Moving to Oahu, lots of questions

[ItsGoTime!]

Aloha. I've just been offered a job in Pearl City, and the family and I are incredibly excited. Been looking to move to O'ahu for long time now, can't believe it now that it's here. Anyways, we're not moving until August (still gotta finish my degree), but I've been doing some preliminary planning. I got lots of queries, and I figure that the local folk know better than anyone.

Whos' got the best cell phone coverage, rate plans? I'm leaning towards Cingular (family plan for $60, 2 phones) as I hear that their reception is the best. Is this true?

Internet provider. I come from a world (Vancouver, BC, Canada) where almost no one has dial-up. Those that do either deny it, or admit it sheepishly. I've been reading about Clear Wave and the fact that it's mobile sounds awesome. But, how is the overall performance. Anyone have problems? What's your provider?

How about TV. Ideally I'd like digtial, HDTV with DVR/PVR/TiVo. But cable is low priority, and I'd be willing to deal with analog cable, or basic digital cable. The only thing that I found so far is DirecTV. Google keeps throwing Comcast on me, but their website says no to O'ahu.

Does anyone VOIP? How much? Quality?

Much Mahalo in advance for any replies. I will have many more questions, but I can't wait to come to the Islands and bring a bit of Canadian flavour. Hockey, anyone? Didn't have a chance to go to Ice Palace last time I was there, but it's on my hit list.

Oh, where's a good place to get cheap furniture?

[1stwahine]

Aloha and Welcome to HawaiiThreads.com!

Most of your answers can be found on our archives.;)

Cable: Hawaiian Telcom vs Oceanic Time Warner Cable
http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=12616&highlight=Oceanic+Hawn
More on Hawaiian Telcom
http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=9851&highlight=Cell+phone

Cell Phone: What cellular provider do you use?
http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=5867

Digital T.V. Digital TV Broadcasting in Hawaii
http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=7997

The best place to purchase Furniture is at Military PX.

Auntie Lynn

[Mista Bumpy]

Yes indeed, the PX advice is good. It would be worthwhile to rent a pickup or U-Haul and head up to Mililani Town. There's a whole bunch of used furnature and pawn outfits up there, on nearly every block. In other words, it's a typical base town! LOL!! Besides that, you would get a chance to see Central Oahu, which is a really nice drive. Good luck.

Aloha!

[Mista Bumpy]

Actually, I meant Wahiawa, not Mililani Town. Sorry!

Aloha!

[tutusue]

I have a really dumb question! :o Doesn't one need to be in the military or a family member to go to the PX? :confused:

[TATTRAT]

That is exactly what I was thinking Tutusue. I know it is like that here in Hampton Roads. Heck, they won't even let civilians on a base without the proper workday pass, let alone go shopping.

The base always had great deals though, especially on liquor.

[tutusue]

Even the restaurants at the Hale Koa hotel require a military ID from one member in the dining party.

I believe there's a navy PX off of Nimitz that's not on base...near the intersection of Valkenburgh and Bougainville, iirc. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. An off base PX, if there is such a thing, would require a military ID to get in, I'd think.

Or, have I been missing some really great shopping over the span of my lengthy lifetime? :D

[1stwahine]

I have a really dumb question! :o Doesn't one need to be in the military or a family member to go to the PX? :confused:

Yeah, you're correct Tutusue! ;)

Lynn

[ItsGoTime!]

Thanks everyone. What does PX stand for? I did read elsewhere that only military personnel can go there.

For all the immigrants, how did you find accomodations? The advice I hear from everyone is that you definitely should see the place before you rent it. The guy at my work suggested to get a hotel first, then find a place to rent. That sounds expensive. If it takes a week to find a place, that's $1000. Another mention, and one I'm leaning towards, is getting a vacation rental for a month, and try to find a place in the meantime. What did you guys do?

[tutusue]

[...]What did you guys do?
I moved in with my boyfriend! :D His place was absolutely lovely!

[1stwahine]

Thanks everyone. What does PX stand for? I did read elsewhere that only military personnel can go there.

Post Exchange. On post it is the military's department store. :D

Auntie Lynn

[Kelly0040]

Cable: We get digital cable tv and internet via Oceanic (www.oceanic.com). Our bill is $130 a month (with hbo). They also offer digital telephone service for like $30 more. We have a DVR box from them. It's all right. We just record 2 things mainly - The Office and Lost - and altho TiVo looks really cool, I'm ok with my DVR. I wish I had more space tho. Our neighbor used the Digital Phone service from them and she didn't care for it. I'm happy with our internet connection as it rarely goes down and we've never had any issues with speed.

