Would you move back to Hawaii?

[higarealestate]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

No problem with showing pride about where you're from. Yes, I do "get it" that Hawaii is a state of mind.

But being Hawaiian isn't. You perpetuate a lie when you tell people you're Hawaiian. You're Japanese.

Please reconsider what you tell people up there on the mainland. Be proud of the fact that you're from Hawaii. Just don't tell people you're something that you're not.

Aloha.

Aloha Palolo Joe, We have never told anyone here that we are Hawaiian by ancestry, but that we were born in Hawaii. People here just assume that being born in Hawaii that you gotta be Hawaiian (ei. Mexicans born in Mexico).
This is not about being Hawaiian in ethnicity it's about being born in the islands and having the spirit (ALOHA) living in us. This thread is about "would we move back". How did this get so off track? We are here to stay we miss Hawaii but our future is here in the Mainland so much cool stuff to see and do.
Aloha

[Leo Lakio]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

I am of Japanese decent and my wife is Chinese,German,Filipino,Spanish and English and we consider ourselves totally Hawaiian.

That explains the handsome keiki in the photo.

[mungbeansoup]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

yup. one month and were oahu bound and i cant wait. this mainland life i no like. its not that i cannot handle its more like this cold weather has taken a toll on me psychologically. my son has also spent months dealing with bad asthma and if it werent for the military we'd be in debt b/c of medical bills.. not saying yay for themilitary but for that reason yay for the great benefits.. but oahu bound no doubt and i aint looking back at all.

Where do you live?

I'm currently in Portland and I had my ass kicked by my first Northwestern winter. I now know what "Seasonal Affective Disorder" feels like, as well as constant respiratory distress due to cold, damp weather.

I hear you though. I'm not keen on the mainland, in spite of the job opportunities. If I could, I'd be back home in a heartbeat.

Good luck and congratulations on your repatriation.

[Stephen]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

First . . I would move back in a heart beat. Granted I was only blessed with one year on Oahu, I would run back.

Lang - You are way too intelligent to have posted what I think I read about the casinos . . . . has a casino really ever helped anyone other than the owners/shareholders? Casinos would just be another rotten introduction to the Islands. Sorry to ramble, but you know I like the drink . . . think about what the hotel industry has done to Hawaii . . .. imagine they were casinos. . . . mo bettah dey stay Vegas

[Miulang]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

...has a casino really ever helped anyone other than the owners/shareholders? Casinos would just be another rotten introduction to the Islands. Sorry to ramble, but you know I like the drink . . . think about what the hotel industry has done to Hawaii . . .. imagine they were casinos. . . . mo bettah dey stay Vegas

Most of the casinos run by the Native American tribes have, in fact, helped their members increase their standards of living considerably, and have also provided jobs for non-tribal members in the area as well. So yes, the "owners" of the Indian casinos (the tribes themselves) have helped themselves and their people economically without asking for any subsidies from the rest of us. And some of the Indian casinos around Washington State have amenities that could rival some of the better casinos in Vegas, too.

For the kanaka maoli to get into gaming wouldn't be any different than them being involved in the tourism industry...and it would lure more tourists to the islands and keep more of the dollars earned in Hawai'i, in Hawai'i. People in Hawai'i already gamble on illegal cockfights anyway, and casino gambling would give the kanaka maoli another step towards self-determination rather than having to rely on handouts from the State or the Feds. And they wouldn't have to open up casinos, but I do think that they deserve the option of developing one or two if they wanted to, just like the Native Americans can. The current Akaka bill (with agreement from the State) would preclude this option, which in my eyes, makes the rights of the kanaka maoli less than those of the First People of America.

Miulang

[greentara]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

I thought I would peek in on this thread since I’ll be moving to Kaua’i in September. I planed to just skim through it but it generated quite a lot of interest so I read the entire thread…phew, it was sure a long one. Anyway in my humble opinion, and this may sound overly metaphysical, but I really believe that land has a spirit of its own apart from the culture. One can be born in a location and still never really connect with the spirit of the land. That being said I truly love Hawaiian culture and her people but the land has such a mystical spirit that I will do what ever it takes to live there probably for the rest of my life.

