Kauhale is a new approach to reducing homelessness in Hawaii, providing tiny homes for those who have experienced persistent homelessness.

As a community-centered model, a kauhale offers chronically houseless people an opportunity to thrive in a place they can call home.

Average spending on emergency room care for a homeless person in Hawaii is $82,000 per person per year.

Putting houseless people in tiny homes following discharge from the hospital will reduce that cost from between 43% to 73%, dramatically decreasing ER visits and bringing the average cost down to $21,000 per year — savings which can be invested in our communities and used to further reduce homelessness.

Governor Green emphasized the need to bridge political divides across the nation to focus less on partisan bickering and more on leading with compassion and helping people in need across red and blue states.

He also discussed proposing a plan to President Biden for pilot housing projects to reduce Medicaid costs and promote better housing and healthcare options using the kauhale model.

Governor Green’s plans received enthusiastic support at the conference, including the announcement that his loan forgiveness legislation for healthcare professionals has been approved by the Hawaii Legislature.

In the coming weeks and months, Governor Green will announce further efforts to fight homelessness, build affordable housing, and reduce the cost of living for everyone in Hawaii.

As always, thank you for being an important member of Team Green.

Mahalo,

Team Green