Affordability
Homelessness
Current rank: #48 of 50 states (28.2, 2024)
At the unsheltered level, Hawaiʻi has ranked last or near-last every year since 2012. At the total-homeless level (sheltered + unsheltered), the ranking improves slightly because Hawaiʻi has relatively more shelter capacity than some states, but remains among the worst five. The state has adopted Housing First in statute, launched the Kauhale Initiative (918 beds across 25 village sites), and runs a Return to Home relocation program with a 2% recidivism rate. The count has not declined because new inflow outpaces placements and available land for affordable housing is constrained by zoning and environmental rules.