Cell phone: We have Verizon and they've finally put some towers way the heck down here so now we're much happier. Our coverage on O'ahu seems strong (full bars) in about 75% of the island, the other 25% is like 2 bars. I couldn't tell you if Cingular is better than Verizon now because when we were having Verizon issues (last year), we tried out Cingular and it was worse (in our area, anyway).

When we moved here, we got a place at the Executive Center in downtown Honolulu for 3 weeks. We got per diem and the gov't rate, so paying for it wasn't an issue. However, I had several places in mind by the time we actually arrived on the island. I posted a thingy on Craig's List about what I was looking for and the range I was willing to pay and I had about a half-dozen folks respond with pictures of rental homes and three folks even went so far as to take photos of the neighborhood, too, to give me an idea of the area because I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The day after we arrived, we toured four of them and the other two a few days later. By week two, we had secured a place and a week later, our stuff arrived.

Good luck!
-K

[ItsGoTime!]

Cable: We get digital cable tv and internet via Oceanic (http://www.oceanic.com). Our bill is $130 a month (with hbo). They also offer digital telephone service for like $30 more. We have a DVR box from them. It's all right. We just record 2 things mainly - The Office and Lost - and altho TiVo looks really cool, I'm ok with my DVR. I wish I had more space tho. Our neighbor used the Digital Phone service from them and she didn't care for it. I'm happy with our internet connection as it rarely goes down and we've never had any issues with speed.

Cell phone: We have Verizon and they've finally put some towers way the heck down here so now we're much happier. Our coverage on O'ahu seems strong (full bars) in about 75% of the island, the other 25% is like 2 bars. I couldn't tell you if Cingular is better than Verizon now because when we were having Verizon issues (last year), we tried out Cingular and it was worse (in our area, anyway).

When we moved here, we got a place at the Executive Center in downtown Honolulu for 3 weeks. We got per diem and the gov't rate, so paying for it wasn't an issue. However, I had several places in mind by the time we actually arrived on the island. I posted a thingy on Craig's List about what I was looking for and the range I was willing to pay and I had about a half-dozen folks respond with pictures of rental homes and three folks even went so far as to take photos of the neighborhood, too, to give me an idea of the area because I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The day after we arrived, we toured four of them and the other two a few days later. By week two, we had secured a place and a week later, our stuff arrived.

Good luck!
-K

Thanks Kelly. Very helpful. I think we're leaning toward the vacation rental option for a week, and hope to secure a place by then. How are realtors for helping in finding a rental? I made some initial contacts but it's too early to actually do anything.

[ItsGoTime!]

Another question. I will be working in Pearl City, and I think we'd prefer to live there as well. It would be nice to work within 15 minute walking distance to work. But we also looked at (online) Mililani Town. It looks nice. Can anyone tell me more about it? How far is it from Pearl City? It looks like it's about 15 mins by car to Pearl Ridge Center (I'll be working near there). Thanks.

Does anyone know anything about Century Park Plaza in Pearl City, on Kamehameha? We have looked into it, and it looks nice, close to work. Are there any issues we should know about? Thanks.

[dostoy]

One of the first things I would recommend is to get a Hawaiian bank account before you get to the island. We have a First Hawaiian account I am not sure which bank is best it was just the closest to us. There are no mainland banks on Oahu and in my experience not very many landlords or realtors will take mainland checks. We had a hard time when we first got here because we did not have a local bank account and it takes a ling time for mainland checks to clear.



We have only been here a few months and we love it! The island the weather and the people are wonderful!

[anapuni808]

I opened a First Hawaiian Bank account, via internet about 2-3 months before I moved back - that way I already had money in the bank here. I also rented a private mail box so that I had some form of local address. Also, when you shut off your utilities, see if you can get some sort of credit reference letter from them. Hawn Electric & Hawn Tel will usually honor those & you won't have to pay a security deposit to get utilities turned on here. I don't know if Board of Water will do the same since I've never paid a water bill.

of course, this was 11 years ago now so things may have changed.

[ItsGoTime!]

Got a question about the tap water on O'ahu, as in, can I drink it? I'm a notorious tap water drinker, but where I'm from, it's all good. How about when you brush teeth? Just a thought that came to my mind during a nice morning sit on the throne. Thanks.

[tutusue]

Well (literally!), IGT...the good news is...you can drink Oahu's water (http://www.hbws.org/cssweb/display.cfm?sid=1163)!!! I'd be cautious about brushing your teeth, tho'...don't wanna get any nasty bugs! :eek:

j/k :D It's all good!

[tnts2k]

We moved here last summer and found lots of rentals through hicentral.com. We didn't open a local checking account (still haven't) and haven't had any problems but we bank with USAA where a lot of military people bank. We have digital cable, phone and internet with Oceanic Time Warner and have been very pleased. Our cell phone provider is Nextel because that's what my husband's company provided. I haven't been thrilled with the coverage.

