The Compact of Free Association: An Impact Analysis for Hawaii

Abstract

Available evidence suggests that homelessness in Hawaii is a substantial problem. Among this population, migrants under the 1986 Compact for Free Association have been especially susceptible to homelessness. The three major objectives of this study were to (1) determine the characteristics of COFA migrants who utilize homeless shelter services in Hawaii (2) assess the impact of COFA on Hawaii (3) identify unique features of the COFA migrant population in Hawaii that lead to recommendations as to how better serve them.

This study targets homeless service providers and community stakeholders most burdened by the problem of COFA migrant homelessness in Hawaii. Drawn from the 2003 supplemental census, intake data at the Institute for Human Service and community meetings with stakeholders, general demographic characteristics of COFA shelter users were collected and analyzed. Further, qualitative data was collected through a series of interviews with shelter staff and clients through a series of open-ended interviews and participant observation.