Everything Wrong with Hawaii: My Response (Viewer Email)

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Like I mentioned in my community post, it's been a long week. 😂 I want to thank the individual for allowing me to share this email with all of you. I think the individual brought up some great points and it's great to learn about perspectives outside of Hawaii about Hawaii. Sometimes we can get defensive when people talk negatively about where we come from. And for Hawaii people, it sometimes hits rather personally because we have so much pride in where we come from. Hope you enjoy this video. Again, really appreciate the individual for allowing me to share their findings. 🤙

[@Bellasie1]

One more great video, thank you very much.

[@allagrimas6975]

🤙😉🤙🙏

[@boorat3573]

CHURCHES COULD OPEN THEIR DOORS FOR THE HOMELESS BUT THEY NEVER DO & CHURCHES DON'T PAY TAXES!

[@gordonames1892]

HEARD WE HAVE SOMETHINGS IN COMMON. BOTH OF US BORN AND RAISED IN KANEOHE. WENT TO COLLEGE IN OREGON.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

NOT at all certain why, or how, I missed this wonderful video. Chris, I will only ever seen your lovely state as a tourist does. That is not all bad, of course. But, I want to know what was HARD for you growing up in Hawaii: The bugs, the housing, crowded homes, the fights, the absence of aloha spirit in some of the Mokes, and other downers that make growing up in a tourists' paradise pretty much like growing up anywhere else, actually. What was school like for you? Did you grow up fighting? Were you ever bullied in school? What is having your home "tented" like? What stores on the mainland did you always miss, and do you continue to miss? Do you surf? How do you do battle with cane spiders and 'roaches? Y'know like that.

[@argeebricks9064]

I was stuck cooking and washing dishes in Hawaii for 10 years. While i was doing that, went to UH, got my degree in Computer Science. I move to Washington in 2007 after i got my degree. Working 15 years for Boeing now making 6 figures. You just cant get an opportunity like that in Hawaii. Sad, but that's how it is there. I miss Hawaii but i will never move back there.

[@KateTsingtao]

Agreed. I too work for Boeing. I came to Boeing the same year. Small world and cheers.

[@tracyalan7201]

Yup. Computer Tech field pays much lower than West Coast. Closest is working for Fed, which is better paying and a little more stability than private sometimes. It depends on the benefits and demands of the position.

[@akiram6609]

Grew up in Hawaii but live in New York state now. I can never afford to live in Hawaii but I miss it every day of my life.

[@HMC2133]

I only saw half of it, but dont forget the higher gas price too. Also, if nature is the only reason you want to move to Hawaii-- you might find equally nice place at the affordable price elsewhere. However, to me it is the culture. I am an Eastasian, i grew up in Korea. I received most of my highest eduation in the States ( BA and MA) in America-- but still i get intimidated culturally, liguistically, and do receive occasional raicism in the mainland-- especially during this Covid Era. In Hawaii-- i am most comfortable! I can totally be myself and melt into the local community. Also, my mixed racial baby is so proud of her heritage (both dad's and mommy's) and respects all the diverse cultural backgrounds of her friends! This is a fantastic place to raise globally concious futuristic kids.(fyi, my 8-years-old is pretty much still color blind ;)) I wouldnt be able to provide that to my kid in the mainland. She will just be a minority there. Here, she is the same with everyone: diverse.!

[@genesishernandez9045]

This is also one of the reasons my family keeps working to stay living here, we are from Mexican descent, but here that has never mattered compared to mainland. To us, this is the best place to raise our kids and we can see the difference from when we lived in mainland, our kids are much happier and so are we!!

[@bigmike1850]

You are raising your kids in Hawaii? LOL this is THE WORST place to raise a kid you have ruined your entire family and don’t even seem to know it yet.

[@sw651]

@@bigmike1850 strong parents raise strong kids. Thier influences can steer their kids in the right direction and overcome any obstacles. I worry more for those that only talk about doom and gloom.

[@Chosenone24930]

This is exactly why I want my family to move back to HI someday. We’re a minority mixed family and HI has been the only place where we did not feel like outsiders.

[@Galen-864]

WHERE on the mainland were you living to feel like outsider? I grew up on BI and took after haole part of family. I was treated pretty damn bad compared to my brown skin or Asian cousins. Road goes both ways.

[@EEVOL]

I grew up in Hawaii and have been fortunate to go to college (bachelors and masters) all paid for by the DoD. I left Hawaii after graduating highschool 20 years ago, I still consider it home because I have a huge extended family that still live there. Without going into a diatribe, I will succinctly say thst greed over the years has destroyed Hawaii. Not by the locals, but greed from outsiders. One example is from something from my experience thst continues to enraged me to this day when I think about it. I came back to Hawaii 5 years ago to take care of my father's funeral. On the last day I was there I traveled alone to a beach that my father used to take us to all the time. To my surprise I got stopped from going in the water by some haole (foreigner) who had a French accent and told me I couldn't go in the water unless I rented a board from him for a price of $75 for a couple of hours. I saw that most of the people in the water had a neon green rash guard. The local boy in me wanted to "get nuts" on this guy because how appalling this was. This is a public beach that I used to frequent as a kid but now is only open to fee-paying tourists. Of course this wasn't right and this guy was out of line. I did give him a piece of my mind but didn't escalate it any further out of respect to my dad and what I had just gone through in that week. I was discouraged to find that this was commonplace and that there were these propped up "learn-to-surf" shacks all over the island. It's a shame that these outsiders are stopping local people from using the public beach. I haven't been back there since but the next time I go there I'm definitely going to go back to these places and see if these businesses are still there. I would just hate to think that local kids are being turned away so that some outsider can make a quick buck from tourists.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I haven't seen anything like that at the beaches, but if it's happening, that's bad. Hawaii is changing and I hope the next time you visit, it hasn't changed to a point of no return from the good ol' days. 🤙

[@mikethompson3534]

Ige sells out for foreign money (taxes)

[@issacbrown1087]

I just moved here the end of last year. The weather alone would be enough for me. It rained everyday for 9 months out of the year where i came from. I focus on the positives of living here. But all your points are fair. Mahalo.

[@bazkoa5250]

Where did you come from?