We go to church in Aiea, very near Pearlridge Center and it's a nice area. Personally, I think Mililani Town is pretty far from there. There are lots of apartments in the area. I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for (size and price wise) but I'm sure you can find something. One of our church employees lives in a small unit in Pearlridge Tower and it's not bad.

Good luck with your move. Hawaii's a great place to live, although expensive. After waiting several months for construction to be complete on our new home, we are now Hawaii home owners. I'm still struggling with sticker shock!

Tina

[Leo Lakio]

Got a question about the tap water on O'ahu, as in, can I drink it? I'm a notorious tap water drinker, but where I'm from, it's all good. How about when you brush teeth? Just a thought that came to my mind during a nice morning sit on the throne. Thanks.
Not only is it potable, but you won't need shots before going to O`ahu AND you can use American dollars there now! It's almost like a first-world place today. (But bring your passport, just to be sure.):p

[TATTRAT]

A little off topic, but I have been paying attention to this thread and was wondering how the T-Mobile coverage is on Oahu. I went to the T-Mobile site, and it looks "if-y".


Just wondering if anyone could offer some input.

[WindwardOahuRN]

A little off topic, but I have been paying attention to this thread and was wondering how the T-Mobile coverage is on Oahu. I went to the T-Mobile site, and it looks "if-y".


Just wondering if anyone could offer some input.

I dumped T-Mobile for Verizon. I had a terrible problem with dropped calls with TM and have had no problem at all with Verizon. I thought I got the best deal with Costco but later saw an even better deal at Sam's Club.

[Leo Lakio]

Whenever I visited in the past few years, I did a lot of work while there, constantly using T-Mobile. I had no problems at all - but I was primarily in either Kane`ohe or Honolulu; as for less urban areas, I cannot attest to the service. And I was only there for a couple weeks at a time.

[ItsGoTime!]

Not only is it potable, but you won't need shots before going to O`ahu AND you can use American dollars there now! It's almost like a first-world place today. (But bring your passport, just to be sure.):p

Hehehe, funny. I realize you were joking, but I wasn't insinuating that Hawai'i is 3rd world. The drinking water here in Vancouver is glacier fed, and delicious. But in some communitites, the source of tap water is not clean, and seeing that I'm a tap water drinker, I need to know what the locals say. The feds always say the tap water is safe to drink.

Thanks for the info tutusue and tnts2k. Very helpful. Can't wait to get there.

[Leo Lakio]

The drinking water here in Vancouver is glacier fed, and delicious. But in some communitites, the source of tap water is not clean, and seeing that I'm a tap water drinker, I need to know what the locals say. The feds always say the tap water is safe to drink.Yeah - I suspect that there are folks in Walkerton, ON, who would want to see that last sentence in bold-face type. Though I think if there were issues along the lines of "safe to brush your teeth with" in Honolulu - we'd have heard about it for sure.

You're very fortunate to be moving to a beautiful place FROM a beautiful place; I love Vancouver (nearly moved there almost twenty years ago.) Good luck with the move.

[tutusue]

[...]It's almost like a first-world place today.[...]
Except for the roads. Holey moley, the potholes have turned most every road, including the freeways, into an obstacle course. Whatta mess.
[...]You're very fortunate to be moving to a beautiful place FROM a beautiful place; I love Vancouver[...]
Oooooh...me, too! My daughter and I spent a week there many years ago. We both agreed we wouldn't be disappointed if we had to live there!

[Karen]

We're with Cingular and are very pleased with it.

We are equally happy with the local cable tv company's tv and Road Runner internet service, very fast and reliable, and the tv's DVR, it's wonderful...a bit like Tivo I hear, but haven't played with tivo myself.

I buy furniture on base so can't help you there. Wishing you luck.

Groceries are VERY expensive, so shop Walmart first get everything you can there, and then hit the regular grocery stores. Oh, if you get a place that has Jalousie windows....glue all but one window, each separate piece of glass into the metal that holds them in place....many burglaries here are cuz of the windows that are so easy to break into. I've done that at both houses I've lived in here, and my landlord at the rental house, she was very excited that I did, as she said it was a big improvement, cool eh?

If I think of anything else, I'll post again.

[cynsaligia]

Oh, if you get a place that has Jalousie windows....glue all but one window, each separate piece of glass into the metal that holds them in place....many burglaries here are cuz of the windows that are so easy to break into. I've done that at both houses I've lived in here, and my landlord at the rental house, she was very excited that I did, as she said it was a big improvement, cool eh?



you can also buy jalousie clips. i think we bought the ones for my mom's old apartment at city mill or something, and they were fairly cheap.

