Interacting with houseless individuals on the streets can often leave one unsure of how to offer assistance. In a world where even simple gestures can make a big difference, an act of caring can help foster empathy and genuine connections. The County’s Clean & Safe program in Wailuku seeks to do just that. Coordinated by the nonprofit Ho‘omaika‘i Services and guided by the dedicated leadership of its program director and retired Maui police officer, Lawrence Kauhaʻahaʻa, this program works hand-in-hand with property owners to ensure their buildings and land are safe and secure. Most importantly, it offers help to those in crisis by connecting them with essential social services and housing programs. Clean & Safe also hires houseless and mental health clients to sweep, clean, and maintain the area, providing them with a sense of purpose. 

“Born out of necessity in 2016, the program emerged during a challenging time for Wailuku Town,” Kauhaʻahaʻa explained. “The streets were becoming home to more vagrants, individuals with mental health issues, substance abusers, and the houseless. Merchants were uneasy about walking to their cars after hours, businesses were struggling, and residents were voicing their safety concerns to their councilmembers.” 

That’s when Erin Wade from the County of Maui Department of Management reached out to Kauhaʻahaʻa, who stepped up to lead the program with his dedicated team of coaches and a supportive network of social service providers like Mental Health Kokua, which has been serving the community for 52 years.  

“Thanks to their collective efforts, the program has transformed Wailuku,” Kauhaʻahaʻa said. “Today, the Clean & Safe program is a beacon of hope and safety, playing a vital role in keeping our community vibrant and secure while making a significant difference in the lives of those in need.” 

Dr. Tom Vendetti, retired director of Mental Health Kokua, added, “Prior to the program, the store owners on Market Street viewed the mentally ill clients as lazy, crazy, and bad for business. Once the clients started cleaning and securing Market Street, the community got to know and appreciate their work and saw their dedication to the job. Like most, people with a mental illness want a job, to be loved and to be part of the community. This program could be a model for communities all over Hawaiʻi.”