[@gardenia8085]

I moved here just before the covid shutdown so over 2 years now. Everyday I am amazed by the beauty of the island of Oahu on the Windward side and feel so fortunate to live here.

[@pennyatcheson8787]

I hesitated watching this because I'm very tired of hearing how terrible Hawaii is, particularly from people who don't live here. However, I so admire your neutrality and open mindedness with this type of criticism. The letter writer's opinions based on research rather than personal experience show clearly where their values are based. I don't think Hawaii's true essence can be described through numerical analysis. What makes Hawaii uniquely appealing can't be measured that way. It's just very personal and different for everyone. I don't even know if that can be understood unless you've lived here and perhaps other places. Your handling of these negative points about your home and your future is an example of one of the best parts of Hawaii. It's culture and tolerance; it's aloha in action. Mahalo again for keeping the discussion real for those who may not want to live with an aloha attitude.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Do you know anyone who might have lived in Ewa Beach?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I admire the writer of the email because they researched a lot before coming to a decision on what was best for their life. I find the discussion of whether people who aren't from Hawaii can talk about how bad Hawaii is a very interesting one. Maybe a topic for another video.

[@thunt1565]

Great video - I've enjoyed many of your videos and appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness you put into each one. I'd like to share my thoughts, but feel context is important: I lived on Maui for 9 months last year. I had/have a good job paying a very reasonable wage in the sense that I didn't struggle to pay the $1900 rent on my little apartment in Kihei. My work quite frequently took me to Oahu, Hawaii, and Kauai. I lived on a small island (1/3 the size of Maui) in Vietnam from 2016-2018. I have traveled extensively across SE Asia and through many places in Europe. I am now in Denver working for the same company in a different role. The 4 islands I experienced were beautiful. I'm a diver and enjoyed diving on Maui and the Big island. The weather is fantastic and I never wore anything other than shorts. Being greeted by a rainbow multiple times per week never got old. Now, on to the critical points. The costs have been well covered. I would go a step further and say the value of what you get (natural beauty, etc.) versus the cost is the worst of anywhere I've ever been. There are equally beautiful places throughout SE Asia that cost a small fraction of Hawaii. And that brings me to culture. I heard so much about Hawaiian culture before I moved there. I read Michener's "Hawaii" to get a little historical (albeit fictionalized) perspective. I am very culturally curious and literate and actively seek out people/experiences/places to expand my knowledge. Throughout the 4 islands I worked and lived on, I never saw or felt anything I thought was "oh, wow - look at that magnificent Hawaiian culture". Maybe I'm a bit jaded by my experiences in so many Asian cultures far from tourist areas, but from what I saw it felt little more culturally unique than going to Little Saigon in Orange County, CA or Little Italy in NY. Perhaps I didn't get introduced to the right people or go to the right places. I worked with many people, from 25-55 years old, that were born and raised on the islands. The educational aspect mentioned in the video was very apparent to me. With no disrespect intended, let's just say the public education system in Hawaii is on par with the worst on the mainland (AL, MS, SC, WV, OK). I had no experience with crime, but observed the high levels of homeless. Whether it's Hawaii or Ohio, it's shameful and embarrassing that we have such high rates of homeless in our incredibly wealthy country. But that social failure is, unfortunately, never ending in our country. A few more bright spots to finish up. I never felt any hostility or 'stand offish' attitudes' due to race. But I'm a genuinely friendly and outgoing person and anyone willing to take 5 seconds to speak with me quickly accepts that I'm truly interested in learning about others and helping in any way. The people I met - locals and native Hawaiians alike, matched the kindness of anywhere else I've been in the US. Traffic? Like everything - it's all relative! On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being Bangkok or L.A., Anywhere outside of Oahu was a 3 at its worst, and Oahu barely registered a 5 (and that's really a stretch). So, for those of you complaining about traffic, all I can tell you is that if Hawaii is the worst traffic you ever have to drive through, consider yourself lucky! Mahalo and aloha to the beautiful state for all you shared with me. It was a great experience, and I'd do it all over again, but I look forward to the future and adventures around the world at a much more reasonable cost.

[@tracyalan7201]

Loved the comment. You've experienced so much and are fair about what some parts are claimed to be terrible. Unfortunately, economics for Hawaii is hard for the younger people to get enthusiastic about the future. Partially, generational, as we think about ourselves at that age, how many was really mapping out the next five to ten years and how to achieve it. The advantages of the tech of this generation in some ways are handicaps them from seeing what parts of the world/country is really dealing with. Time/experience will address that to them individually. The older crowd like us just have to keep mentoring them and help them the best way that we can in order to avoid the pitfalls that we've experienced. Good info. Mahalo.

[@aartisan44]

Thank you for all of your helpful information. Did you have any experience with the Big Island? I have heard it is cheaper than the other islands, but also heard there is a serious theft problem there. Mahalo

[@MsLandell]

I appreciate your comments and I agree with some. I have heard from friends how beautiful SE Asia is, but if it involves living outside of America, that's a deal-breaker for many. In my opinion, 9 months is not enough time to get introduced to the right people or go to all the right places. That takes time and depends on your actions and level of respectfulness, but definitely more time spent in the community. Volunteering and helping the community thrive is what introduces you to the unbelievable culture. The love of land and people is abundant and very welcoming. It's a journey of knowledge worth taking.

[@Flying_turnip187]

Yeah….Hawaii is a big mess. One of the reasons I left was the job situation. Finding a decent job (at least on the big island) was near impossible. What people don’t realize is that nepotism and connections make a huge factor in getting a job there. If your uncle works at the state at a decent job, chances that you would get the job perhaps over a More qualified candidate. Also if your family makes decent money, you are more likely to get “help” getting a house , job, etc. For us poor locals guys on our own without help, it’s a slow drowning feeling living there. Hawaii was a great place maybe 30 years ago, today….it’s pretty much a retirement home for rich non locals. The demographic is changing rapidly along with the culture.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Agree on the housing assistance. It's one of the things that I think people don't realize. Wealthy families can help their kids with the down payment and private school tuition.

