Hawaii bound

[ErikaMarie]

OK, well I'll introduce myself. I'm Native American (Cherokee), 24 years old, working in the telecommunications industry (cellular), going to school (pre-nursing right now), dating a wonderful guy named Chase, & I'm looking to plant my roots somewhere. I'm not sure if any of you venture to myspace, but it is a guilty pleasure of mine & you can find out more than you will ever want to know about me there. It is private, & you've got to befriend me 1st, so if you're trying to do that, send me a message to let me know you saw me here. http://myspace.com/erikamarie

Hawaii has always been a distant dream of mine. (I know you guys love that line!) I love the tropics/subtropics. Being a Native Floridian, I can handle humidity, the sun, etc. I hate snow, ice, slush, sleet, hale, cold, etc. The plan was originally to move back to Florida, but a recent trip there to visit family has lessened my desire of moving home. My boyfriend (who I'll end up marrying eventually) brought up a desire to move to Hawaii, which has fueled me into an obsessive learning streak about Hawaii, the culture, the lingo, homes, tourism, employment, etc. I'm in a complete rut where I am now, & I've been dying to leave since I got here. I know I have to finish school & my boyfriend needs to finish school as well (master in social studies w/ certificate to teach) before I make any kind of plans, & I know that's a few years down the road. I want to go prepared, & I want to do some networking beforehand as well.

I was searching Hawaii on YouTube & found Ryan there. I'm not sure what his username on here is, though & I haven't said one word to him, but I was enjoying his videos & saw that he ran this website. I've been reading the forum for the past 2 hours... I have a few questions of my own that I have yet to ask, but will have plenty of time to do so.

While I don't expect Hawaii to be Utopia or anything, compared to the DC Suburbs, there's no doubt I'll view the islands as anything but paradise with streets paved of gold... I wouldn't mind paying more for a better quality of life & losing the hustle & bustle of this area, the lack of hospitality, & the cold, rigid winters sounds like winning the lotto.

PS... 1st question... Is it annoying or do you like it when non-Hawaiians use the local lingo & language?

[Glen Miyashiro]

Welcome to HT!

To answer your first question first -- it depends. Wanting to learn Hawaiian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_language), or pidgin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_English), or both, can be taken as a sign that you want to fit in, but it can sometimes be cringeworthy if you mangle the usage and pronunciation. Or, worst, it could be misconstrued as poking fun at the locals. It all depends on your attitude and how you present yourself.

As you know, Ryan is the boss here -- he is either pzarquon (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/member.php?u=3) or admin (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/member.php?u=1), depending on if he's writing in a personal or an official capacity.

You won't lack for a job. Nursing is an in-demand profession here -- but check out the local nurses' union (http://www.hawaiinurses.org/) for the scoop on local working conditions and job prospects.

[Leo Lakio]

Nursing is an in-demand profession hereYou may also get some helpful advice from some nurses who frequent these boards. Thanks for introducing yourself, and welcome!

[helen]

PS... 1st question... Is it annoying or do you like it when non-Hawaiians use the local lingo & language?
You may think this is a simple question (and it seems that it is) but the answer to this question is complex and will vary from person to person and the situation you find yourself in.

I don't know if you wanted to speak the local lingo or post stuff to HawaiiThreads using the local lingo which is mostly a verbal form rather than a defined written form.

[blueyecicle]

Welcome Erika, Have some fun here ! :D
I am the non-resident lurker/welcomer...

[ErikaMarie]

Welcome to HT!

To answer your first question first -- it depends. Wanting to learn Hawaiian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_language), or pidgin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_English), or both, can be taken as a sign that you want to fit in, but it can sometimes be cringeworthy if you mangle the usage and pronunciation. Or, worst, it could be misconstrued as poking fun at the locals. It all depends on your attitude and how you present yourself.

As you know, Ryan is the boss here -- he is either pzarquon (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/member.php?u=3) or admin (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/member.php?u=1), depending on if he's writing in a personal or an official capacity.

You won't lack for a job. Nursing is an in-demand profession here -- but check out the local nurses' union (http://www.hawaiinurses.org/) for the scoop on local working conditions and job prospects.

Thanx for the links! Right now, the goal is to be a registered nurse. I'd eventually like to move on to be a Nurse Anesthetist, but I know that will take time, & I want to fit having children somewhere in there too. I figure, if I'm a nurse, & my future hubby is a teacher, we will always have jobs. :) I'm in the beginning stages after switching pretty much everything I was doing to persue an entirely new career. He's 8 months away from receiving his masters degree. :)

You may also get some helpful advice from some nurses who frequent these boards. Thanks for introducing yourself, and welcome!

