It was interesting to read about the Homeless Summit in the Nov. 16 newspaper.
One day, I was at the Old Airport on a Sunday morning. One of the churches put on a lovely breakfast that many homeless people attended. After the homeless people were done eating, one of the church people asked them to stay and listen to their service and also please pick up their dirty dishes. The homeless people just laughed and walked away without helping at all.
Another time while working near the pier in the evening, a group of homeless people gathered in the area and decided to take their daily earnings and go to the local bar. Two hours later I was still working and one of the homeless people approached me with small talk and then asked for money. Sorry folks, I didn’t give him any money. I work for what little money I get, but I don’t mind handing out some to a worthy cause such as the Salvation Army Red Kettle. I always donate there!
Last but not least, the other day while stopped at the light on Henry Street at the Walmart entrance, there was a homeless person with a beautiful printed sign that obviously cost a bit of money that had two golden arches and underneath read “McStarving.” I was going straight and there was a rental car with a young couple next to me in the left turn lane to go into Walmart. The homeless person babbled to anyone who would listen, but the young couple did nothing. When the light turned green for them, the homeless person spread his aloha to them with the remark, “F*** Americans.” The young lady in the passenger seat gave me a funny look after that. This aloha spirit surely will increase tourism, right folks!
On my return down Henry Street, there were two more homeless people looking for a handout. At least they did not say anything or bother anyone.
It is nice that Hawaii is looking out for these people, giving them money and building housing for them. Word travels and if you build it, they will come! Maybe sometime there will be more homeless people than tourists.
Ted Johnson is a resident of Waikoloa Village