Folks sleeping in vehicles is an interesting experiment for homeless housing Maui, but the state of Hawaii specifically declines approval.

We, of course, realize that everyone needs a roof over their heads, regardless of economic status. However, parking lots in my mind were not designed to accommodate housing of any type whether in a vehicle. After all, where is the overall sanitation? The overall security? The necessities such as water and restroom? Rules and regulations? And enforcement?

The use of tiny homes, container homes and so on set up on county property with possibly centralized sanitation and separate cooking and food preparation areas as simple as outdoor barbecues might be a better idea.

Of course, this necessitates the county having to create the environment for this to occur. However, I think we all can see the issues with parking lots accommodating transient or resident overnight parking.

I think we all applaud the county’s desire to want to be supportive with homeless housing. But I think that if we’re going to address the situation, there has to be better solutions.

We have seen what happens when homeless parking and living starts occurring in volume on public property. It is an injustice to those participating as well as Maui County residents.

There are better solutions and I think we’re all hopeful and expecting the Legislature and administration to dig a little deeper.

Chris Phillips

Kihei