I'm counting on it! Thanx :)

[ErikaMarie]

You may think this is a simple question (and it seems that it is) but the answer to this question is complex and will vary from person to person and the situation you find yourself in.

I don't know if you wanted to speak the local lingo or post stuff to HawaiiThreads using the local lingo which is mostly a verbal form rather than a defined written form.

I was thinking from the simplest of terms, such as Aloha & Mahalo. I figure they're so popular amongst tourists that it perhaps becomes annoying that these cheesey lookin' tourists come in sprouting out your language like they know it. But I thought that it also might be flattering... that they would want to learn these words.

My parents recently came back from a trip to Hawaii (by recently, I mean a couple days ago). My mom was telling me she learned all these new words... but she couldn't remember them, except for Aloha, mahalo, & lua (go figure). Every one of her photos had a lei around her neck, & she had this **** eating grin on her face in every pic as well. I was thinking to myself "Oh, I bet the locals LOVED her." [/sarcasm]

Welcome Erika, Have some fun here ! :D
I am the non-resident lurker/welcomer...

Thanx :)

[WindwardOahuRN]

Thanx for the links! Right now, the goal is to be a registered nurse. I'd eventually like to move on to be a Nurse Anesthetist, but I know that will take time, & I want to fit having children somewhere in there too. I figure, if I'm a nurse, & my future hubby is a teacher, we will always have jobs. :) I'm in the beginning stages after switching pretty much everything I was doing to persue an entirely new career. He's 8 months away from receiving his masters degree. :)



Wow. Quite a laundry list there. :)

Have you been accepted into a nursing program yet?

FYI, there is no CRNA training available in Hawaii. There are nursing programs but I understand they have long waiting lists.

Unfortunately, teaching jobs don't pay that well here. Nursing pays well but not for new grads, compared to many other areas of the country.

Realistically, what do you see as your time-line?

[achow]

Aloha and welcome to HT Erika! I hope that you will like HT because the people here are friendly. Hope to see you more on HT!

[ErikaMarie]

Wow. Quite a laundry list there. :)

Have you been accepted into a nursing program yet?

FYI, there is no CRNA training available in Hawaii. There are nursing programs but I understand they have long waiting lists.

Unfortunately, teaching jobs don't pay that well here. Nursing pays well but not for new grads, compared to many other areas of the country.

Realistically, what do you see as your time-line?

I have not yet been accepted into a nursing program, but there are a few in my area. Since I originally planned to move home to Florida, I wanted to continue school down there. I didn't realize there wasn't CRNA training there!!! No wonder I keep seeing employment ads for them! That's just silly.

Well, for what it's worth, he intends to be a college professor @ some point. I have absolutely no clue what they pay, but I'd think they'd get paid a decent amount more than regular public school. He's also getting a certificate to teach special education.

Realistically, I see my time line around 5 years from now... MAX. I'd love to push for 3 or 4, but it might be closer to 4. If I am still here past 5 years, I will not be a happy camper.

[ErikaMarie]

Aloha and welcome to HT Erika! I hope that you will like HT because the people here are friendly. Hope to see you more on HT!

Thank you! Everyone has been quite friendly already!

[WindwardOahuRN]

I had no idea what the professors at UH made and started wondering, so I googled up this:

http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000467904-01

Anyone know how that compares with university salaries elsewhere?

[Fat Jeff]

I'll toss in my .02 about speaking Hawaiian/pidgin...

Learn the words and what they mean, but do not rush to use them frequently. Instead, wait until you really feel yourself thinking "pau" when you finish something...when it becomes part of your consciousness. Until then, just be yourself. The local folks I’ve known were perfectly comfortable with me as the fresh off the plane “Haole” I was. Give it time and you’ll learn by experience when it’s time to drop some pidgin.

You mentioned that you are Native American, I think you will find ways to keep in touch with that here…there are “Pow Wows” held at Thomas Square several times a year, and there seems to be an affinity between Hawaiians and Native Americans.

Last…take this as a joke with a little advice thrown in…my 3 rules for Malihinis (from one)

1) Don’t talk so loud. Local people hear just fine and speaking real loud is often considered to be rude (OK, I’m originally from the Midwest where we substitute volume for an accent).

