Would you move back to Hawaii?

[anapuni808]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

ah - I so enjoy reading about the miserable time some folks have when living here, how bad the racism is, how unhappy they are/were. If you don't like it here - LEAVE! It's really easy - just buy a plane ticket and say "Bye, Bye".

It's tough living on an island - it takes endurance. It takes courtesy, respect for others cultures and it takes some humility when you come from another place & culture to simply step back, back off & learn how to behave.

to "Haole Pupule" - Bruce was correct in telling you it would have been polite to introduce yourself & ask permission of the folks already there to surf. What would it have cost you to behave in a respectful way? What would it cost any of you whiners to simply step back, observe and learn how to behave? It is our obligation when coming to someone else's home, their "place", to learn how to fit in and how to behave. To learn the customs and the local life style. Life is really enjoyable if you can do that.

I would never want to live anywhere else. Oh, and I am white but please god, I'm not "haole". and many of you reading this will know exactly what I mean

[tutusue]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

[...]It takes courtesy, respect[...]

Bingo! The "R" word...Respect.

I've lived in Hawaii since 1978. I moved back to my home town in California in 1991 to be closer to family. I lasted one day shy of a year. During the course of that year I spent 4 months in Hawaii. I was *that* homesick! Hawaii isn't for everyone. And, you're right, Anapuni. If someone doesn't like living here then they should make every effort to move to a locale where they think they might be happier. I live in Makaha. My experience is that the locals just want respect. Nuthin' wrong with that. I'm a guest on their land...not vice versa.

[Wild Child]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

I am part Hawaiian but look like a "haole".
accepted to Kamehameha schools (didn't go)
studied hula and Hawaiian language since 4 yrs old (begining w/ the late & great Aunty Maiki.
I speak pidgin.
But, I am so tired of the racism all around us. Tired of it directed at me cause I don't look "local enough"...
In fact, most fellow native Hawaiians are not racist towards me.
Usually, it is the non-Hawaiian races that do the bashing, and "what you stupid haole" remarks.
I am tired of people saying "if you think it's so terrible, then get out-- move away".
I'd like to say to them: No, YOU get out, it's MY land... I can trace my roots way, way back. It is MY right to be here and be left alone in peace.
It is almost worse to be a haole looking part Hawaiian because you don't belong to EITHER side of the issue.
I gave up defending my racial make-up years ago-- it's too exhausting having to convince people "no, really, I am part-Hawaiian, please accept me".
I wish people stopped focusing on what race a person is, and focused more on the person. Embrace and learn from all cultures. This "get off my land if you don't like it" attitude frankly perpetuates the racism.
Everybody just needs to relax and get along.
And yes, I am moving away to the mainland-- and I can honestly say I will not miss the racism I have been subjected to my whole life growing up here.

[tutusue]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

[...]I wish people stopped focusing on what race a person is, and focused more on the person. Embrace and learn from all cultures. This "get off my land if you don't like it" attitude frankly perpetuates the racism.
Everybody just needs to relax and get along.
And yes, I am moving away to the mainland-- and I can honestly say I will not miss the racism I have been subjected to my whole life growing up here.

Wild Child...I can't speak for anyone but myself and I'm sorry I wasn't clearer. I thought I was but, obviously, I wasn't. My reply was a follow-up agreeing with the notion that those who move TO Hawaii and, for whatever reason, don't like it should attempt to move on, hopefully to a locale that's more suited to them. I do realize that this isn't always financially possible. As mentioned in a previous post, I'm not kama`aina. But, after living in Hawaii for 13 years, I moved back to my hometown, the one where I was born and raised, on the mainland. I was miserable. I feel no need to bash that beautiful little town or it's people because of it. I just knew that I didn't belong there anymore. I returned to Hawaii, a place of great joy and peace for me.

I'm sorry to hear of your situation. What's happened to you just plain isn't right. Only you can look inward to help determine why this has been your experience and what you need to do about it. The bottom line is you deserve to be happy.

Yes, everyone does just need to relax and get along. But the fact is the world is still full of racism. Hawaii is no different. Racism sucks.

[anapuni808]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

to Wild Child - I should also apologize for not making myself clear. What I said was meant for those who move here from another place.

If they don't like how they are treated or the culture or anything else about living here - stop whining. Take some responsibility for your life - either take the time to learn how to live here or save your $$$ & just go back "home". Stop taking up space here, using resources and WHINING! Do you have any idea how many people would love to be in your shoes for just a little while? I'm so tired of listening to the complainers. Sure, it's not easy here - everything is different, perhaps "foreign" and of course expensive. But look around you at the beauty and the kindness of island people. Try to learn to live as island people do - not as you did in your other place. Open your mind & your heart - I guarantee it will make a difference.

