The city is looking into new ways to address Oahu's growing chronic homeless issue.
Officials are turning to a law that's been in place for years that can involuntarily commit someone and mandate out-patient treatment.
Social service providers are seeing a growing number of people living on the streets who are chronically homeless or severely mentally ill. Services for both groups have always been limited but that may soon change.
“This is the group that people frequently say well it's obvious that they're ill and there's nothing that we can do well we believe there are things that can done, “ said Community Services Dept. Director Debbie Kim Morikawa.
Hawaii has a law in place that allows involuntary outpatient treatment through the civil court system for people with severe mental disorders.
“These individuals are going through the emergency room already without any treatment to follow so what we're saying is if we can couple that with treatment that is mandated then these individuals hopefully won't be the involving doors,” said Morikawa.
“This person is incapable of taking care of themselves. They need treatment and it would be appropriate to treat them as an out-patient,” said psychologist Michael Christopher.
City officials acknowledge for this to effectively work, it will take a collaboration of many groups, including law enforcement, family court and adult mental health providers.
“On the other side of it we need to make sure that there's housing for these individuals. out-patient treatment is not going to be effective unless there is intensive treatment and supportive housing that goes along with it,” said Morikawa.
The city plans to pursue a test case to establish a system for those who are chronically homeless and may be assisted through this involuntary outpatient treatment law.
“There are going to be people who may oppose it just because again anytime you force treatment on someone there are always issues."
"Hawaii actually has a really good law we've just never used it. The reality thought is it is a complex situation that requires collaboration on all fronts."