2) Shut up and listen, you just may learn something. OK That’s expressed harshly, but hey…it’s to get your attention. What I mean is, there are lots of different (from the mainland) things here in Hawaii, and part of the joy of coming here is experiencing them. Listen and learn (and love it!).

3) We don’t care how they do it on the mainland. It’s different here, that’s what makes it Hawaii and not Cleveland. Not adverse to good ideas, just trying to “mainlandize” Hawaii.

Take these 3 “rules” with a grain of salt and you’ll see a little wisdom there.

All that said…welcome to Hawaii Threads and good luck with your move.

P.S. I lived in Florida a while back and Hawaii humidity is not nearly as bad as Florida.

[Leo Lakio]

This is a topic that has come up repeatedly, but Jeff, yours is one of the most sensible responses I've read (and that includes my own attempts to say some of these things.) I don't know if everyone will agree or not, but I really like the way you phrased your suggestions and thoughts; thanks for that.

[pzarquon]

Well! Aloha e Erika! And welcome to HawaiiThreads. You're probably the first person to find their way here from YouTube. :p

I'm glad you've found your welcome so warm and fun. Some days here, it's a crapshoot! It seems you've got the right mindset as you mull a possible move, and more than a few folks here who are willing to help answer your questions and clarify your thinking, so I've got little to add at this point. Three to five years is definitely a good run-up period to research and learn... while at the same time maximizing your opportunities and experiences where you are now.

My wife is a Florida native, by the way -- born in Jacksonville, grew up in Ocala (one of many areas known generically as "BFE") -- and also has a speck or two of Native American ancestry. She actually misses the south now and then, but certainly knows herself to be blessed to be raising a family here.

[manoasurfer123]

Aloha Erika...

I'm a youtube fan too! ;)

http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=8240&highlight=video+finds

Is a whole thread devoted to cool web video finds.

Enjoy HT and Aloha ;)

[Queenolu]

Welcome to HT Erika. Hope you enjoy your time here.

We are not far from each other.

[ErikaMarie]

I'll toss in my .02 about speaking Hawaiian/pidgin...LOL Thanx for the info, & putting your own spin on it. :) Now I'm a little worried about my loud boyfriend... I'm a quiet one, though.

That's awesome that they have Pow wows there. I love pow wows. I love my Cherokee culture. I do have some Irish & German in me, but I'm about 75% Cherokee & that's what I go by... even w/ my green eyes. :)

To be honest, I find Maryland just as humid as Florida on some days. We get the entire mixture here.... & it's not fair that I don't know anybody w/ a pool within 1000 miles!

[ErikaMarie]

Well! Aloha e Erika! And welcome to HawaiiThreads. You're probably the first person to find their way here from YouTube. :p

I'm glad you've found your welcome so warm and fun. Some days here, it's a crapshoot! It seems you've got the right mindset as you mull a possible move, and more than a few folks here who are willing to help answer your questions and clarify your thinking, so I've got little to add at this point. Three to five years is definitely a good run-up period to research and learn... while at the same time maximizing your opportunities and experiences where you are now.

My wife is a Florida native, by the way -- born in Jacksonville, grew up in Ocala (one of many areas known generically as "BFE") -- and also has a speck or two of Native American ancestry. She actually misses the south now and then, but certainly knows herself to be blessed to be raising a family here.


Damn, I feel honored! I'm kind of a net junky... I've been around the block of forums... & trust me, being a girl who's into muscle cars on car enthusiast forums is just asking for trouble. This is nothing.

That's kewl that your wife is from FL. I love it there... & I have family that lives in a different part of BFE known as Bushnell. I know the name rings big city, but there's really nothing there. ;) I am from the Tampa area. I've also lived in Masaryktown (another BFE), Brooksville, Spring Hill, & Weeki Wachee.

[ErikaMarie]

Welcome to HT Erika. Hope you enjoy your time here.

We are not far from each other.

Where do you live? I currently reside in Hagerstown, but I've lived in Frederick most... also in Germantown & Silver Spring.

[ErikaMarie]

Aloha Erika...

I'm a youtube fan too! ;)

http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=8240&highlight=video+finds

Is a whole thread devoted to cool web video finds.

Enjoy HT and Aloha ;)


Hey there! Thanx for adding me on myspace. :)

[manoasurfer123]

so Weeki Wachee !

Do they really have "Live Mermaids?" :p :confused:

[ErikaMarie]

so Weeki Wachee !

Do they really have "Live Mermaids?" :p :confused:


Of course they do!