[Karen]

Jalousie clips...new to me, thanks. Are they as firm and secure as gluing the slats in? or even...somehow...even more secure than that?

[ItsGoTime!]

Thanks for the info Karen. Never heard of Jalousie windows before, I had to google it. But once I saw it, I know exactly the types of windows you are talking about. My wife loves them, but we didn't know about the break-in hazards with those. I'll make sure to clip them, or glue them, or whatever.

It's getting close to moving day for us. Scary thing is that we're not exactly sure of when that is. So many things we are waiting for (visas, finishing my degree, housing, etc ...). My wife works for an airline, so we can get cheap flights to O'ahu. Thinking of popping by this week to look at rentals, but I don't want to fly if I can't leave O'ahu without a rental locked up. So much to do, yet so little we can do until some things get resolved. See you soon.

[Karen]

Your head is spinning with all that is happening, about to and with so much to do. wishing you as smooth a transition as possible.

Here's a link to the official Honolulu realtors' page. It has listed rentals but isn't the only place to seek them out.

http://www.hicentral.com/home.asp

What surprised me when a renter here was how many landlords won't allow pets. My mom was a landlord in Texas and wouldn't but she wasn't the norm.

No place is perfect so do know this is a wonderful place to live for so many reasons, though it's pricing a lot of us out of paradise.

[ItsGoTime!]

What's the tax rate like in Hawai'i? I will be making ~45K per year. I read somewhere that I will pay about 8-9%. Is this correct?

[GeckoGeek]

You can plug in the numbers from your Federal return to see what it would have been last year.

Individual Income Tax Return for Residents Filing a Federal Return (http://www.state.hi.us/tax/2006/n11_f.pdf)

2006 Tax Table (http://www.state.hi.us/tax/2006/06table.pdf)

Keep in mind that taxable income is after your deductions. So it looks like you'd be under $3,000 in taxes.

[ItsGoTime!]

Thanks Gecko. I've been looking for a table like that all morning. Much Mahalo.

[cynsaligia]

Jalousie clips...new to me, thanks. Are they as firm and secure as gluing the slats in? or even...somehow...even more secure than that?

yes, they lock the glass into the holder-thingies.

what is nice about jalousie clips is they lock the glass into place so that if someone wanted to break in, they'd be forced to break each piece of glass bcs it's not possible to slide the glass out from the outside.

however, if you want to clean the glass without having little streaks of dirt along the sides where the metal holder things are, you can slide the glass out of the holders from the inside of the house.

every month my cousin (who lived with our grandma and my mom for a while when i was in college) and i would have to clean the jalousies. we'd remove the screen, then she'd go outside, and i'd remove the glass from the inside and hand them to her. we'd line them up against the wall and wash them there, then let them dry in the sun. and then we'd put them back again.

[Mista Bumpy]

what is nice about jalousie clips is they lock the glass into place so that if someone wanted to break in, they'd be forced to break each piece of glass bcs it's not possible to slide the glass out from the outside.



We got into our daughter's place up in Manoa once when we got locked out. We were going over there to clean after they moved in. I took the individual glass slats out one at a time from the outside, and slid in over the kitchen sink. My wife watched out for the neighbors nosing around. It was a pain, but I did it. I don't trust those windows, although they're everywhere in Hawaii, at least on Oahu.

But, of course, everyone knows there's no crime in Manoa. So, there !

Aloha !!

[Karen]

I want to try those clips! Yep, I glued so many jalousies that cleaning anything but the glass itself is a pain, and I do mean in more ways than one. If the clips come off quickly and easily from the inside, but not from the outside, then one doesn't have to fear fire with them, I'm diggin it. (a little late, but still diggin it) :cool:

[GeckoGeek]

We got into our daughter's place up in Manoa once when we got locked out.

It's amazing how easy it is to break into your place when it's no longer an academic exercise and you have to do it.

I did that to myself. Found out it was a lot easier to climb up to the 3rd floor then I thought. :eek: The second time I did that, I hired a locksmith. Never asked for ID or anything. Just picked the lock and I paid him.

[Mista Bumpy]

The second time I did that, I hired a locksmith. Never asked for ID or anything. Just picked the lock and I paid him.

Now, that's just a little scary! LOL !!



Aloha!

[tutusue]

[...]The second time I did that, I hired a locksmith. Never asked for ID or anything. Just picked the lock and I paid him.
During the early 90s I shared office space with a guy who turned out to, shall we say, not conduct his business in a legal manner...dealing drugs from the office at night amongst other illegal activities. The office lease was in my name. Without going into lengthy details, I took the lease up the street to a locksmith and asked him to change the locks asap. He did and I went on my way. A few hours later that same locksmith called me. "Office mate" had gone to the office, couldn't get in so chose the same locksmith to help him gain entry to "his office"! Locksmith said no and told office mate why. Office mate chose another locksmith who, like in your case GG, didn't ask any questions. Fortunately the owner of another business on that floor called me when she saw the lock being picked. I called the police and we raced there in time to catch the "pick" in action! The police stopped me from berating the locksmith, saying he was just doing his job. Huh? :mad: It became obvious this locksmith had no idea that he was getting himself into a mess.