I first visited the islands about five years ago, for some reason I missed Hawaii in my travel experience, (thinking it would probably be very “touristy”). Since then I have spent at least a month a year there for the past five years. During that time I live like a “local”; my family is from the Azores so I don’t stand out in Hawaii and people have just automatically given me the Kamaaina discount…

I have finally decided that Kaua’i is where I’m meant to be. I have lived abroad on another Island, (in the Caribbean) for nine years in rather challenging conditions so I do know what it’s like to live on an “Island” and I fully understand all of the positive and negative aspects. The Islands either embrace you or not, simple as that. People go there for various reasons and are disappointed because they don’t really have an affinity for the land that is Hawaii. They stay too long, (Galveston Dude) and become bitter or they force the issue and try to live there when all of the signs are repelling them.

I have faith that I will be able to find a job, I already have a place to live and I know I will be a productive member of the community because I have the utmost love and respect for the culture and the Hawaiian people. I will do volunteer work in addition to working so that I can give back to the people because I will learn many lessons from them, reciprocity is what it’s all about when one lives in a new community. The first time I landed in the Islands I was overcome with the sights and smells of this incredible sub-tropical environment perched on the Pacific Rim in the middle of the ocean. I am truly an Island girl ~ don’t know if I will stay on Kaua’i may want to move to Hawaii Island, (because of the University) but which ever county I choose it will definitely be in Hawaii. I have no illusions that there will be certain obstacles to overcome but I also have no doubt that I have been welcomed by the spirit that is Hawaii and I will be guided by that spirit to overcome any challenges that I am presented with.

BTW to the advocates of gambling ~ in my opinion never a good idea I have seen what has happened when a vice like gambling is encouraged by the government it only serves to promote all of the other vices that go along with gaming. I would hate to see Hawaii become a green Vegas.

Peace ~ Love ~ Respect

[Miulang]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Most of the casinos run by the Native American tribes have, in fact, helped their members increase their standards of living considerably, and have also provided jobs for non-tribal members in the area as well. So yes, the "owners" of the Indian casinos (the tribes themselves) have helped themselves and their people economically without asking for any subsidies from the rest of us. And some of the Indian casinos around Washington State have amenities that could rival some of the better casinos in Vegas, too.

Perhaps the best example of indigenous people embracing gambling as a means to self-sufficiency can be seen in the Seminole tribe of Florida. They were the first to get into gaming (starting with bingo halls) in the 1970s. This year they purchased most of the assets of the American branch of Hard Rock Hotel.

Their younger generation of tribal members, especially, now are empowered and no longer feel like second class citizens. As one of their leaders said, Manhattan was bought from the Indians for a handful of beads. Now the Indians are buying back their country, one hamburger at a time.

Don't the kanaka maoli deserve a chance at self-sufficiency, too?

Miulang

[Mililani]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Yes, I will be moving back to Hawaii. The date is still in the air, but it will probably be sometime next year, after my son graduates from college.

I currently reside in Las Vegas but unlike a previous poster, I don't like it here. This is probably my fault altogether because I had expected a lot more from a busy city than what I've seen so far. Maybe if I hadn't expected as much, I might have liked it.

The crimes, the home invaders, the gangs, the traffic accidents.. OMG, its freakin ridiculous!

When we first got here we were told we could not leave our doors unlocked because of home-invaders. Of course, I had no clue what the heck that meant.. the only thing going through my head at that time was the video game "space invaders".. (gosh, did I just date myself?) People will just walk in your house, beat you up, take whatever they want and leave! I'm like, WHAT?.. let them try dammit, I wasn't raised with a silver-spoon in my mouth, they wanna fight, bring it on! Sorry, wasn't raised to live in fear. That's no life!

And, and.. do you know if you get hit by a car because you jay-walk, the driver is not at fault? Yes, I know, you're risking your life if you decide to jay-walk, but because of that "law," drivers will speed up when they see you crossing!

Ohh, sorry, I digress... I wanted to add my 2-cents (cause it ain't worth anymore than that) on gambling in Hawaii.

I would rather there NOT be any gambling whatsoever in Hawaii. There are other ways to become self-sufficient. As a financial employee of 2 of the casinos here, the only people who get the big money are the guys on top. It's all about greedy businessmen. You'd think the money brought in by all the tourist would help the Nevadans with better education, etc., but it doesn't.

BUT, if it's decided that gambling should be legalized I'd like to see ALL gambling profits divided among the residents of Hawaii (similar to Alaska's PFD), then it could work! A small percentage goes to the residents and the rest is invested annually. The next year the residents would get a small percentage of the gambling profits AND invested return. The process is continued in the same fashion year after year. Sure beats just a small organization getting "fat" off all the proceeds. Like the government!

You want better education for your kids? Best pay for it on your own, cause the government continue to fail in that department. And if you want to know how to do it? See above paragraph.