:D


http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/FLWEEmer.html

[manoasurfer123]

since your kind of interested in the Hawaiian language... you can learn this...

go moe moe already! It's late in Florida :p

[kamuelakea]

PS... 1st question... Is it annoying or do you like it when non-Hawaiians use the local lingo & language?

Hawaii is the most xenophobic state in the union. Worse than the deep south. You will be treated as if you have airborne aids. You have to understand, modern Hawaii is made up of 90% immigrants who are trying their best to NOT be immigrants. The way they do that is by making people like you feel like an outsider.

Now if you're willing to give it 10 to 30 years, you might just start to become accepted.

[binu]

Aloha e Erika! And welcome to HawaiiThreads. You're probably the first person to find their way here from YouTube.

[ErikaMarie]

Now if you're willing to give it 10 to 30 years, you might just start to become accepted.Tis OK!

I've been an outsider my whole life!

Now... it's my large white (well, he's 1/3 black but you'd never know it) boyfriend who would really stick out! lol
Aloha e Erika! And welcome to HawaiiThreads. You're probably the first person to find their way here from YouTube.Wow... echo... :p

Thanx
since your kind of interested in the Hawaiian language... you can learn this...

go moe moe already! It's late in FloridaI'm guessing that means to sleep... I'm nocturnal... an effing hamster, I tell you.

I'm in the same time zone, but not in FL anymore. :)

[Queenolu]

Where do you live? I currently reside in Hagerstown, but I've lived in Frederick most... also in Germantown & Silver Spring.

I'm in the Baltimore area.... preparing for my move to Hawai'i at the end of the year.

Will add you on myspace....

[blueyecicle]

Now if you're willing to give it 10 to 30 years, you might just start to become accepted.

For some people that is no different than any other place. No matter where I wander I will always be an outsider marked with a scarlet letter. Some people just accept it and deal with it the best they can and make their own way.

[Leo Lakio]

No matter where I wander I will always be an outsider marked with a scarlet letter. Some people just accept it and deal with it the best they can and make their own way."Outsider" is not necessarily a negative (unless you are on a spaceship.) How you deal with it matters more than how others do - but I can tell you already know this, blue...

[sinjin]

Tis OK!

I've been an outsider my whole life!

Now... it's my large white (well, he's 1/3 black but you'd never know it) boyfriend who would really stick out! lol
Wow... echo... :p

Thanx
I'm guessing that means to sleep... I'm nocturnal... an effing hamster, I tell you.

I'm in the same time zone, but not in FL anymore. :)

How does one obtain third parts of ancestry?

[WindwardOahuRN]

For some people that is no different than any other place. No matter where I wander I will always be an outsider marked with a scarlet letter. Some people just accept it and deal with it the best they can and make their own way.

And others try too damn hard, make fools out of themselves, and are still marked as "outsiders."

Then again, being an "outsider" might just mean you choose not to go along with the crowd.

Not necessarily a bad thing. :)

[Leo Lakio]

How does one obtain third parts of ancestry?I was curious about this as well...menage a trois, perhaps? :confused:

[Bard]

And others try too damn hard, make fools out of themselves

And then there's those of us who are not trying so hard to fit in, we just get overly excited about learning new cultural things. ;)

Hey, being a damned fool isn't too bad once in a while either if it's fun and you can take it in stride :)

[WindwardOahuRN]

And then there's those of us who are not trying so hard to fit in, we just get overly excited about learning new cultural things. ;)

Hey, being a damned fool isn't too bad once in a while either if it's fun and you can take it in stride :)

Been there, done that. Probably doomed to do it many more times before I die, being a member of the human race and all. :D

[ErikaMarie]

How does one obtain third parts of ancestry?


His grandpa is 100%. His grandma is 50%. This makes his father 75%. So, my boyf Chase is 37.5%. I'd say that's somewhat silly to go around saying "My boyfriend is 37.5% black" so I rounded to 1/3. It was closer than 1/2 & 1/4.

Been there, done that. Probably doomed to do it many more times before I die, being a member of the human race and all. :D

werd

[WindwardOahuRN]

werd

Oh? :confused:

[ErikaMarie]

Oh? :confused:


Sorry...


I concur.

[manoasurfer123]

Erika...

I was thinking the same thing... I wish more leeway around some corners would be given on other subjects....

But a lot of us take a lot of things very literal around here...thanks for explaining your definition of a third.

