The city wants to build a new homeless shelter in Chinatown on River Street.
But many Chinatown residents are telling the city -- don't do it .. and they gathered today to show their opposition.
Chinatown residents say they would rather have the building be used for the elderly.
Dozens of Chinatown community members filled a gymnasium Sunday afternoon to oppose the city's plan to build a homeless facility on River Street.
Many feel their neighborhood is already helping with the homeless situation.
"Chinatown right now you have less than half miles apart you have IHS and Maunakea has River of Mission Life, you have Safe Haven ," said Roland Louie, Mun Lun School Director.
"We didn't create the problem why do we have to be the only ones to take all the social service agencies," said Rep. Karl Rhoads.
Many feel having a homeless shelter in the area will make it more unsafe for children and seniors walking to and from religious temples, language schools and churches.
Although there may be counseling services it is strictly voluntary on a condition upon occupancy as a matter of fact there will be little supervision and accountability types of residents," said concerned citizen Wesley Fong.
But one homeless couple who lives at Aala Park says otherwise.
"We would be happy for it to get us off the streets where its unsafe," said William Mariteragi - Wardle.
"Shelter would also help us with counseling to give up our problems and perhaps find more permanent housing."
"I think it will be a magnet for homeless people the arguments that some people made people aren't going to be milling around on the street because of this I just don't believe it."
Instead, Members of the Concerned Citizens on River Street Housing are proposing an alternative.
They propose the city build an affordable senior housing complex.
"An alternative that will not only save our Chinatown but would preserve its unique heritage culture and family," said Fong.
"The neighborhood needs senior housing very badly Kukui gardens across the river there some changes going on over there where some affordable housing may be lost ," said Rhoads.
"Time for the state and the city to work together think about overall plan of the homeless issue not just build more and more."
Members of the concerned citizens on river street housing have not formally submitted their alternative plan to the city council.