[@tracyalan7201]

I got friends that moved over from Oahu to Hawaii island and in-law relatives there. I've heard from a few that it can be tough to get established there but people eventually warm up to you but it's no different on the other islands and so-so on Oahu. Has it changed from pre-1960's Hawaii, probably a small amount. That saying "It's not what you know versus who you know" depends on because we are a island with wide roots here and there, whether community, school or family. Non-locals getting started can be difficult depending on their personalities and actions. If people know you, are friendly/helpful, the communications distance eventually diminishes. There is always some sort of barriers in any location, whether on the islands or elsewhere, it's the choices that we make in dealing with them and it sits inside of us. I've encountered barriers about work getting established, promoted and such in the islands. I was frustrated and not happy, but like the sour lemons, you deal with it. I did what I could to prove myself, worked harder, advanced my knowledge and skills, and when that wasn't good enough, I decided that it wasn't me, that wasn't the problem. It was the environment, so I changed employers. I looked elsewhere and tested myself to see where I stood against others outside of my employer. I found someone willing to give me an opportunity to show what I can do for them and worked hard to prove it. You reset yourself in every change, and always must prove to yourself and others that their faith in you is worth it. My old instructors mentioned, "Change the environment or change the attitude" in dealing with problems. Change management, I thought they called it. It helped to deal with insurmountable perspectives. Good Luck.

[@shygurl3384]

I agree with this , my aunt born and raised in Hawaii and her father is Hawaiian , and it helped her get a job and home , especially leaving Hawaii and going back ! She wouldn’t have be able do that without her father and his family !

[@Flying_turnip187]

Yeah...never movin back to Hawaii. Way better places and better opportunities in the continental states. Just bring the Aloha with you .....

[@AkkoandTamo]

Thanks for taking these topics heads on. As a family looking to move to Hawaii to see if we can be a net positive, it’s great to learn about the though topics that we will inevitably face as we acclimate. Mahalo 🙏

[@sceek561]

Having lived in Hawaii most of my life, I still enjoy your channel and to hear the conversation around Hawaii. Great job

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Joshuafukumoto]

In regards to race relations, I don't know if Hawai'i is really as bad as the author makes it out to be. I can only speak for O'ahu, I've lived here all my life, grew up in Wai'anae (a predominantly hawaiian community), and work for a native hawaiian non-profit. It's very rare to be confronted with non-solicited "social justice" lectures, unless you're literally out there slapping seals or littering on the beach. For god sakes, we're a culture that doesn't even honk our car horns! We're pretty non-confrontational. Not to say that racial prejudices don't exist, and you won't get the rare dummy who wants to mouth off. I'd say for the most part local people are just looking for respect (for themselves and their home) and that respect will be reciprocated.

[@rileystein6195]

I've only been living in Hawaii for about 6 months and I agree, yet I think it's possible for Hawaii to solve its issues or at least I hope so. Singapore is an interesting comparison, but for such a small nation, they've done well for themselves. I think Hawaii can learn a lot about how to progress into the future and make life better for the locals and native Hawaiian people.

[@alexcarter8807]

Hawaii is part of the US and too much controlled by Western culture to use the kind of solutions Singapore or a lot of Asian countries use. I'm not gonna go on about Western culture buuuuuut......

[@ADAtrips]

As the negative statements went, I have not lived thru many, (15 year) here, But he is right as it comes to taxes and things like rail ect. I dont live here for $ money. But if you want a normal US house, buy on the mainland. Thank you for keeping the conversation going about this type. 🌴🌴 Aloha

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Gpaskymix]

Love hawaii and locals there. If you are just a visitor then u have to understand the deep culture hawaii is about and the love for the deep roots on the island. I see both sides but much has been taken away from the locals and all we have is each other.. please understand its very different living there versus visiting.

[@Dylandesuu]

I don't think any of these are necessarily invalid points, but they are definitely written by someone who has a surface level of the problems and not the real problems. The real problems being nepotism, government corruption (look at what happened at the State Leg today with English and Ty Cullen, and all the stuff going on with Caldwell), and the crabs in a bucket mentality where everyone is jealous of each other and wants to pull each other down al the time. And just the general anti-progress. Like quick to blame tourists for Covid while throwing 50 local person house parties. And if you're from the mainland but a resident of Hawaii and point out any of the hypocrisies, you're met with a "If you don't like it, go home" instead of actually reflecting on what's wrong and what's keeping Hawaii back. Where we put politicians in office based on what high school they went grad instead of what they're actually doing to help the community. Where we increase taxes every single year and yet our roads still look like we're in a third world country. Nobody wants to actually address the problems because if you do you're ostracized. That's Hawaii's real problem. I'm disheartened every time I see an article from Grassroots Hawaii where they interview someone leaving Hawaii to go move to the mainland and they give their reasons and all the comments are just "good riddance, we didn't want you here anyway" instead of actually listening to the voices of why people are leaving.

[@sw651]

Amen to that. The whole country is just starting to wake up to the stink of corrupt goverment and two tier society that comes from it.

[@mblakenichols]

great response!

[@jameshigginbottom6512]

You nailed it. Spoken truth. Seen it up close.

[@kyounokuma]

OMG! You nailed it!

[@timothyzakaria7397]

​@@jameshigginbottom6512 where do the homeless go for help in Honolulu I really need help I was adopted and have been low income my entire life. It isn't easy to get a decent job but I don't have any income which sucks

[@ChatGPT1111]

I've lived extensively in both California and Florida but my jaw dropped when I saw Hawaii's beauty. There's really no comparison. California is much more beautiful than Florida but Hawaii is Hawaii, which is a huge complement. Florida, while pretty big, is getting way too crowded so it isn't what it used to be.

[@seditiouswalrus]

Been to both enough times, you have not been to Florida enough. Florida wins by a landslide.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

When a 2 bedroom apartment in Waipahu cost over $2400 a month, I'd say that is pretty expensive. Not as bad as California, but then again, pay in Hawaii is much, much lower. Jacking up the minimum wage is NOT going to solve the problem, but make the rent even higher. My pay here in California was twice as much for the same job there in Hawaii. I'm retired comfortably, and have paid off my 2400 sq ft home in a gated community. I dread even vacationing there because of the traffic and the crowds. I grew up in Ewa Beach and lived in Hawaii for about 28 years. I can honestly say, IT AIN'T THE SAME.