But also, keep in mind - this was an independent nation not too long ago. and it was much more civilized that many other large nations. `Iolani Palace had electricity before the White House in Washington DC!!!! Honolulu had the only private school west of the Mississippi & children from California were sent here to learn as far back as the 1850's. This was a functioning nation state, recognized around the world. Hawai`i had a constitution & code of laws before gold was discovered in California. This group of islands is not just someplace where there are big hotels & the weather is nice. We are surrounded by a very rich history and a strong host culture. The folks who do well when moving here are the ones who can learn to adapt and understand that "white" isn't always right. You can't demand respect & acceptance - they have to be earned.

There is such richness all around us to learn & touch & smell & taste. That's why I can't stand the whiners.

[Wild Child]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Anapuni & Tutusue--
thank you so much for your kind and clarifying responses.
I had worried that I had come across sounding too harsh and that wasn't my intent-- it's the email-tone issue that can be tricky to navigate.
I just wanted to make the point that as a "child of Hawaii", I come from a family of many mixtures married to one another: Hawaiian, Tahitian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Caucasian, etc... and what I like best about my family is that we are not defined by our various races. I also feel that growing up, racism was not quite as rampant as it seems to be now-- people a decade ago and earlier seemed to be more accepting and less judgemental.
And any true native Hawaiian will tell you-- it is the "Hawaiian way" to be accepting, open and tolerant. And while many terrible things have been done to Hawaiians--my ancestors-- I feel we need to move forward in a positive way-- less blaming and victim-role-playing. Take care our kupuna and keiki-- and the rest of us need to work on the healing. I don't mean to sound so preachy and I apologize.... again, racism is such an exhausting state of mind. ANd believe me, in my family we have the whole spectrum: the Hawaiian activists, the public and private schooled, the successful and not so successful, the Wahiawa, Kahala and Kaaawa raised, the leaders and freeloaders. What is sad is that the majority of my family's generation has chosen the path of the mainland-heading "brain drain"... while the older generations can't imagine leaving the islands even if they had to live on a tent on the beach.
For me, while it is difficult to leave, there are some things that make it a little bit easier: too crowded, too much traffic, sky rocketing real estate and cost of living, and yes.. the (whisper) racism...ironically, life for me on the mainland will be more "laid back" and carefree... never thought I'd say that in a million years... never thought I'd leave.

[MadAzza]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

to Wild Child - I should also apologize for not making myself clear. What I said was meant for those who move here from another place.

If they don't like how they are treated or the culture or anything else about living here - stop whining.

Fighting racism = whining.

Got it.

[Palama Kid]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

I've lived in and around San Jose, CA for over 30 years.

After initially missing the Hawaiian lifestyle, I got to like living on the mainland. Although I came home quite often, I made no bones about not wanting to move back to Hawaii.

But I'm not so sure anymore. My extended stay (been stuck here since early March . . . awww, don't write - I don't mean "stuck" in a bad way) has opened my eyes to the natural beauty and the friendly people and the good food.

Maybe I'd not given Hawaii its due. My hurried short visits didn't allow me the time to savor Hawaii; I'd forgotten what Hawaiian time meant. Honolulu will always be "home," so I took Hawaii for granted.

Honestly, I'll probably not move back here, but at least now, I've not dropped that option out of hand.

[Island2Island]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

IN A SECOND........I miss da 'aina, no doubt about it. I'll try not to butt in too much, but here's my $0.02...

No matter where you go, THINGS will be different. It will take time to adjust, and NOT EVERYONE will adjust to their new surroundings.

I myself moved to Guam just recently, and it's a different place altogether. Although small, there are two different sides to Guam i've seen(so far).

About Hawai'i being a racist place.....lets face it, RACISM IS EVERYWHERE, you cannot avoid it. There will always be pre-concieved notions(haole's are arrogant, popolo's want attention, pake's are tight, filipina's(f.o.b.'s) only want their citizenship, etc.), that's human nature to judge on past experiences of other people. Not to mention, for every time i've heard "f****** haole", i've also heard "damn f.o.b.'s", damn micro's, etc.

Hawai'i IS a melting pot, most local customs are derived from other ethinic groups, pidgin itself is a product of immigrant's communicating with one another.