[Glen Miyashiro]

His grandpa is 100%. His grandma is 50%. This makes his father 75%. So, my boyf Chase is 37.5%. I'd say that's somewhat silly to go around saying "My boyfriend is 37.5% black" so I rounded to 1/3. It was closer than 1/2 & 1/4.When you're talking ancestry, it's always by halves, quarters, eighths, and sometimes sixteenths and thirty-secondths (is that a word?). So instead of using a percentage I'd have said 3/8 -- which makes it easy to recognize that three of his eight great-grandparents were black.

[Jonah K]

When you're talking ancestry, it's always by halves, quarters, eighths, and sometimes sixteenths and thirty-secondths (is that a word?). So instead of using a percentage I'd have said 3/8 -- which makes it easy to recognize that three of his eight great-grandparents were black.
Of course, those who subscribe to the "one drop" rule (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-drop_rule) would say that he's black, not matter what his other ethnicities might be. :cool:

[Leo Lakio]

When you're talking ancestry, it's always by halves, quarters, eighths, and sometimes sixteenths and thirty-secondths (is that a word?). So instead of using a percentage I'd have said 3/8 -- which makes it easy to recognize that three of his eight great-grandparents were black.Thanks, Glen - you summed it up succinctly (and saved me from doing the math - so I hope it's accurate as well.)
Erika, you could just say "part black," if it really matters - but genetic science really doesn't allow for rounding to thirds. What's most important is what HE says, I guess. Like Manoa, the mix is only as relevant as he wants it to be.

[Mahi Waina]

Erika, you could just say "part black," if it really matters - but genetic science really doesn't allow for rounding to thirds.

Actually, genetic science does not allow for any distinctions between 'races' as the human race is a single species. All this talk of blood percentage is 100% b*llshit!

[Leo Lakio]

Actually, genetic science does not allow for any distinctions between 'races' as the human race is a single species. All this talk of blood percentage is 100% b*llshit!Not so "100%" cut-and-dried, in the world of genetic science. Scientific American (http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=00055DC8-3BAA-1FA8-BBAA83414B7F0000) had an article on this back in December 2003:

Does Race Exist? ---
If races are defined as genetically discrete groups, no. But researchers can use some genetic information to group individuals into clusters with medical relevance. The outward signs on which most definitions of race are based--such as skin color and hair texture--are dictated by a handful of genes.

[ErikaMarie]

When you're talking ancestry, it's always by halves, quarters, eighths, and sometimes sixteenths and thirty-secondths (is that a word?). So instead of using a percentage I'd have said 3/8 -- which makes it easy to recognize that three of his eight great-grandparents were black.


Hmmm... I wasn't aware there were guidelines.

& I didn't think it was that important.

[ErikaMarie]

Actually, genetic science does not allow for any distinctions between 'races' as the human race is a single species. All this talk of blood percentage is 100% b*llshit!


You're right... I remember learning that there are more genetic similarities between 2 people of different races than there are of 2 people of the same race.

[Leo Lakio]

& I didn't think it was that important.Then...why'd you bring it up in the first place? :p

[sinjin]

Hmmm... I wasn't aware there were guidelines.

& I didn't think it was that important.

You have inadvertently highlighted something different about Hawaii than many other places. The nuances of one's mixed ethnic make-up can be important.

[sinjin]

Actually, genetic science does not allow for any distinctions between 'races' as the human race is a single species. All this talk of blood percentage is 100% b*llshit!And yet our skeletons alone can identify what "race" we are/were. Saw that on CSI. :D
Btw Paliminos and Appaloosas are the same species.

[1stwahine]

Aloha ErikaMarie! Any relations to our LeiKaina? Wow! You two can pass as sisters. :D

Auntie Lynn

[WindwardOahuRN]

Then...why'd you bring it up in the first place? :p

Perhaps she had been lurking a while and noticed that it is perceived by some to be a "plus" to be something other than white?

(And, not incidentally, a "negative" to be white.)

Free points? Instant bonding?

Just an observation.

Good morning. :D

[WindwardOahuRN]

You have inadvertently highlighted something different about Hawaii than many other places. The nuances of one's mixed ethnic make-up can be important.

Only as important as bigots choose to make them.

Just like any other place in this world.

[Mahi Waina]

Btw Paliminos and Appaloosas are the same species.

They sell horses based on breed. They used to sell people based on breed. Now you want to prevent me from buying property based on breed. I love America!

[Leo Lakio]

Now you want to prevent me from buying property based on breed.You had me until this point, MW - can you clarify a little for me?