[@alexcarter8807]

Waipahu's not only close to Pearl Harbor so, gov't jobs but also the new developments going out to Waianae side. So there may be a reason the prices are that high.

[@rosegrace3078]

I think this video was very interesting & good to hear this from someone who’s not a local. I agreed with most of what was said but I know I can’t & won’t live any place else. Hawaii is my home & its a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@jaybleu6169]

I took my first trip to Hawaii (Oahu) a few months ago after wanting to get there for ages, and almost immediately booked a second which I just got back from. Working on applying for my NP license there now and figuring out what it'll take to move there. I absolutely loved it, even with the problems, which are not unique to Hawaii. Driving up the Waianae coast was enlightening as to the degree of homelessness that exists there, but there's lots of it here, too. Coming from upstate NY, I don't understand the traffic complaints at all. I drove all over the island at every time of day and it was never worse than it is in medium-sized cities here (except north shore on opening day of the Pipe Pro, which I expected). I drive an hour to work, just because things are spread out more, one consequence of which is that yeah, gas is cheaper here, but I burn a lot more of it than I do in HI. And it's not 10 degrees there, and you won't spin off the road hitting ice, so there's that. Everyplace has its ups and downs and maybe I'll eat my words some day, but from what I've seen Hawaii is just an amazing place. Also, that writer is wrong. I've been to Florida, too, and Hawaii is at least 1000x more beautiful than Florida.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Surprised you didn't catch more traffic. Perhaps it was during a school break and because the State is still recovering from the pandemic. Traffic on the west side can be rough.

[@TheKamakafari]

all i know is i don't plan on leaving my home, I might work occasionally on the mainland but my home is Maui, I don't care about opinions, protests, nor the color of your skin but it's the strength of your character that matters most. Here in Hawaii everyone gets made fun of so you learn quickly to develop thicker skin, it's a weird way that Hawaii people keep each other in check i guess but it's not like we're lacking in the idiot department especially those who walk around with a massive chip on their shoulder thinking they're special or the ones who chant about problems but don't do anything to help remedy them or even worse make more of them. I did what I could and it was for nothing, as a native I'm tired of my people living and fighting for the past, they talk about community and fellowship but the minute someone stops to think differently they get shunned. learn from the past, work for the future, but live for today. I have no shame in the things I say especially after getting screwed over by my own, I have no native connections, never had any nepotistic job offers, or any kokua handouts. I know what I want and I've always worked for it, my papa was the same way and if there's anything i know he would've been proud of it's that i didn't let some aunteh or unko on TV with their mob or our local government and their statistics dictate how I move through life to build my own future. I know for fact I'm not the only one who thinks like this way.

[@nd4804]

This is so beautifully communicated. THANK YOU.

[@puidemare2337]

That race complaint was a very broad brush stroke of generalization. As someone who has been blessed enough to travel and lived abroad and on the mainland, what they spoke about exists everywhere!! It's not unique to Hawai'i. As my tutu wahine would say, be humble, be kind(give and share) and be quiet(meaning: listen, no talk too much) and you'll be fine no matter where you go in the world. I have haole friends who move here and have never had pilikia(trouble) anywhere on the island because they are humble. There will always be the exception at times because there are always assholes no matter where you go. But that goes for anywhere in the world also. It's the attitude you have that makes the difference.

[@alexcarter8807]

Seriously this. The mainland's got its own counterpart to "mokes" and they're far more vicious than anyone you'd meet in Hawaii. If I had to say it simply, In Hawaii if you're humble they'll leave you alone, on the mainland if you're humble they'll bully you more.

[@JohnDoe-xr8dz]

Yeah, be Pono - humble and kind

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great points 🤙

[@KikaWaiAlae]

Pui, where’s your mainland that you speak? Is it North America? As a Hawaiian my mainland is all of the Hawaiian islands in the Hawaiian Kingdom. If you are an American then yes, your mainland is on the continent and you are correct. 🤙🏽

[@realSimoneCherie]

But Hawai'i is at least 1/4 white american/mainlander and it's a trip to me to hear such woe about how they are treated in the only state in the union where they are an outsized minority

[@royaleromo8391]

You are so right about how things are ALL connected here in Hawaii. Born and raised here (Lahaina, Maui) I live in what I'd like to call the "mini Waikiki". Yes, our town in basically "tourist" driven-but as a local, we strive to support "local" and do as much as possible to try and sustain the "local" way and try not to alienate tourist because we know our lifeline as the "pandemic" has taught us. Love your videos!!! ALOHA

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@moonlightmistandmemories9623]

Having lived in Las Vegas for the past 3 decades , I have born witness to so many people from Hawaii moving into the valley , hang out at the Hotel California in the downtown area , full of Hawaiian tourists , but also a lot of locals who have moved from their home State , I've met some really nice people from Hawaii over the years , actually saddens me that they can no longer afford to live in Hawaii , but I do enjoy that they have brought with them their Hawaiian spirit , and of course sharing with us all their wonderful culture and food , I've been eating at Aloha Specialties at the Hotel California since the 90s , always good eats , never been to Hawaii myself , just grateful so many native Hawaiians have made Las Vegas their home over the years , take care Hawaii , wishing you all the best , Peace

[@HelloFromHawaii]

The Cal...where the locals go 😁

[@kathleenelliot5305]

Have they opened Zippy's yet? Many Hawaiians have moved to Alabama as well. Great ukelele festival there every year.

[@Puna_G]

As a former Hawai'i resident now in Las Vegas I've been going to the Cal since the mid 90s, but my time there have become less and less in recent years. As great a place as The Cal is/was, sadly they don't cater to and shun the Hawai'i Locals who live on the 9th Island. Majority of the Cal are Hawai'i tourist. Boyd only cares about the tourist's money. Many 9th Islanders have found other hangouts that welcome Las Vegas locals.

[@JohnDoe-xr8dz]

'Ae, Vegas get plenty expatriates no can afford Hawai'i. Hele aku mainland 40 years ago.

