

As of their assessment last week, 116 tents were counted as far mauka as the Ward Center intersection.



"I think it will probably get worse if there's no solution to the housing shortage," said Bunao.



According to Bhanot, there is no intake process for COFA migrants, but a considerable number of them are receiving medical benefits, financial assistance, job training -- even child care services -- all programs designed to prevent them from ending up on the streets, but the biggest obstacle is housing.



Shelter officials say it's ironic in an area that is currently booming with construction.



"When you've got units that are going for over $3 million dollars -- the folks that work minimum wage and they're trying to get food on their table

for a family -- there's no way that they can pay those," said Sheila Beckham, the Waikiki Health CEO.



Next Step Shelter officials say they're nearly always at-capacity. Approximately, 30% of their clients are COFA migrants.



"We need to advocate very very strongly for making sure that we have adequate housing and it not only goes for the COFA migrant -- it goes for all of our folks that need shelter," said Beckham.



The Governor's office says it is working with the city and holding discussions at the highest levels to find long-term solutions to homelessness in

Hawai'i. State officials say it is imperative they work collaboratively with the city to transition the homeless to shelters and provide the necessary services to end the cycle of homelessness.



