and maintenance efforts. My prayers go out to those being cared for in the HONU Blaisdell Park tent city. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the City & County of Honolulu for their efforts in providing shelter, food, and hot showers for those desperately in need on Oahu.
Mahalo!
Photos by Barry Villamil | MyPearlCity.com