[Miulang]

You had me until this point, MW - can you clarify a little for me?
I think he means he can't qualify for a DHHL home.

Miulang

[Leo Lakio]

I think he means he can't qualify for a DHHL home.So the issue is with a race-based policy, I assume, even though it's one designed to rectify past injustices? I think we've gone down that path in quite a few threads before - many of them invoving discussion of Kamehameha Schools.

If we're going to continue on this topic, perhaps we should move it off this thread, then, and return instead to our special guest, the self-professed "effing hamster"?

[ErikaMarie]

You have inadvertently highlighted something different about Hawaii than many other places. The nuances of one's mixed ethnic make-up can be important.

No, I meant the way I measured it... as 1/3 & not by quarters or whatever they were saying before.

[ErikaMarie]

Perhaps she had been lurking a while and noticed that it is perceived by some to be a "plus" to be something other than white?

(And, not incidentally, a "negative" to be white.)

Free points? Instant bonding?

Just an observation.

Good morning. :D


I was noticing race comes up a lot... so I threw my Cherokee in there.

It doesn't matter if he's 100% black anyway. He looks 110% white.

[ErikaMarie]

Aloha ErikaMarie! Any relations to our LeiKaina? Wow! You two can pass as sisters. :D

Auntie Lynn


Actually I haven't seen her. Got pix?

[Glen Miyashiro]

Actually I haven't seen her. Got pix?Here's LeiKaina's profile (http://hawaiithreads.com/member.php?u=888).

[ErikaMarie]

Here's LeiKaina's profile (http://hawaiithreads.com/member.php?u=888).

Wow, flattered. She's purdy.

[sinjin]

Only as important as bigots choose to make them.

Just like any other place in this world.
Ethnic heritage is not an area of interest to bigots alone.

[sinjin]

They sell horses based on breed. They used to sell people based on breed. Now you want to prevent me from buying property based on breed. I love America!I would deny you property in Hawaii? I would discourage non-residents from owning as I see this as a basic problem for residents.

[MadAzza]

OK, well I'll introduce myself. I'm Native American (Cherokee)

Hey, we're everywhere!

Hi, ErikaMarie! Cherokee on my mom's side (but I take after my dad's, the Vikings). Mom's people were from Florida, too. And Georgia, and Oklahoma. But she grew up in Florida, mostly.

Welcome!

[ErikaMarie]

Hey, we're everywhere!

Hi, ErikaMarie! Cherokee on my mom's side (but I take after my dad's, the Vikings). Mom's people were from Florida, too. And Georgia, and Oklahoma. But she grew up in Florida, mostly.

Welcome!


Yeah, it seems these days everyone's grandmother was a Cherokee princess. ;)

Thanx for the welcome. :)

[Mahi Waina]

You had me until this point, MW - can you clarify a little for me?


Now that I've thought about and read the replies, I've changed my thinking. My first reaction was because it reminded me of the by-laws in early Palm Springs developments that prevented houses from being resold to African-Americans.

But I agree that I should not tie up limited property in Hawaii if I do not intend to reside there. Hopefully, I can visit friends in Pahoa and the North Shore who will accept me as someone who respects the land and culture, and I will not be relegated to places like Waikiki and Kailua-Kona where it is assumed that I am a rude, clueless tourist because of my ethnicity.

[sand86]

As I read the early stages of this thread. I felt like I could relate to your situation. My girlfriend (eventual wife) are planning on moving to Hawaii, the BI to be specific. We both grew up in the North East.

We dont like the pace of life, the climate, or the cold personalities. It is rare for anyone to say hello or make eye contact with anyone that they do not know. People don't hold doors or let you in to traffic. It the little things that tell you how unfriendly people are.

We both moved to the south for college. It is a little better. Southern Hospitality does exist. The people of the bible belt however can be intolerant. Politicaly and Socialy speaking we don't really fit in here. Not that people are mean about it. We try not to press our opinions on others and those that we know grant us the same respect. Still we know that this is not where we are meant to be.

We looked into the Virgin Islands for a time. We like a lot of things about them, but there is a similar conservatism to the VI that is found in the South. Not in the tourist areas but in the residential areas. Also friends of ours have told us that the government there is a mess. I know I know it is every where in the US, but VI's independant government is supposedly quite corrupt.

We feel that we are being called to hawaii. Like you said earlier it is of course not a utopia. No where is.... Living in hawaii we know will be quite different from visiting. The things that we really want in hawaii is the weather, nature, ocean, and hopefully there will be enough aloha to extend to us.

