Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 Policy Diffusion Assistance in the Amelioration of Homelessness on the Island of O`ahu, Hawai`i Anita Tanner Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Public Administration Commons, and the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Anita Miller Tanner has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Paul Rutledge, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Eliesh Lane, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Joshua Ozymy, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty The Office of the Provost Walden University 2019 Abstract Policy Diffusion Assistance in the Amelioration of Homelessness on the Island of O`ahu, Hawai`i by Anita Miller Tanner MPA, Troy University, 2001 BS, San Diego State University, 1994 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2019 Abstract The issue of homelessness is one that many cities and states in the United States have to contend with; however, the issue of homelessness on an island can be even more difficult to find viable solutions. The homeless problem on the island of O`ahu is one that affects not only residents but also tourists. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to reveal the perceptions of policy makers on the island of O`ahu, Hawai`i if diffusing public policy from Salt Lake City, Utah, would help ameliorate homelessness on the island. The theoretical framework was the diffusion theory and diffusions of innovation. These conceptual frameworks provided a lens to find viable solutions to reduce homelessness on O`ahu. Data was collected utilizing a triangulation process, whereas surveys were completed and collected from 18 policy makers, 3 knowledgeable sources were interviewed, and reports and articles from Salt Lake City and O`ahu were analyzed regarding homeless policies to ascertain whether diffusing policy would ameliorate homelessness on O`ahu. The data collected was then analyzed and hand coded to identify themes and patterns. Results indicated that affordable housing, a coordination of services, as well as a collaborative relationship with other organizations, would help with reducing homelessness on O`ahu. Furthermore, adopting policy from Salt Lake City would have to be adjusted for cultural issues of the population as well as a shortage of available land on O`ahu; however, the majority of the lawmakers found value in the plan implemented in Salt Lake City. The implications for positive social change are directed at informing policy makers about the necessity to diffuse policy from Salt Lake City to ameliorate homelessness on O`ahu. Policy Diffusion Assistance in the Amelioration of Homelessness on the Island of O`ahu, Hawai¢i by Anita Miller Tanner MPA, Troy University 2001 BS, San Diego State University, 1994 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2019 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my husband, Donta Tanner, Sr., my daughter, Mariah, son, Rashod and my parents, Alvin and Asenathe Miller. They have given me the strength and encouragement to continue on my life-long learning journey. I appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process. I wish to give a special dedication to my father who passed away in April, 2019. This is for you dad. Acknowledgments I would like to thank everyone that has played a role in my journey. My Chair, Dr. Paul Rutledge and committee member, Dr. Eliesh Lane who guided me through this long journey, thank you so much for your mentorship, advice, guidance, and wisdom. I would like to thank my family and friends, faculty and staff, for your support and encouragement that has guided me throughout this process. I would also like to thank Dr. Gary Helfand, posthumously, for being a great mentor, sharing his insight, encouragement and believing from day one that I could accomplish this goal. Table of Contents List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... v List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ................................................................................... 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Background .............................................................................................................. 6 Problem Statement ......................................................................................................... 7 Purpose of Study ............................................................................................................ 8 Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 10 Operational Definitions ......................................................................................... 10 Assumptions of the Study ............................................................................................ 13 Delimitations of the Study ........................................................................................... 14 Significance of Study .................................................................................................. 14 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 15 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................ 17 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 17 Background of the Study ....................................................................................... 17 Citizen Perspective ................................................................................................ 18 Sociopolitical Context of Homelessness on O`ahu ............................................... 19 2017 Statewide Homeless Point-in-Time Count ......................................................... 20 New Initiatives Adopted .............................................................................................. 25 i Compact of Free Association ...................................................................................... 26 Diffusion Theory/ Diffusion of Innovations ................................................................ 28 Homelessness .............................................................................................................. 36 Social Policy .......................................................................................................... 39 Tools to End Homelessness ................................................................................... 41 Various Cities Response to Homelessness ............................................................ 43 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 47 Chapter 3: Research Methodology .............................................................................. 48 Problem Statement ....................................................................................................... 49 Purpose of Study .......................................................................................................... 50 Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 51 Study Design ............................................................................................................... 51 Sampling ................................................................................................................ 52 Data Collection ...................................................................................................... 53 Data Management .................................................................................................. 57 Validity and Reliability ......................................................................................... 58 Ethical Concerns .................................................................................................... 60 Informed Consent and Confidentiality ........................................................................ 61 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 61 Chapter 4: Results