What is causing the rise in homeless deaths on Oahu?

Rising homeless deaths on Oahu are attributed to factors like methamphetamine use, severe anemia, pneumonia, and lack of consistent medical care.

How many people have died homeless on Oahu since 2014?

Since 2014, at least 1,466 people have died while homeless on Oahu, with numbers increasing year over year.

What is being done to address the homeless death crisis on Oahu?

New programs are being implemented on Oahu to provide medical care and shelter to ill homeless individuals, alongside efforts to improve mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Home / Health / Oahu's Homeless Deaths Surge: A Growing Crisis

Oahu's Homeless Deaths Surge: A Growing Crisis

13 Dec

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Summary

Homeless deaths on Oahu have doubled since 2014, exceeding annual averages.
Methamphetamine use is a significant factor in a third of homeless deaths.
New programs aim to curb deaths by providing medical care and shelter.

The number of homeless individuals dying on Oahu has risen sharply, with at least 1,466 recorded deaths between 2014 and late 2025, a figure that has doubled since 2014 and surpassed previous annual averages. Methamphetamine intoxication and severe anemia due to chronic neglect are among the reported causes of death, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by this population.

Medical examiner data indicates that methamphetamine is a significant factor, implicated in nearly a third of homeless deaths since 2014. This trend is particularly concerning as the median age of homeless individuals dying has also increased. Efforts are underway to address this crisis, including new programs focused on providing medical care and shelter to ill homeless individuals.

These initiatives aim to break the cycle of emergency room discharges leading back to the streets. Additionally, plans include diverting individuals towards drug treatment instead of jail and utilizing a new law for involuntary psychiatric assessment. Experts anticipate positive results, such as fewer deaths, to become apparent by late 2026 or 2027.