[@TyrannyStudios]

Hah. Love the bit about short commute. Oddly enough, a local BnR from Kauai, I came to the same conclusion. I learned this in my early 20's as islander in Seattle, first I lived in the suburbs, then I lived downtown. When I could walk a couple blocks to work I was like "this is how it should be!" Now I fully embrace town (Oahu) for it's town-ness and totally live in town. I can't wrap my head around people who commute into town... Great video. Bravo.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It would be tough to go back to commuting everyday. 🤙

[@tracyalan7201]

It is called urbanization. Some prefer hustle/bustle of city living. I seriously doubt that half the commuters want to commute if they really have a choice but having something of their own that they can afford or prefer to have something that they own/control plus not being densely crowded with people is a choice.

[@boho6458]

@@tracyalan7201 If you can live with less there are nice, quiet places to live in downtown.

[@tracyalan7201]

@@boho6458: Thanks. Nuuanu was the closest that I could reach and even then, I commuted to work due to the hours. It's okay, but not really a urban kind of person. I love seeing the views of the ocean, sky, and mountains. When I live in Virginia, I really missed seeing shimmering blue water, blue skies and green mountains and the smell of blooming ginger as I drove over the Pali at night or early mornings. Seeing that panoramic view of the Windward side in morning sun was a rush every day, especially with the traffic going the other way. I lived long enough on that side and experience commuting back and forth over the Pali or Wilson, that it was really difficult to get that kind of feeling. No even seeing the vastness of the South-west or Greenery of the Appalachian mountains during the fall. It's beautiful and breath taking, but not home.

[@skymakai]

That's pretty much everything on my list of 'what's wrong with Hawaii'. The race issue is a big one, but I've noticed that violence is also just a cultural norm in Hawaii. Chalk it up to lack of education, low wages, high costs, etc.. basically everything on the list... but it's undeniable that aggression and violence is commonly a Hawaii local's first response to any disagreement. Here's a story of my own: I'm surfing at a local spot I always surf at. I'm deep in a wave and a local guy jumps on it in front of me. As the wave closes out on us both, our boards collide and both get dinged. Guess what happened? He immediately started hitting me. After we get out of the water, he's screaming at me that I owe him for his board getting dinged.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Sorry to hear about what happened. Not sure why aggression is a natural reaction here. You'd think it would be "No worries", but instead it's "Like beef?"

[@cigarillo22]

Totally agree. I experienced it too from a mixture of some locals. It's home grown ignorance.

[@laceyshaine8609]

Violence is rampant anywhere, where you’re born into poverty and grow up in a rough neighborhood? Which yeah, I have to agree that the large populace of the Native Hawaiians resides due to being economically pushed out. But I don’t think that’s a “Hawaii” specific thing lol. It’s a smaller island, so you just are prone more to seeing it since poverty is abundant in Hawaii outside of the “tourist” areas. Same as Brazil associated with Violence, Mexico, certain countries in Europe. That’s just human nature. Not condoning it or advocating for these type of behavior but what can you do about it? Not everyone is “Timmy” from Hawaii Kai that has infinite financial and emotional support growing up.

[@AlchemicalApothecary]

great points! I lived on O'ahu for 10 years and it was hell some times, heaven other times. It was really difficult, however after being stuck on the mainland for 2 years because of the pandemic (and a series of personal unfortunate events) I honestly can't wait to go back. For some of us it will just be worth it for a series of reasons that may not logically line up with all the problems. But for me, connecting with the culture of my grandparents that I didn't get to grow up with is so much more fulfilling than living in Hawaiʻi is draining. Most of the time lol.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@rickagulia3767]

Hello Great video very honest. I have been thinking of retiring in oahu. I live in Los Angeles, and also been researching living there. As for housing the prices are comparable to Los Angeles but in Hawaii you get 50% less square footage for same price. The other thing no one mentioned crime in Oahu , I watch Hawaii local TV broadcasts and on Oahu they always there seems, there are shootings, stabbing, children go missing, corrupt politicians and police. And also their is a major drinking water contamination problem. My point is that people I know who live in Hawaii they only focus positive things and not what is actually is going on.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Unfortunately, crime is a part of what goes on here. I see it highlighted on the news a lot too. It's one of the things that's tough to see, especially because we're supposed to be the Aloha State.

[@rayage777]

I don't think crime is as bad as you may think. Hawaii doesn't have that much news to fill the 1/2 hour or an hour broadcast. There aren't that many shootings because there are not a lot of guns, so not sure where the shootings come from. Los Angeles doesn't have a lot of crime in their news, unless it's big or unique. There is just more things the news can cover. I can agree with the corrupt politicians and police, even though many people have relatives that are politicians and police.

[@rickagulia3767]

@R Age well almost daily a shooting or stabbing is being reported on the local news. Unless you watch the local news stations in Hawaii you would never know it is happening. Most people think it is a tranquil place myself included. But when watching the local news I was shocked at first about the violence and the corruption that was being reported.

[@Keliiyamashita]

@@rickagulia3767 that why you want to retire on the Big Island! Way more affordable and the people have tons of aloha! Everyone just waves and 🤙🏼 at you even if they don’t know you.

[@jenanalleman6285]

@@Keliiyamashita I would be worried people would get wise to that and the Big Island gets overrun and no longer becomes affordable.

[@gomoso22]

All I can say is that Hawaiians are amazing people.

[@cbunming]

I love your responses in this video. They were realistic, not too optimistic or pessimistic. I am tired of both sides, maybe a little more on the latter. People were kind of taking things for granted and nowhere on Earth is really perfect for them. Our lives here are somewhat the best in the world. I would say that, comparatively, our life quality is at the top 5% of world population (8 billions). If these were not good enough, I wonder how could the other 95% survive?