Alot of people from(but not limited to) the mainland frown on the fact that some in Hawai'i dont have native blood, but yet call themselves HAWAI'IAN. Correct me if I'm wrong, but arent ALL Americans descended from other bloods(German, Irish, Italian, Polish, Mexican, Cuban, etc.) Only tribes like the Sioux, Cherrokee, Lakota, etc. can claim to be native, but yet all these immigrants call themselves AMERICAN. Do I see some Hypocracy here?
Like my Daddy told me, if you feel HAWAI'IAN, you ARE HAWAI'IAN.

Hawai'i is a unique place, often imitated, but NEVER duplicated. I love it with all my heart, and long to return one day. I've been to quite a few different places, and although there "way" was different, I always respected their land and their way. I caught racist remarks in many places(PINEAPPLE, COCONUT,HULA BOY,etc), but took it with a grain of salt and went on.

If i offended anybody with my comments, I apologize.
and yes, I SUPPORT JUSTICE for HAWAI'IAN's(isnt that what we're suppost to be giving IRAQ and AFGANISTAN?)

I2I

[Lei K]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

ANd believe me, in my family we have the whole spectrum: the Hawaiian activists, the public and private schooled, the successful and not so successful, the Wahiawa, Kahala and Kaaawa raised, the leaders and freeloaders.

Wow, sounds A LOT like my own family.

But I'm opposite as I live on the mainland and want to go home. I find the islands to be way less stressful than life in Southern California. But then again, it's not too cheap to live in the area I'm in, which only adds to the ahhhh! feeling.

Where abouts are you moving to on the mainland? Just curious. And good luck with whatever road you choose to follow.

[timkona]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Haunani Trask is to Hawaiian Culture what Rap Music is to Black Culture.
The bitter anger inherent in the message is the root of the problem.

Racism is pretty blatant in Hawaii. Racism is the favorite card to play in the game called "Poor Me".

When you hear racism, in it's various forms, there is one thing you can be certain of - Overall Low Level of Intelligence.

When you let go of color & culture as a judgement criteria, you will suddenly see people.

[Nalu]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Haunani Trask is to Hawaiian Culture what Rap Music is to Black Culture.
The bitter anger inherent in the message is the root of the problem.

Racism is pretty blatant in Hawaii. Racism is the favorite card to play in the game called "Poor Me".

When you hear racism, in it's various forms, there is one thing you can be certain of - Overall Low Level of Intelligence.

When you let go of color & culture as a judgement criteria, you will suddenly see people.

Actually as it pertains to Haunani trask, it is the arrogance of our Island guests (those like yourself) that is the real root of the problem. Having said that, I think most locals would expect it impossible for you people (yes, you people) to understand.

I would think that a person like yourself, who likes to boast about his intelligence at every oppurtunity, would at the very least, know the difference between "it's" and "its".

[timkona]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Very good Nalu.

Always better to be a smart-ass than a dumbshit.

[kaneohegirl]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Instead, in many cases most of the money goes to big financial backers, or people who can back up weak claims of Indian ancestry, even creating their own tribes to do so! Talk about money and greed! Native Americans end up working minimum wage jobs while people with barely a drop of native blood are raking in the cash

wen the indian casino first started up there were some tribes that got screeeewed big time

but there are success stories out there! a friend of mine her tribe recently built their casino.... for the first 10 yrs nearly 90% of the profits went to paying the backers for loaning the money to build the casino/resort as well as any improvements needed.
after the first ten years those of the tribe that actually worked for the casino recieve a quarterly stipend based on how many in your family, as well as a paycheck (certain percentage of tribal members must be hired; tribal = prefered hiring)
those not working for the casino had to wait longer to get the stipend but will still receive it (and Im not talking about $200.00...they were saying 1500-5000 dependent on family size)with it incresing over time.... barring upgrades ect which then go to tribal negotiating for approval
those working for casino recieved NEW housing built on tribal land first paid for by casino
health center w/ docs provided was built
babysitting provided
there are things, wen done right that can be gained by having casinos.... you just have to be smart enough to figure them out

[timkona]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

there are things, wen done right that can be gained by having casinos.... you just have to be smart enough to figure them out

And brave enough to say that a few sick gambling addicts are NOT more important that the overall good of the community.

Whoever said Hawaii does not want gambling has never been to a cockfight or a poker club or Las Vegas. Hawaii LOVES gambling. Anybody who thinks gambling would be bad for Hawaii is jaded by utopian dogma. And dogma is ALWAYS more important than truth or facts.