[clarecat]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

I would move back in a heartbeat (and will be shortly!). I lived in Kaneohe for 4 years. I was 20 when I moved there. We (my friends and I) never experienced any racism, or even rudeness. Maybe that was out of the ordinary, but I thought people were much more friendly and kind in Hawaii than people out here in the Midwest where everyone is just concerned with making a bunch of money and then spending it. People are incredibly rude in Ohio, and it makes me miss the laidback friendliness of the islands. I can't wait to be back there!

[Sharks Cove Wahine]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Yes I will move back to Hawaii one day, a promise I made to myself the day I left. I will not anytime real soon though as I have an infant and want to have at least one more child. I want to provide the best start in life that I can for my children and I do not feel that I can do that as well on the islands as I can here on the mainland.

I couldn't provide for my family as well in Hawaii for a few reasons. First and foremost financially, there are simply more opportunities here for what my husband and I do to earn more money to put towards my childrens education.

Secondly due to racism. I am by skin color considered a Haole by most locals which was tough for me growing up. I do however feel Hawaiian at heart and in spirit being born and raised there though I would never ever say I am Hawaiian - too much respect!

I wont go into all the beatings I took or anger I had as a teen because there is prejudice everywhere, it just changes based on dynamics, circumstances and economy. I personally feel that in Hawaii there is just a greater chance of experiencing racism due to the sheer numbers of races and cultural differences in a small area and with that there is an increase of the potential for conflict as opposed to Hawaii being the issue.

I am actually thankful for my experiences since I learned a lot. While I will never condone any prejudice when I take a step back and try to understand why it happens I can sympathize with those who feel the way they do based on History or whatever. Based on my family background 'we' have been the minorities in many situations i.e. Father's side of family were Irish Catholic immigrants to the US, Mother's side of the family were Black Dutch and faced challenges during the Holocaust and so on.

I am not looking to shield my children from racism and prejudice entirely (not that I could) because I do feel it is such a good lesson in life. And in Hawaii I had many friends of many races Samoan, Tongan, Philippino, Japanese, 'Haole', Hawaiian, Hapa, etc. and I wouldn't of had that here on the mainland. I just want to ensure that my children are not physically and emotionally tormented in the same ways I was until they are old enough to understand and take care of themselves. Kill Haole Day was very real for me and it was more than stink eye and a question of 'want beef?' but I learned quickly having 'large' friends who happened to be Hawaiian or Samoan certainly helped 'shield' me. I also know not everyone who wasn't 'haole' participated either. I know my children will have exposure here in the area we live to conflict and I want to help guide them to respect other cultures and races. I will be taking my children to Hawaii often to spend time teaching them about things I grew up to appreciate and I am not just talking about surfing and scuba. There is much Aloha spirit in Hawaii even with all the 'other' stuff.

Okay I will get off my soapbox now.

[oahusurfer30]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Huge community of former Hawaii residents, sure. But you don't go around calling yourself Hawaiian though, do you?

This reminds me of an experience I had recently. Discovered an Asian market (I live in northern Calif.) and the owner makes regular trips back to Hawaii to stock up on local goods and sell at his market. I picked up a couple of bags of frozen poi to see whether it works as a substitute (major pain in the okole to eat once it's frozen - but that's another story). Anyway, the guy notices my accent and asks if I'm "Hawaiian" (I'm unmistakbly haole). I look at him like he just asked me if I'm Nigerian. I laugh and say no, but he acts like he just asked me a normal question. Wasn't until later that it dawned on me what he meant was "Are you from Hawaii?"

[acousticlady]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Wow....after reading this thread, I have so much to say. Hope it comes across in the spirit it's meant. Having spent many years in Hawaii on & off (Maui - Oahu too crowded) and many more on the South Jersey shore, I see distinct similarities between the two (distinct differences too). Both are dependent on tourism and/or fishing as the (almost) only means of survival. Locals in both places often have to work two jobs to make ends meet. When I was a kid in Wildwood, South Jersey (as opposed to that OTHER country - North Jersey) locals needed to make the year's income in just 4 months. Unemployment during the winter was close to 60%. Our island was a mile out with one road in and out, but it didn't matter because the nearest mall was more than two hours away. Forget any "culture", concerts or the like. That was even further. I don't know the exact figure, but the majority of homes on the island went empty 3/4 of the year. But, we were all bound by the spirit of the sea (best way I can describe it). Maybe it's growing up with salt air in your lungs.......Anyway, then, 2 things happened. Atlantic City got casinos and the housing market went through the roof. You would think that that would be a good thing, right? Well, the only ones who actually profited from the casinos was the mafia. Obviously that is not the official response. Being "state run", the money was supposed to go to the people. 20 years later and still waiting....... the problems the casinos were supposed to fix remained. Except that maybe those that have jobs in the casino are year 'round, but it is more than an hour commute each way to AC. My husband worked in one and I still had to work to make ends meet. The other issue that no one saw coming was the different type of tourist that came. The families no longer came to S Jersey. The stereotypical casino flies (as opposed to - or akin to - bar flies) The drug problem spiked - in the '80's it was coke and meth - (pot being a whole other discussion). And the criminal element soared.