[GeckoGeek]

The police stopped me from berating the locksmith, saying he was just doing his job. Huh? :mad: It became obvious this locksmith had no idea that he was getting himself into a mess.

You'd *think* there would be some kind of procedure required by law before one can legally pick locks. But it sure seems there isn't one. At least not enforced and not practiced.

[LikaNui]

Reminds me of a time when my office was broken into, but with no sign of a forced entry. Had to be someone with a key. I decided to try calling all the local locksmiths, figuring that was going to be a very long process. I then decided to go through the list alphabetically... and apparently the thief did too, as I hit success on the very first call.
:D

(Side note to Gregg -- that was one time that my ex-wife's name changed from Plaintiff to Defendant. Heh.)

[NoCal Boy]

.... The second time I did that, I hired a locksmith. Never asked for ID or anything. Just picked the lock and I paid him.

I had one of those experiences too. Long story, but good friend called me in a panic when she was out of state and her dogsitter left her puppy in a crate, then left town herself. She told me to break a window, do anything to get into the house and rescue the dog. I went over armed with a hammer, but really didn't feel comfortable doing that. Called a locksmith at random out of the yellow pages, started to explain why I needed in, but he was more interested in letting me know payment was due in person. He picked the lock, I paid him. I offered to show my ID, he couldn't care less. Really makes you wonder about how that's way too easy.

[ItsGoTime!]

Hey all, I have a question. I saw this ad for a place on Craigslist:


Beach style 3 bd - 2.5 condo in the center of Waikiki with new renovation in/out and beautiful ocean views; thats now ready to be taken over. Its to bad that prior owners could no longer afford the payments on this great property, thats also why the remaining balance is only 107,000. What I'm looking for is someone to take over the monthly payments, with no credit required or down payments needed, and you will eventually take ownership of the property. As of Sept. 1st I will also have properties in and around Waikiki/Honolulu. Contact "Mr. Doe" for more detailed information XXX-XXX-XXXX Enjoy your day!


I've seen an ad like this that looks very similar before. It looks like a scam to me. Does anyone know what the deal is with it? It sounds pretty good otherwise.

[tutusue]

[...]I've seen an ad like this that looks very similar before. It looks like a scam to me. Does anyone know what the deal is with it? It sounds pretty good otherwise.
"If it sounds to good to be true..." :eek:

And, no, I don't know anything about it but if you check it out be sure to really check it out!!! It doesn't make any sense to take over an owner's mortgage balance when the market is still warm enough to make a profit.

Another possibility is that the building is leasehold with only a few years remaining 'til the lease expires.

Regardless...sumthin' sounds fishy. Maybe you can be the unofficial HT sleuth, pose as a potential buyer and report back to us! ;)

[ItsGoTime!]

...pose as a potential buyer and report back to us!

I am a potential buyer, Sue. I think I'll give them a call tomorrow, and sniff around. Will report back, unless it is too good to be true, of course. ;)

[tutusue]

I am a potential buyer, Sue. I think I'll give them a call tomorrow, and sniff around. Will report back, unless it is too good to be true, of course. ;)
Kden...looking forward to hearing the results unless they truly are too good to be true. Still...

[Van2OahuK2b]

I am also from the GVRD and am looking at moving to Oahu, how did you settle on Pearl City? A pointer I found out just through searching through google.ca is that it cost approx $800. to ship your car there ( I have a 06 Blazer) and $1200 for a 20' container from one of the container ports such as Surrey. If you are attached to your furnishings etc. it might be something for you to check out. Aloha & Good Luck!!:)

[ItsGoTime!]

Kden...looking forward to hearing the results unless they truly are too good to be true. Still...
These homes are part of the Home Access USA Program. It looks like these peopl buy homes that are on the verge of foreclosure, and sell them at a discounted price. You have to sign up for their service. It sounds fishy.

http://www.homeaccessusa.com/

I am also from the GVRD and am looking at moving to Oahu, how did you settle on Pearl City? A pointer I found out just through searching through google.ca is that it cost approx $800. to ship your car there ( I have a 06 Blazer) and $1200 for a 20' container from one of the container ports such as Surrey. If you are attached to your furnishings etc. it might be something for you to check out. Aloha & Good Luck!!:)Hey Van2Oahu. I looked up some things ealier, and I thought that you could sail stuff to Oahu from Seattle only. For eg, you have to drive your car down to Seattle to ship it. Can you pass on some more info about the ports in Surrey? Thanks in advance. Go Canucks! Luongo is on a mission this year.

