The number of known homeless in the state rose from 12,346 in 1994-95 to 17,142 the next year, with large increases in all counties except the Big Island, the Hawaii Housing Authority reported.

In 1992, a comprehensive statewide survey put the figure at 5,353.

"What will the coming years bring to Hawaii?" asked Kathleen Hasegawa, executive director of the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance. "If you think of the worst-case scenario, you won't be too far off."

Hasegawa and representatives of other social-service agencies testified at a briefing yesterday by the House Human Services and Housing Committee, which noted there were few bills this session addressing the problem.

"This is an issue, if we don't take control of it now, (that) will continue to grow in the years ahead of us," said Vice Chairman Scott Saiki (D, McCully-Kapahulu).

Agency officials said they expect an increase in homelessness because of federal welfare reform - which in February led to a 20 percent cut in benefits to Hawaii recipients - and slashes to other programs.

According to the Waikiki Health Center, current estimates were low because public-health officials generally consider 2.5 percent of a population to be homeless at any given time.

"I think homelessness is probably the most devastating social phenomenon we have seen in our community, at least in the last 25 years," said Executive Director Frank Chong.

Lynn Maunakea, executive director of the Institute for Human Services, said homeless people require a full array of services beyond shelter, such as medical and dental care, food, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, clothing and job training.

At least 30 percent of people who stay at the IHS shelter in Iwilei are struggling with mental-health problems, she said.

Other suggestions included developing more boarding houses and creating a dedicated funding source for the state Rental Housing Trust Fund.

Committee Chairman Dennis Arakaki (D, Kamehameha Heights-Kalihi Valley) said agencies, legislators and administration will look at strategies to tackle the issue during the interim.

"Unless we really look at a systemic approach, it's just Band-Aids and the problems are going to increase," he said.

The committee approved shifting $6 million from the homes revolving fund into the general-assistance program so state welfare benefits can be restored close to their previous levels.

The Senate approved shifting $12 million into the general fund over the next two fiscal years.