Letters to the Editor

Be part of solution, not part of problem

Let's imagine that the vacation rentals are no longer allowed to be used as such. Let's imagine that 10,000 more homes are built across the island.

Now, do you think that someone who was homeless yesterday can come up with $7,000 for rent and deposit for one of those condos that are now empty and open for rent?

How will people afford a $800,000 mortgage without a down payment? What happens to those homes when foreclosures happen? Homes will sit empty and not enter the rental pool, and new homes won't sell, so who will want to build them?

The homeless situation cannot be solved with one solution for all and the broad stroke of a pen. The various causes need to be identified for each individual and a plan has to fit that person and their situation in order for it to have any chance of working.

Home prices need to come down. Why do people only want to take back their communities when it's been destroyed, instead of doing it when there is still something to save?

Stop blaming police, the courts, teachers and tourists. Start by getting involved and being a part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

Kapena Hill

Kahului