[ItsGoTime!]

So, I finally finished my degree off (yesterday was my last day at work) and we are looking for a rental. I was looking at the map yesterday, and I noticed that Kaneohe doesn't appear to be too far from Pearl City. What's the commute like on H3? What's life like in Kaneohe, or maybe even Kailua? Thanks.

[alohacandy]

So, I finally finished my degree off (yesterday was my last day at work) and we are looking for a rental. I was looking at the map yesterday, and I noticed that Kaneohe doesn't appear to be too far from Pearl City. What's the commute like on H3? What's life like in Kaneohe, or maybe even Kailua? Thanks.


Kaneohe is a very quiet town that has a nice mall that was recently renovated and has a much more laidback feel to it than Honolulu or even Pearl City for that matter. Because it is the windward sign of the island, it rains more and is greener and lusher. I never have driven the H-3 in the morning but any other time I've ever driven it, it has been a quick, stressfree drive with gorgeous scenery.

[LovinLK]

I moved to O'ahu in 1990 and the most traumatic thing was finding housing. It's not like here where you have one or two people at a time looking at a rental property. It's like you have 20 people also looking at the same rental, and locals seem to get the priority. Housing is at a premium. Single person housing is a nightmare because most are for families.

Some landlords don't fix things. I had that problem. I lived on University right on the Ala Wai and had a teeny tiny one bedroom that cost me $850 a month plus utilities. Luckily parking was free. Some places charge exhorbitant rates for the parking space. There were no drapes in the bedroom and the rods had rusted out. The landlord never fixed them. I had a broken couch and it took many calls to get that fixed. Then some screws came out of the kitchen table and he charged $50 to screw them back in when I got my deposit back. Beware of slumlord landlords.

And like someone else said, have a bank account. I got one with First Hawaiian because it was close to where I lived. I had a job to go to also, but make sure they are paying for your moving expenses. Moving a household is very expensive. When I had to move back to the mainland because things didn't work out, I shipped everything via UPS, making many trips and a box at a time.

With that said, I'd take minimal anything and not ship everything - only the real necessities. Find a furnished place until you're sure the job is secure. The whole work environment is not like the mainland either. It's a cultural thing. I didn't find much aloha where I was working. Also, the cost of living is a lot more than here on the mainland and the salaries are at least 1/3 lower and the taxes are awful. As I recall, the state tax was 10%.

Car Insurance - You need no fault auto insurance. Before you move, check the rates for as many companies as you can because there is a huge price difference. I got Liberty Mutual because it was the least for the best coverage and Geico was the highest by a lot. First, you need a driving record from city hall. Then you need a safety check sticker on your car that you can get at any service station. You need that before you get your license plates. But you also need the insurance.

You can send for a guide for new residents that gives you a lot of this information and I'd get it before you physically move and read it carefully.

I'd worry about the cell phone stuff later. Housing I found to be the real challenge. And if you've visited before, visiting is a lot different than having a ticket back.

Be prepared for sticker shock as well as culture shock. I worked with a Chinese girl who is from the same area I'm from and she said there are so many Orientals that it was a culture shock to her. Moving to Hawai'i is really like moving to another country and not like from one to another state on the mainland.

[ItsGoTime!]

Well, we're finally on the island. Finding a place to live proved to be a challenge because we weren't in town, and many preferred to rent to people who could come by to see the place first. Totally understandable. We did find one who rented to us after the first candidate failed the credit check (or bailed on the place, who knows for sure?). And after a crazy four days of running around like mad trying to get communications going, getting our money over here from Canada, and buying a car, we are almost settled in. Now we just have to wait for our furniture (and my 40" LCD TV) to arrive ... in a month or so.

I do have a question for the HT community. Where does one recycle things around here? We are very recycling oriented, and Vancouver is very friendly to those who like to recycle. I asked some people around here, and they looked at me like I was a freak when I asked where we can recycle things. We couldn't even return pop cans to Foodland. It seems like such a waste to throw recyclable material into a landfill on such a small island. Any other recyclers around here?

[LovinLK]

When I lived there, they tried it in Kane'ohe and Kailua and it didn't go over real well so they decided not to recycle. I have no idea where the trash goes unless they dump it out at sea someplace. I don't even recall seeing any dumps.

I was also looking for windshield fluid and got a strange look. You get stuff you mix with water in a little bottle since it never freezes over there. It's a real culture shock that you don't realise until you've actually LIVED there for awhile and not vacationed.

So where did you finally find a place to live?

[1stwahine]

It seems like such a waste to throw recyclable material into a landfill on such a small island. Any other recyclers around here?