I am a real estate investor.... I hope that didnt put anyone off. I dont want to move to HI because of real estate. I love real estate and I love the hopefully realistic image i have of life on the islands. It is not a get rich quick scheme. I have been interested in real estate since high school. My girlf wants to be a special ed. teacher.

As far as the whole race issue on here goes. I will admit that I grew up in a place with two asian families and that was about it for diversity. I love learning about other cultures other cultures though. I suppose german and spanish won't help me much there, but o well.... I wish race didn't matter... At the same time i think it is important for people to be diverse and hold on to their culture. We all just need to be open to eachother. I do have cherokee in my family, but like your bf i look 110% white.... with blond hair and blue eyes. I hope that kindness on our part can overcome any discrimination that may occur against us. It would of course be eye opening to be the recipient of such actions. As much as I hate racism I am sure if anyone deserves it would be people that look like I. We have done much harm to many groups of people.

Is there anywhere in hawaii to get Yerba Mate? I know random question... but I am absolutely hooked on this amazing beverage. If you have never heard of it you may want to google it.

You may be able to tell by this excessively long post, but I enjoy writting. I know I have neither brought much to the table nor asked many questions. I just wanted you to know that there is someone who can relate.

Another Hawaii bound soul trapped on the East Coast....
Seth

[sinjin]

Is there anywhere in hawaii to get Yerba Mate? I know random question... but I am absolutely hooked on this amazing beverage. If you have never heard of it you may want to google it.

Seth

When I was in Argentina it seemed the whole country was addicted to that stuff. Addiction to stimulants(meth/ice) is huge in Hawaii. You'll be fine.:p

[sand86]

Your not comparing my Yerba to hard synthetic stimulants are you... lol....I wish I could move today. I've been surfing the net reading about Hilo, which is where we are hoping to move to. I know it rains all the time.... I have read Affordable Paradise.... and I am getting So you want to live in Hawaii... are there any other books that you suggest. I'm sorry Erika im not meaning to hijack your thread. SinJin i am indeed hopped up on Yerba right now. Maybe I am addicted, but atleast it is a healthy addiction.

thanks all and much love

[sinjin]

Your not comparing my Yerba to hard synthetic stimulants are you... lol....I wish I could move today. I've been surfing the net reading about Hilo, which is where we are hoping to move to. I know it rains all the time.... I have read Affordable Paradise.... and I am getting So you want to live in Hawaii... are there any other books that you suggest. I'm sorry Erika im not meaning to hijack your thread. SinJin i am indeed hopped up on Yerba right now. Maybe I am addicted, but atleast it is a healthy addiction.

thanks all and much love
Just yanking your chain.:p

Hilo is really nice despite the frequent rain.

[sand86]

yeah i know you were.... Rain is fine as long as its warm. Does anyone know of any other forums like this one. I am just trying to gather as much information as I can. Since I can't move right now I enjoy learning as much as I can... hopefully that will help the eventual move go smoother. I heard somewhere that chickens eat Coqui frogs if this is true and I move to the BI I may just need to have a small flock of chickens....lol Is there any truth in this though?

[Miulang]

HT's own Erika Engle has a story in this morning's Star Bulletin (http://starbulletin.com/2006/10/05/business/story01.html)about a poll that showed that people on CONUS would prefer to live in seven states more than they would in Hawai'i. People living outside the US, however, ranked Hawai'i as their #3 most desirable place to live in the US.

Hawai'i ranks highest for its people, climate, culture, environment and architecture (?) but 48th of all the states in terms of affordability, amenities and infrastructure (danged traffic).

"We have this fantastic brand name," Smyth said, but Hawaii's tourism image is different from what we would sell to someone who wants to move here, open a business here or go to school here.

Also, visitors to a state spend money in different ways than locals and don't get a true resident's view of that state, he said.

In other words, "visit Hawai'i, spend your money and then go home."

Miulang

[ErikaMarie]

In other words, "visit Hawai'i, spend your money and then go home."

Miulang


What does a poll have anything to do w/ me & whether or not I would be happy living in Hawaii?

[Miulang]

What does a poll have anything to do w/ me & whether or not I would be happy living in Hawaii?
It just means that maybe people who want to move to Hawai'i aren't doing it just because it would be a neat experience...most are actually doing their homework and after weighing the pros and cons of such a move, are deciding that moving to Hawai'i wouldn't be as swell as just spending 2 weeks there on vacation.:cool:

Miulang

[sand86]

It's a good thing not everyone wants to live in hawaii. There isnt room for everyone. That goes for every state... Well Alaska could hold quite a few..but thats not the point.