[@chasethe808]

Mahalos for the commentary! I moved home to O‘ahu three years ago and think part of the challenge is our “don’t rock da boat“ attitude towards many things. Especially politics. Although, after having lived on the mainland (Florida with Disney), I am so grateful for our life here! 🤙🏼

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Fiawordweaver]

The maturity of your channel has grown leaps and bounds. Good on you. Be very proud! If nepotism is an issue in favor for locals, being a resident for 13 of Hawaii in early 70’s originally from Illinois, I support it. People who don’t understand the steal and displacing family from their homes, need to remain on the mainland. I only left to escape with my two children, a local white male of privilege that was physically and psychologically abusive. I loved everything about the islands. It’s above my pay level as a senior, so returning to reside will only be in spirit. Hawaii and the local people who embraced me will forever live in my heart. I do return in my dreams. 🎉

[@Jose_Jimenez]

I remember Hawaii when you could just drive to Hanauma Bay, park, and walk down to the beach without having to see a video. When there was just a two-lane highway in and out of Ewa Beach with no traffic, and only one light in town. Ewa Beach was surrounded by cane fields, and you could walk or ride your bike anywhere. I used to ride my bike through the cane fields to go shop at the Exchange on Barber's Point NAS. Things were so quiet, and peaceful. It was still even pretty nice when we were stationed at Hickam AFB in the 80's and early 90's. And I don't even remember sitting in traffic much. My how things have changed.

[@parkercroft6183]

Aloha Nephew, Again, mahalo nui loa for your work, particularly this episode. I stay Kaua'i, north side, and for twenty years made a farm and cared for it with my family. Now that is gone. No regrets. One son still teaches on Kaua'i and I will be back when I finish my work on Mainland America. Addressing this entire bundle is too much to do in the "comments" section. ( Maybe one day we talk story.) I will try to stand outside it a little and offer a few thoughts. Hawai'i is not Oahu, sure not Honolulu. Still, Hawai'i is a marvelous place to visit and sure not a home for everyone, in fact very few. For a moment forget the obvious problems with money and housing (I worked on providing affordable housing for years). The culture of Hawai'i is not the culture of Mainland America. When Mainland America arrives and expects to buy into Hawai'i there will be big disappointments. Hawai'i, and particularly Kaua'i, is beautiful. Where I stay now is as beautiful (location undisclosed). Every morning I wake I miss Kaua'i, no matter how good it is here. In my pu-uwai (heart) I became Hawaiian. No, not Kanaka Maoli, but so much of the aina that I will never leave, no matter how far I go. The 'uhane is big and the gods are still alive in Hawai'i. That sounds like some sort of poetry on Mainland America, but it is real. Move to Hawai'i? If can do, can do. If no can do, no can do.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the thoughtful comment. I agree that Hawaii is not Oahu, although it tends to be viewed that way. In contrast, Kauai is the best representation of Hawaii, at least in my humble opinion. 😁 If no can, no can.

[@tracyalan7201]

Love the response. Growing up on Oahu, having relatives/friends on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii island, it's something to be cherished with so much to appreciate. There are problems with living here, but they are wholistic in cause and solution. No one person/group of people can arbitrarily solve all its problems on its own. Everyone contributes to the cause and solution. We live on an island in the Pacific, remote from some transportation resources that other locations are privy to. We have limited resources of land and water that comes at a price for management of resources and waste. We have limited economic revenue for the local, with socio-economic-political consequences to develop. These are realities that should comparison be made, should be of equivalent scale of model. What we have are incredible people, compassionate, hard-working, and friendly people with a climate, beauty to die-for and people envy. As they say, Lucky come Hawaii.

[@bkproductions3569]

So happy to watch and listen someone who can relate to what locals struggle with on a daily basis. Itʻs one thing to remain positive and optimistic but that getʻs old. Hawaii is being gentrified insidiously….

[@BabyBlue5716]

Lol@lidat.I left after High School and I still remember in school when the poor teacher would be from the mainland and having to pronounce our names during roll call lol Thank you for a great video I think it is a mess wherever you go but, we just have to think positive and keep pushing for a better tomorrow❤🙏

[@sheriandreas8260]

Hi Hello From Hawaii guy, how is your family? I hope all is well. I’ve seen 2 documentaries about Hawaii & it was so sad to see the native Hawaiians homeless in their own ancestral islands, homeland. There is so much more to comment but that is the one that my heart goes out to. Have a beautiful day.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@garrettlong969]

@@HelloFromHawaiio

[@makulewahine]

My sister and I were having this same conversation yesterday. Many of the problems Hawaii has now are the same ones they had when I left 30 years ago. There doesn't seem to be the will to solve them or they are seen as not problems at all. Now I am only talking about Oahu. I have no idea what it's like on the neighbor islands. Infrastructure: I was appalled at the state of the roads when we took a ride out to Haleiwa. I've driven on forest service roads that are better. The amount of trash in the town itself was really sad. It used to be a special place that I took my children to restaurants...Pizza Bob's! As for the schools...my children all started out in public schools because I do believe in public education. There were some wonderful teachers and a lot of really awful teachers. It also turned out to not be a safe place for my children. So I forked over the cash for private education as long as I could. I hated to do it. It is sad to still hear the same complaints about a state that is so beautiful, diverse, and full of potential. I feel really blessed to have been born and raised there and that I was able to raise my children there. All those children now live on the mainland. Sigh. Mahalo for all your thoughtful observations.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

When I talked to my dad about these issues, he also felt that these are the same problems we've had since he was younger. Are these just universal problems or just sticky to Hawaii?

[@chasethe808]

@@HelloFromHawaii I think these are universal problems but, magnified because we live in such a small space.

[@skymakai]

Yeah, the roads! I keep asking myself, "where are my tax dollars going??"

[@yvonnesmith8245]

Nicely done! It’s nice to hear your perspective regarding all the negative critiques of the writer. I will always cherish my childhood growing up in Wahiawa and several other towns on the leeward side of Oahu as the best years of my life and feel grateful and blessed that my mother did that for us. Mahalo and may God bless!🌺

[@mikejung9604]

We lived in Hawaii 26 years ago and we left because of most of the problems listed. I’m thrilled that there is now a new mass transit system which should benefit everyone. On the other hand, I’ve heard that the homeless issue has gotten so much more controversial . I imagine the pandemic has had a hard impact on Hawaii. We are visiting Hawaii this winter for the first time in over 20 years so look forward to seeing the changes. I loved your honest assessment!

[@earlluttimo9864]

I lived in Honolulu Hawaii for eleven years. It's not perfect, but the culture and the people are the best. I can't wait to move back.