Try look at this: Recycling and Waste Management News
http://www.envhonolulu.org/solid_waste/news/allthenews.html

Just this month:Isle towns to test recycling project
http://starbulletin.com/2007/09/06/news/story02.html

Theres one on N. King Street. I'm trying to find some addresses for you.

It's old but das the bess I can do foa now.

http://starbulletin.com/2005/01/01/news/story3.html

Auntie Lynn

[1stwahine]

Hmmmm...windshield wat? Who you wen ask? One kid? Cracker jack.

[1stwahine]

We don't dump our trash into the sea.

Who the du...neba mind.

HAHAHAHAHA

[tutusue]

When I lived there, they tried it in Kane'ohe and Kailua and it didn't go over real well so they decided not to recycle. I have no idea where the trash goes unless they dump it out at sea someplace. I don't even recall seeing any dumps.

I was also looking for windshield fluid and got a strange look. You get stuff you mix with water in a little bottle since it never freezes over there. It's a real culture shock that you don't realise until you've actually LIVED there for awhile and not vacationed.[...]
Yes...we do recycle.
Yes...we have dumps.
Yes...I've bought windshield wiper fluid that's not a concentrate.
and
Yes...it can be a culture shock after moving to Hawaii. That's what I love about it!

IGT...welcome to Hawaii and here's another recycling resource for you:
http://www.envhonolulu.org/pdfs/solid_waste/OPALA_BROCHURE_CURRENT.pdf

[1stwahine]

Wat TutuSue, you think we told her way to go?;)

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Da nerve some people's children.

Auntie Lynn

[tutusue]

Wat TutuSue, you think we told her way to go?;)
[...]
Nah, Auntie. Jus' tryin' to provide some accurate info!

[1stwahine]

Nah, Auntie. Jus' tryin' to provide some accurate info!

You're the "Sane/Polite" one das why.:)

[tutusue]

You're the "Sane/Polite" one das why.:)
There's only ONE Auntie Pupule on HT. There's only ONE Auntie Pupule...period! :D

[1stwahine]

There's only ONE Auntie Pupule on HT. There's only ONE Auntie Pupule...period! :D

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I going moemoe. Tomorrow is another day!

I Love you TutuSue! Oh! I got your email and I will be ready on Oct. 6th!;)

Auntie Lynn aka Auntie PuPULE:p

[tutusue]

[...]I Love you TutuSue! Oh! I got your email and I will be ready on Oct. 6th!;)[...]
:eek: Try wait...
Those 2 sentences...one after another...no explanation...people might talk...I mean...ummm...errr...you see...Auntie is taking my family on one of her (in)famous Chinatown tours! Really!! :D

And, yes...tomorrow is another day. Couldn'ta said it any better myself!

[ItsGoTime!]

When I lived there, they tried it in Kane'ohe and
I was also looking for windshield fluid and got a strange look. You get stuff you mix with water in a little bottle since it never freezes over there. It's a real culture shock that you don't realise until you've actually LIVED there for awhile and not vacationed.

So where did you finally find a place to live?
I hate that concentrate stuff.

It is a bit of culture shock around here, but mostly because of the unfamiliarity with how people act around here. When you are "local" like I was in East Van, I was totally oblivious to what many from outside of East Van considered sketchy. Here on O'ahu we soak in everything, not sure how to react when people wave shaka at us ("Who, me? The guy behind me? Do I know you? Oh ... hey, how are you?"), etc ... But we are settling in nice, and getting fairly comfortable after just a week here. What does drive me a bit batty is the speed of doing business here. When I went to buy a car, we had to go to a notary to sign over the bill of sale or something, they told us to sit down and they'd call us. Half hour later we asked when the notary would arrive, and they had totally forgotten about us. I have many stories like that. And from what I hear from people, I better get used to that.

Oh, LovinK, we settled in Waipio Gentry, about a 5 min drive to work down the hill. We love it cuz it's so central to everything that we like, a 5 min stroll to Foodland, close to Costco. So far, so perfect.

[Mista Bumpy]

....What does drive me a bit batty is the speed of doing business here... I have many stories like that. And from what I hear from people, I better get used to that....

LOL ! Dat's called "Operating on Hawaiian Time"! You gotta get used to it, period. Off-worlders, no matter where they're from, Japan, da Mainland, where ever, are constantly irritated by this Island characteristic. Many deny it exists, and will accuse those who mention it of racism and worse. No way, brah... it's real, and it's one of the reasons we love da Islands so much. You'll see. You just wait. It will either drive you lolo and lead to a terminal case of Island Fever, or you'll join da crowd. I hope it's the latter.

Aloha!!

