Land of Lovings

There is this idea that Hawaii is nothing but beautiful beaches and lush scenery. Until recently, I thought that, too. But, on our way to visit Thomas’ grandma’s house we passed by a section of beach that totally changed my mind. The interesting thing about Hawaii is that the beaches belong to the people. All of the people. So, when people run out of housing options and can’t afford the crazy rent in the escalating housing market, people end up one place. The beach. Out in Waianae you’ll be driving down the road with a beautiful beach on your left and suddenly you come upon a stretch of beach with rows of tents, tarps, cars, and other signs of a makeshift house. We asked Thomas’ parents about it and they told us that the housing market is out of control over there and these people aren’t homeless because they don’t have jobs. They are homeless because their jobs don’t pay them enough to afford homes for their families and they are forced out onto the beach. They’re working people with families who are drawn to the beaches because of the facilities (shower, restrooms, etc.) and the easy access to fishing for food.






The sad thing is that this is not just a random tent here and there. You’ll be driving along and come upon a mile stretch of this type of thing. Like a little neighborhood. People have their cars, grills, multiple tents, shopping carts, and all other personal belongings. There are children and families, elderly people and pregnant women. It is heartbreaking and makes me realize how blind I can be to poverty on a daily basis. Check out the picture on the right. Its the little kid’s car that absolutely kills me. I saw a dad with his daughter playing outside one of these tent houses and the two seemed to be as carefree as any father/daughter in their front yard. It was heartbreaking and reminded me how easily anyone can be thrown into a situation like that. I’m vowing to count my blessings more frequently now, because I seem to forget how easily they could be gone.