Full Breakdown
Safety Concerns at Hale Maluhia Emergency Shelter in Hilo
3/5/2026, 2:38:18 AM
Overview of the Hale Maluhia Shelter
Hale Maluhia, an emergency shelter for women in Hilo, has been providing short-term crisis accommodation since April 2020. Operated by Hope Services Hawai‘i, the shelter has received significant funding, including $575,000 from Hawai‘i County’s Housing and Homelessness Fund in 2025 and an additional $1.5 million in the latest allocations. Despite its role in supporting vulnerable women, the shelter has not undergone a county fire inspection since its opening, raising serious safety concerns.
Fire Safety Violations
The shelter's design lacks the required emergency exits, with only a single door serving as an exit for its seven units, which can accommodate up to 26 residents. The absence of secondary exits contravenes both county building codes and standards set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which mandates a second means of egress in case of emergencies. Kiona Boyd, a resident, expressed concerns about the safety risks posed by the lack of accessible exits, particularly for individuals with disabilities or mental health issues.
Staff Responses and Safety Measures
Hope Services staff assert that they have implemented robust fire safety measures, including monthly drills and emergency plans. Denise Oguma, the director of operations, stated that the shelter has strong safety protocols in place, although she acknowledged that the windows are not designed for emergency escape. The shelter is equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, but it lacks a sprinkler system and emergency lighting, which are recommended for such facilities.
Criticism and Community Concerns
Critics, including Boyd, have raised alarms about the shelter's safety features, noting that the windows are too high for effective escape and that insect screens could hinder quick exits. Boyd has reported instances of malfunctioning smoke alarms and questioned the claim of 24-hour staffing, stating that there have been nights when no staff were present. Additionally, some county council members have voiced skepticism regarding the effectiveness of funding for homelessness programs, citing a lack of progress in reducing the island's homeless population.
Funding and Future Oversight
Since 2022, the Hawai‘i County Homelessness and Housing Fund has allocated over $33.5 million to various nonprofits, with Hope Services being the largest recipient. However, the council's recent funding decisions have sparked debate, leading to a request for a performance audit of the program. The results of this audit are expected by the end of the year, and current funding is authorized through 2027.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The shelter does not have adequate escape exits in the rooms of the single-wall construction building,” — Kiona Boyd, Hale Maluhia Resident
- “We take a lot of precautionary measures because a lot of the population that we serve are traumatized,” — Denise Oguma, Director of Operations, Hope Services
- “We’re very confident in the procedures we have in place,” — Kali French, Chief Operating Officer, Hope Services
Conclusion
The situation at Hale Maluhia highlights critical safety issues within emergency shelters in Hilo, raising questions about compliance with safety regulations and the effectiveness of funding aimed at addressing homelessness. As the county prepares for an audit, the future of funding and safety standards for such facilities remains uncertain.