Bumpy

[Nords]

I do have a question for the HT community. Where does one recycle things around here? We are very recycling oriented, and Vancouver is very friendly to those who like to recycle. I asked some people around here, and they looked at me like I was a freak when I asked where we can recycle things. We couldn't even return pop cans to Foodland. It seems like such a waste to throw recyclable material into a landfill on such a small island. Any other recyclers around here?
Oh, LovinK, we settled in Waipio Gentry, about a 5 min drive to work down the hill. We love it cuz it's so central to everything that we like, a 5 min stroll to Foodland, close to Costco. So far, so perfect.
Welcome, GT, if you're that close to Kanoelani Elementary then you can drop your recyclables in the trailer in their parking lot. The schools sell it to HPOWER for either burning to generate electricity or for repackaging to resell to other recyclers.

You can give your HI-5 cans to the school office (which they'll recycle and keep the money) or you could drive "all the way" up to the Reynolds Recycling trailer in the Mililani Town Center parking lot, on the Lanikuhana side near Long John Silver's.

Green waste recycling is slowly proliferating. Right now you put it in your trash for burning at HPOWER but one day it'll be picked up & mulched. (http://envhonolulu.org/solid_waste/Greencycling.htm) I don't know when green waste pickup will start in Waipio but for now you could sneak up to Mililani early in the morning on the 2nd & 4th Weds of each month. (Just kidding.) Otherwise I think bulk loads of green waste are still charged a dumping fee. Of course if you want mulch you can pick it up for free across Kam Hwy from Wheeler Army Air Field.

Now that you're a member of the club, so to speak, you can sign up for a different kind of tour-- the Tour de Trash. (http://envhonolulu.org/solid_waste/Tour_de_Trash.htm) I highly recommend the Recycling & Waste Processing tour first, followed by the Construction & Demolition tour (it actually visits Grace Pacific's quarry near Makakilo). I've been trying to persuade my family to join me on the wastewater treatment tour but they're not very enthusiastic about it.

If you're still looking for more info then we can get into composting & vermiposting.

[greentara]

I hate that concentrate stuff.

It is a bit of culture shock around here, but mostly because of the unfamiliarity with how people act around here. When you are "local" like I was in East Van, I was totally oblivious to what many from outside of East Van considered sketchy. Here on O'ahu we soak in everything, not sure how to react when people wave shaka at us ("Who, me? The guy behind me? Do I know you? Oh ... hey, how are you?"), etc ... But we are settling in nice, and getting fairly comfortable after just a week here. What does drive me a bit batty is the speed of doing business here. When I went to buy a car, we had to go to a notary to sign over the bill of sale or something, they told us to sit down and they'd call us. Half hour later we asked when the notary would arrive, and they had totally forgotten about us. I have many stories like that. And from what I hear from people, I better get used to that.

Oh, LovinK, we settled in Waipio Gentry, about a 5 min drive to work down the hill. We love it cuz it's so central to everything that we like, a 5 min stroll to Foodland, close to Costco. So far, so perfect.

If you don't get into the "rhythm" of life here you will never make it. Because that's what makes Hawaii Hawaii. Sit back, breath in the Mana and relax, it will all get done in its own time. When I first moved here I caught myself being impatient and realized that if I didn’t slow down I would be swimming against the tide. Bring a book talk to the people around you while you’re waiting~ live and learn about this new culture it has so much to offer. The people are amazing (for the most part) and the land has such power if you slow done and take it all in. BTW If you think Oahu is slow try Kaua’i. :D

[1stwahine]

The people are amazing (for the most part) and the land has such power if you slow done and take it all in. BTW If you think [/COLOR]Oahu[/SIZE] is slow try Kaua’i. [/FONT]

Kauai SLOW? Why do I wanna LAUGH HYSTERICALLY? :confused:

oH...SuperFerry!:p

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Auntie Lynn

[greentara]

LOL Looks like it may be sailing away with it's tail between it's legs ~ thank you Maui. :D

[LikaNui]

LOL Looks like it may be sailing away with it's tail between it's legs ~ thank you Maui. :D So let me see if I've got this right. You moved from the mainland to Kauai three months ago, right? And already you feel you have the right to deny acccess to Kauai to other people? :rolleyes:
Do you understand what's incredibly wrong anout that?
:mad:

[greentara]

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/honolulu-advertiser/T9G8JJQB5FLK87CGU (http://www.topix.net/forum/source/honolulu-advertiser/T9G8JJQB5FLK87CGU)


According to this poll I'm not the only one so do 40% of other people living in the state, I wonder how many of them are "new comers".

[WindwardOahuRN]

Yes...I've bought windshield wiper fluid that's not a concentrate.


As of this afternoon, available for $1.08 per gallon at Walmart.

Life is good. :D