As tech stocks soared and people with lots of extra money from the cities wanted waterfront, our land was slowly taken from us - lot by lot. They filled in the marshes - disturbed wildlife - built big huge houses that they never go to. Housing costs went through the roof. I see this in S. Maui too. Rents are as bad as, if not worse than Maui. $2500/month rent is not unusual. We moved away so I could go to school. After my Dad died, my Mom could not afford to live there any longer and moved to upstate NY with us. My brothers and cousins all had to move too. It's sad, but after generations of living on the beach we no longer have any family there.

When we first visited Kihei we fell in love with the place and the people. I realize now that it is more like the hometown I remember as a child (without the boardwalk - but that's not all bad ). But I see Kihei & Makena heading in the same direction. My husband and I were married on a little beach in Makena years ago. It's gone now....... I think Clint Eastwood owns it. And even though the beaches and ocean is free and owned by all, once a big huge house goes up oceanfront, that beach is no longer easily accessable and might as well be "off-limits". So the beach is gone and the house sits empty. Good for the economy?

So... would I move back.... to Kihei - in a heartbeat (actually - 7 weeks and counting) S Jersey - never!

One more thing and I promise I'll shut up. As to racism - maybe I am blind to what I don't want to see but I have NEVER expierenced racism in Hawaii - in Kihei - on the North Shore (Oahu and Maui) - Honolulu (my son went to UH). Only aloha! It is always assumed we both grew up there. We have been given local discounts - even after "fighting" with them not to 'cause we aren't entitled..... Where I have seen blatant racism is here in upstate NY. And it's the whites who are the worst offenders!

[greentara]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

Aloha Acousticlady,

I agree with most of what you said regarding "development" the environment is precious and delicate and something to be guarded at all costs. Many of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean have been destroyed in the name of "development". In the case of gambling, the people that benefit are the people with the $$$$. What ever happened to the Lotto in California it was supposed to help the schools with a percentage of the money, and the schools are in worst shape then before gambling started here. As far as cost of living goes the gentrification of SF has gotten completely out of control. People say HI is expensive they should try to survive in a City like SF.

I will be moving to Kauai in a few months and like you have never experienced racism on many of my extended visits ~ only Aloha. I have a great respect for Hawaiian Culture and I think you get what you put out there. Many people that visit HI have absolutely no regard for the local people/culture and if local people react negatively to that I can understand why. One thing I should say is that I do not have children in the school system so I can not comment on the issue of racism in the schools, but I have heard stories from friends that have grown up there and they said it does exist. Children can be cruel in any environment. I experienced racist attitudes right here in SF when I was growing up and dealing with it just made me a stronger person.


BTW I'm also new here ~ you will learn a lot from the people on this board.

[acousticlady]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

BTW I'm also new here ~ you will learn a lot from the people on this board.

that's exactly why I joined

[ChicagoGuy75]

Re: Would you move back to Hawaii?

This is a question I asked myself a long time ago. I lived in Kailua for a short time in 1993-1994 and moved back to my hometown near Chicago, IL.

I miss Hawaii so much that I am planning to move back in July 2008 after saving a good amount of money as well as getting done with all my obligations I have now in Chicago.
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It all came down to enjoying life, everyday. I was in Cleveland, OH visiting the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame when I had a talk with a cab driver from New York that lived in Cleveland for a few years. He said it's so laid back in Ohio that he gets frustrated that his old friends and family back in New York rush around so much that they aren't enjoying life. **BING** Chicago can be such a mad rush, that the more I think of it, the more I want to leave.

Some people at work think I am crazy to give up a good job to go back to Hawaii but I tell them that you really must understand what you want in life and what type of life you want to live, once you understand that, nothing sounds crazy.

I hope to chat with anyone and/or everyone on the boards and hope the time from now to next year will move as quickly as possible.