[@MrBossTube]

It’s true. Hawaii has so many opportunities to improve and change. And I believe you along with your channel can be a catalyst for a new narrative for Hawaii. I’m loving your channel more and more. Keep going!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Appreciate it. 🤙

[@bkproductions3569]

Btw- the topics you post would make great documentary small films of what life is really like here in Hawaii. Getting real life interviews from different people from race to class would be super interesting. Without sponsors you wouldʻnt have to worry about censorship and Hawaii can be shown for itʻs true colors.

[@elevatedsoulsyndicate9754]

Enjoy your channel. I moved to Hawaii 8yrs ago. First living in Big Island for 3 years (Loved it!!!) and now in Oahu for almost 5yrs. I did appreciate living in Kailua, Oahu right off the beach during the pandemic but now that things are going "back to normal" I'm ready to leave. I've dealt with micro-aggressions, prejudice and racial discrimination in Oahu that I've never had to face before. It's effected me in a profound way. I've always been able to make friends anywhere I go but not in Oahu. I think Oahu is great for Asians, military and mid westerners but not for others people. I'm weighing my options to leave this summer, it's a hard decision because of the beauty of Hawaii but I don't see a future here in Oahu. Also feel for the native Hawaiian people being priced out of their own land, most living in multi generational homes or even homeless. 😢

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing your experience. Oahu is definitely different than the Big Island. Just a lot faster pace of life. Hope you figure out your moving situation. Big decision.

[@lg5683]

Hawaii is the most prejudice place I’ve ever lived and the most liberal. That’s a formula for failure

[@kathleenelliot5305]

My siblings and I go back home to visit other sibling. I see Hawaii deteriorating and it's sad. I have listened to what your viewers have to say, where are or what are the solutions? Mahalo.

[@BTLwithTony]

I grew up in Honolulu, moved mainland, lived all over the country, including Florida. Living in Florida was by the worst state I ever lived in. Too hot, too humid, mediocre food, outside of Cuban food at least, and the worst part, living in Florida meant you had to live amongst people from Florida, who are by far the most selfish group of state residents I’ve ever been around. There is no aloha in Florida. I’ve lived in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, , Vegas, Oregon, New York, North Carolina, DC, New Mexico, and Texas, oh yeah and that peninsular state, and by far my least favorite place was Florida. Hawaii is choke expensive, but life is so much better here than in Florida.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Good to hear another perspective from someone who lived in FL.

[@Islandgirl58]

I agree with you on Florida. I’m born and raised on Oahu. I lived in Florida as well and was so happy to move back home to Hawaii. I had a hard time living in Florida due to being Asian I wasn’t well liked. Only time people changed their attitude towards me when they found out I was from Hawaii. I was more on the dark skin side and always mistaken for Filipino and Mexican. My husband wanted to buy a retirement home in Florida I said hell no lol. Living in Florida really made me appreciate Hawaii more even though cost of living is so high.

[@gardenia8085]

@@Islandgirl58 ...I've never been to FL. My Filipina/American friend moved to Ft. Myers 4 years ago from San Diego and says she loves it and sooo much cheaper than SD.

[@happycook6737]

I agree about Florida. I've always thought the lure of Florida is the closeness for east coast people who want to retire in warm weather.

[@jttaylort]

I grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. I have lived in Georgia, Wyoming, and now Texas. I never been to Hawaii, but growing up in a resort city I agree with these comments. However, I do Love Texas, with the people that live in this state, the jobs available, and the relatively low cost of living.

[@irissouza8874]

More people should read this so they can think about NOT moving here. They love the islands but the first things they want to do is change it. We like thimgs the way they are and do what we have to do to live here, we manage just fine.

[@spinalbaby]

I just came back from a trip to the islands. I'm doing homework to see if the islands might be a place we could consider for semi-retirement. The letter you share articulated many of my observations. I'm Asian American, so hopefully the racial issues won't apply to me as much. In fact, that's one of the reasons I'm considering Hawaii because a majority of the people look more like me. Hawaii is to me Idaho and Montana are to white folk moving there.

[@matthewkeating6970]

my brother rents out his house in o.c. in cali and pays his morgage in hawaii the big island and has money left over on top of that.

[@mblakenichols]

I've lived in Hawaii for 2 years. I agree with what was said in the letter and your response. I do NOT like living here, but due to certain uncontrollable circumstances, I am here for the next several years. Actually, watching your video made me chill out about a lot of the things I don't like about this place. Thanks for posting this response. it's good.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@MsLandell]

I'll trade ya!

[@RangerMommy]

As a Canadian who lives on an island with indigenous people & visits Hawai'i every year, I appreciate your channel & comments. Islands are different and unless you live on one for many years you can't really grasp or appreciate them. There is so much to be said for making connections with the community over many years. The lifestyle and attitude is just so different. We too can always tell when we are dealing with someone from the mainland. It feels unfair for someone to compare Florida or California to Hawai'i because there are so many intrinsic values that can't be described but I appreciate the points made and am sure that some are valid. Lifestyle choices are complicated and change as we go through life.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Great point about the uniqueness of island life.

[@RangerMommy]

@@HelloFromHawaii You might find it interesting that our indigenous people on Vancouver Island have a significant tie to Hawaiian indigenous people. Here is a quote from an article from one of our national newspapers: "The Hawaiian Canadians: Canada is not a simple story of French, British and Indigenous nations. At the point when British Columbia became a colony in 1851, for example, the Pacific coast contained sizable populations of Indigenous nations, a thin scattering of British and U.S. trappers and miners and a well-established community of Hawaiian Canadians. Indigenous Hawaiians, who crewed transpacific ships, had been settling the Vancouver and Victoria areas since the 1780s, jumping ship to take jobs in the burgeoning fur and later mining and timber industries; in the 19th century, they were recruited and imported by the Hudson's Bay Company. In the 1830s, Hawaiian Canadians were the single most populous ethnic group employed by the company on the West Coast. By 1851, half the working-age population in Fort Victoria was native Hawaiian. By 1867, according to Tom Koppel's history of their community, the Hawaiians had become farmers, landowners and fishermen, and were known, sometimes derisively, as "Kanaka" (the Pacific Island word for "man"). There was a substantial "Kanaka Row" shack town in Victoria, and sizable districts in Vancouver and on Salt Spring Island. They had their own schools and preachers, and while they taught their children English, some subscribed to Hawaiian-language newspapers. A good part of B.C.'s population, as a result, today has Hawaiian ancestry. By the end of the 19th century, the Hawaiian settlers numbered around 850 - about as numerous as the filles du roi, the women sent from France who are the ancestors of two-thirds of Quebec's present-day ethnic-French population. A mainly male population, they married into both Indigenous and white families." I know it's long. Mahalo if you made it this far in this message.