Polls tell you what the MAJORITY wants. I nor Erika are the majority we are just two individuals. Sorry about speaking for you.... but I think you willl agree to this.

You just have to find one that fits you. I feel like hawaii fits me and so I am going to move there and hopefully i am right... but if I am not no big deal.

I know you are just trying to tell people that it is important to do research and I totaly agree. Thankyou for warning me. From all of the research I have done I really believe this is where I will be most happy not that I am unhappy anywhere else.

I think somepeople are unhappy and think moving to somewhere nice like hawaii will change that. That probably doesnt work out for many people, but thats not why I want to go there.

[Leo Lakio]

...and it needs to be noted that not everyone who is knowledgeable or curious about or fascinated by aspects of Hawai`i necessarily wants to live there.

[Mask]

What does a poll have anything to do w/ me & whether or not I would be happy living in Hawaii?

Hi Erica and welcome to HT. I've a member of the list for over a year and didn't make my first post until a few days ago.

The advice given thus far has been very good, advice about the move. Do lots of home work. Have a solid game plan and if at all possible a safety net: i.e. A good chunk of change to fall back on.

I've been doing the research for almost three years now and I still have more I'd like to know. You can't be too well informed. IMHO. Really, find which island is going to suit your lifestyle the best. From the people I've talked to who live there, every island has it own quirks and personalty. Find out what suits "you" the best.

Look at housing, population density, the school systems. Even the age demographic may be important to you. Sit down and ask yourself what you're willing to give up to live in Hawai'i. You have to give things up and sometimes even people.

Hawai'i is (by definition) the most remote piece of land in the whole world! Always keep that fact in mind. You'll be a long ways from everywhere and if you're not ready for that, then maybe you're not quite ready for Hawai'i.

I'm not trying to put off the islands. Just trying to point out that some of these things are overlooked in the grand scheme of things when one starts this process.

It's a huge step. Right now, I'm in a huge house (by Hawaiian standards) and I and my wife have had to get our heads around that "huge" just isn't going to happen in Hawai'i and I've always been fine with that. My wife, on the other hand found the whole idea crazy at first and the more she became educated about what could be gained, she started to come around.

Good luck with the move and hope to hear more from you. :)

[Bard]

Hawai'i is (by definition) the most remote piece of land in the whole world!

Actually Rapa Nui (aka Easter Island) is the most remote piece of land in the whole world; Hawai'i is the most remote island chain. ;)

Sorry to nitpick ... I agree with all that you said. :) I'm here mainly because I'm interested in Hawai'i, the culture, the trials and tribulations (and joys) of daily life, and so on. Good place to see that. Also HT is a great way to waste time. =) I have no concrete plans to move there at the moment (yet), though it's something my wife and I have discussed quite a bit.

For the people on here who are thinking of moving and feel defensive when people taunt you or try to discourage you... "why bodda you?" ;) An internet forum is not a good place to look for acceptance on your decisions in life, only you can do that. I've often found that those discouragements and taunts have something for me to learn behind them though.

[Whitepoint3rchum]

It's a good thing not everyone wants to live in hawaii. There isnt room for everyone.


Unfortunately it appears that more people do want to live in Hawai'i than don't, so it is becoming overpopulated. That's why Craig and I are going to buy our own island chain in FP and refer to them as the 'HT Islands'. I wonder if he remembers that...

[Mask]

Actually Rapa Nui (aka Easter Island) is the most remote piece of land in the whole world; Hawai'i is the most remote island chain. ;)

You Are Right! The three words my wife love to hear most.

Bard, You just have to keep saying, I think can. I think can. :D

[ErikaMarie]

Mask, from my research, I would like to live on Oahu, perhaps in the area of Kailua.

This isn't for some years down the road; however. I would still like to move to Florida temporarily before I move, but my boyfriend wants us to really only move once for a very long time. We'll see, I guess.

[Mask]

Mask, from my research, I would like to live on Oahu, perhaps in the area of Kailua.

This isn't for some years down the road; however. I would still like to move to Florida temporarily before I move, but my boyfriend wants us to really only move once for a very long time. We'll see, I guess.

Always best to take your time on things like this. :)

[Bard]

Always best to take your time on things like this. :)

Unless an overpass falls on you on your way to the airport to move to Hawai'i ;)