You’ve probably heard the rumors or seen the viral posts claiming Hawaii just dumps its problems on a plane and calls it a day. It’s a persistent story. People love the idea of a "one-way ticket to paradise" turning into a "one-way ticket back to reality." But the actual data behind the recent headlines is a lot more nuanced than a simple deportation story.
The numbers are out. Hawaii sends 137 out-of-state homeless back to mainland families through a specific, voluntary program that just wrapped up a major pilot phase. This isn’t about rounding people up and forcing them onto a United flight. It’s a calculated, surprisingly human effort to solve a problem that costs the state millions every year.
The Logistics of Leaving Paradise
Honestly, living in Hawaii is expensive. For a lot of people who move here with a dream and a backpack, the "paradise" part evaporates within weeks. You’ve got the highest cost of living in the country. Rent is astronomical. Groceries? Forget it. When someone hits rock bottom in Honolulu, they aren't just a few miles from a safety net. They are 2,500 miles from the nearest continent.
The program responsible for these 137 relocations is called Return-to-Home. It’s run by the Institute for Human Services (IHS) in partnership with state lawmakers.
How does it actually work?
It’s not a free ride. That’s the first thing people get wrong. To get on that plane, an individual has to prove they have a legitimate support system waiting for them on the other side. IHS staff literally get on the phone. They call the mom in Ohio or the brother in California. They verify that there’s a bed, a roof, and a plan.
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Also, the participant usually has to put some skin in the game. Most are required to pay for half of their own ticket. This ensures the person is actually committed to the move and isn't just looking for a free flight to see a different city.
Why 137 Is a Significant Number
It might sound like a small dent in a massive problem. Hawaii’s homeless population has seen some of the biggest jumps in the U.S. recently, with an 87% rise in some counts between 2023 and 2024.
But look at the math.
Governor Josh Green has been pretty vocal about the "housing is healthcare" philosophy. The state estimate for the cost of one homeless person utilizing emergency services, shelters, and medical care is about $82,000 per year.
By helping 137 out-of-state homeless return to mainland families, the state is effectively avoiding a massive long-term financial drain. State Representative Adrian Tam, a big proponent of making this program permanent, noted that it saves the state roughly $11.2 million annually.
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The Eligibility Maze
It’s not open to everyone. You can’t just show up at the airport and ask for a voucher.
- Voluntary only: Nobody is being deported.
- One-time deal: You use it once, and you sign an agreement that you won't use it again.
- Vetting: Case managers verify the destination.
- Indigency: You have to prove you actually cannot afford the flight yourself.
Breaking the "One-Way Ticket" Myth
There is a long-standing myth that mainland cities send their homeless to Hawaii. People swear they've seen buses dropping folks off at airports with tickets to HNL.
The reality? Most experts, including those at IHS, say there's very little evidence of government-sanctioned "dumping" to Hawaii. Usually, it's individuals who saved up for a one-way ticket thinking they could survive on the beach. They realize too late that Hawaii is one of the hardest places to be poor.
The Return-to-Home program is the reverse of that myth. It’s an exit ramp.
What This Means for the Future
As of early 2026, the Hawaii Legislature is moving to make this "pilot" program a permanent fixture of the state’s homelessness strategy. House Bill 212 is the vehicle for this. It passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee unanimously.
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Why the bipartisan love? Because it works.
It’s cheaper to buy half an airplane ticket than to pay for a year of ER visits and temporary shelter. It’s also arguably more compassionate. Taking someone who is struggling in a place where they have zero family and putting them back in a support system is a win-win.
However, there are critics. Some worry that focusing on relocation takes the heat off the need for local housing. Hawaii still needs thousands of units for its own residents, especially the Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) who are disproportionately represented in the homeless population.
But for the 137 people who went back to the mainland last year, the program wasn't about politics. It was about a second chance.
Actionable Steps and Insights
If you or someone you know is in this situation in the islands, or if you’re a taxpayer wondering how your money is being spent, here is the breakdown of what to do or know:
- Verify Support First: If you are seeking relocation assistance, you must have a confirmed person on the mainland willing to receive you. Without a "safety net" verification, the program will not book the flight.
- Documentation is Key: Participants need valid ID to fly. The program helps with this, but having your birth certificate or social security card makes the process 10x faster.
- Contact the Right People: The Institute for Human Services (IHS) handles the bulk of these cases on Oahu. Their outreach teams are the ones who initiate the "Return-to-Home" process.
- Understand the "One-Shot" Rule: This is a permanent decision. Once the state pays for that flight, you are generally flagged as having used the service. It is designed for those who truly intend to stay on the mainland and rebuild.
- Check Local Resources: For those who aren't eligible for relocation, the "Kauhale" (tiny home villages) initiative is the primary local focus for long-term housing within the islands.
The success of these 137 relocations has essentially proven that sometimes the best way to help someone in paradise is to help them leave it. It’s a pragmatic, albeit tough, reality of island life in 2026.