The Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal have recently recognized that Hawai'i has the worst homeless crisis in the nation — the focal point being the Wai'anae Coast. However, for many, the "homeless" are not homeless. Hawai'i is their home — the land of white sand beaches, cooling trade winds and a temperate weather that other regions envy.

There is a growing population born and raised in Hawai'i who are caught in circumstances now beyond their control. There is no one reason for our homelessness. The issues include substance abuse, economic hardships and mental illness. This problem is multi-pronged and many agencies from all sectors of the community need to band together. Finger pointing will only prolong a solution that is long overdue.

We have seen success when everyone bands together. Within a two-week turnaround, Utu Langi, along with other supporters, organized the Next Step shelter in Kaka'ako. Businesses and faith-based organizations assist in meeting needs, such as donations of food and supplies.

Many improvements have been made at the shelter since it opened. What was once an empty warehouse divided by nothing more than chairs, is now partitioned with walls that give some degree of privacy.

Now all eyes are on the west side of O'ahu. Gov. Linda Lingle appointed a liaison to address this plight, and Kaulana Park has been actively working with the community and various government agencies. Kaulana is in a peculiar situation. Some say work on this issue is moving at too slow a pace. Others question a process that allows fast tracking, which may cause oversight when considering health and safety issues. Kaulana has come to the realization that everyone may not be happy while he tries to address a problem that has been with us for more than 30 years.

Meanwhile, commuters along the Wai'anae Coast see the homeless population grow after sweeps in other areas on O'ahu, such as Ala Moana, Mokule'ia and Kalihi.

The Wai'anae Coast has long been burdened with a hazardous landfill, dangerous roadways, limited work opportunities, low teacher retention in area public schools, a lack of police enforcement, and now a growing homeless community. Those who are from the area have been compassionate. Many know that they are only a paycheck or two away from living in a similar situation. As in Kaka'ako, faith-based organizations, social service agencies and businesses are helping to provide food and supplies for the homeless on the Wai'anae Coast.

The emergency transitional shelter in Wai'anae, Pai'olu Kaiaulu, opened in March. This marked a new beginning for many of our people living on the beaches. The opening of Pai'olu Kaiaulu will not answer all of the issues surrounding homelessness; it does, however, offer help to many of our homeless population.

Rep. Karen Awana, R-44th (Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Lualualei), is also a fourth generation resident of the Wai'anae Coast. She wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.