[@ultimatelv27]

I don't know why this video was on my feed but I quite enjoyed it and learned a lot. You were very genuine and thoughtful in your response.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@Charalldredge]

I was there for two weeks a few weeks ago. It was my 15th vacation there so I obviously love it. I did notice that the food was quite high this time . I get it , COVID. We would move to Hawaii in a heartbeat, but value our retirement fund and 💯 will last longer on the mainland. Being an island is always going to be more money. Shipping is getting more and more . People really need to take all of that into consideration. I’ll continue to come to the islands each year, they hold a very special place in my heart.

[@laurakibben4147]

COVID was all but another natural disaster after which raising prices is deemed gouging yet why has no one screamed bloody murder over the blatant gouging going on still??? And because people refuse to stop paying for and buying everything for long enough to teach themselves at least, this lesson is loko!

[@jonnuanez7183]

Re: Race...my mom had a really good job opportunity come to her by chance in the late 80s on the Big Island. Upon advice from many people familiar with Hawaii, she said no because she was afraid I would get eaten up in high school, esp coming in at 11th grade. I can blend in lookswise. But my speaking voice is non inflected ethnicwise; I sound very white or haole. I have problems with that here in California, where I'm from. So imagine over there. And I didn't talk a lot over there because of this.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

A lot of my cousins live on the Big Island, you would have loved it. I wish I could move there, and maybe I will.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Interesting. I think the Pidgin is thick on the Big Island, but there are a lot of non-locals living there now. Might be a different story today versus the 80s.

[@tracyalan7201]

Even kids on Oahu and outer islands have problems dealing with peer groups at that age. I'm sure they would have accepted you then and now. I grew up on Oahu, on the Windward side like Chris, and the range of speaking could be the strongest pidgin to private school speaking. When a good opportunity knocks, take the time to think about it as the road is less taken. Sometimes, we must look past the shortcomings and look at the potential. There are somethings that could've, should've, would've are the biggest regrets but you make a choice and accept it. Turned down a position in a sought-after foreign location, that I had been trying for years but not the promotion and lots of economic downsides to it. Hard choice to make, but a year after with the parent got ill, it was a hindsight appreciation of the decline, as I wouldn't have had the time to be there when it counted the most.

[@SS-fw7wp]

One word “RETIREMENT “..No Driving..No Schooling”…No Working. Just learn to respect, live happily. (Of course I’m speaking for myself). Think positive live positive 😊🤟

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@SS-fw7wp]

Eoublue, sir, the answer is YES. It’s called planing your retirement 👍

[@SS-fw7wp]

I’m sure for some😊

[@bombslab]

My GF always wants to move there but I feel like the last thing Hawaii needs is another mainlander moving in, worsening the housing situation and further diluting the culture. I personally can't see Hawaii staying Hawaii if more of us move there while more locals move away. Love your channel, BTW!

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

Many will tell you that Hawaii stopped being Hawaii in the year 1778...

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I made a video about feeling bad about moving to Hawaii. I don't think people moving here is a bad thing, although it's complicated for some. Lots of mixed emotions as cost of living continues to rise.

[@packinginktattoos8918]

@@user-sg8kq7ii3y it was actually 1896 when the illegal occupation occurred… prior to that Hawaii was a well established democratic monarchy with its own government and recognition as an equal nation state of the world… a lot of things that we were NOT taught growing up here in Hawaii… because we would have been aware of the fact that Hawaii was illegally taken and that we were and till this day, not part of America…🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@dianedoherty3655]

I have been coming to HI since the 80’s. We owned property on Oahu & BI since 1970. At first we focused on ‘tourist’ things. Over the years we changed to really learning from the locals. There are many subcultures to learn about. Now, we actually have a place on the BI. There is even more to learn to be able to understand living there. The learning curve is real. We still love Hawaii and love living there.

[@NZDLo]

This was an interesting video for me. I moved to New Zealand over 15 years ago from the US. And like Hawaii, it has a strong Polynesian culture and great natural beauty. However, there are lots of issues that would definitely make quite a few people pause when considering a move here. The basic point is: there’s no “perfect” place. There’s just the place where you personally want to live the most, faults and all.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing the situation in NZ.

[@itsourlocallife]

Great educational videos! My hubby & I want to retire in about 2 years.🤞For several years we been doing our research Hawaii vs Mainland. Long story short if we stay in Hawaii we both know we will still have to work at least part-time being retired vs. if we find a place were that cost of living is low with intention of buying a place pretty much out right, will still be able to fully retired. Nothing is a given for us, we worked 2-3 jobs forever. We go back & forth on this topic a lot but we both always say if we leave Hawaii, we have to sacrifice something for something else. 😉🤙

[@alexcarter8807]

If you want to stay in the USA, there's Florida which is practically all coastline and tons cheaper than Hawaii. If you want to be near the USA there's the Caribbean and Mexico including the Baja Peninsula. There are a lot of places that will "scratch that itch" without being as expensive as Hawaii.

[@d.jensen5153]

I thought this was a fantastic discussion! Enjoyed many of the comments too. I've loved Hawaii all my life. I kept my 'thing' for Hawaii a big secret for years. Couldn't talk about it with anyone. Now all I do is talk about it. Couldn't make a living there as a young adult. But a well-compensated professional job on the mainland makes it easy for me to support a daughter there, now. It's a vicarious sort of thing. It amuses me that it takes two people for one person to live there. 😆🤔

[@Nicksparks-nb3qp]

Your daughter is very privileged then to be having her daddy underwrite living in Hawai'i. It's people like this and those with second homes who are the root of the issue.

[@d.jensen5153]

@@Nicksparks-nb3qp I suppose. But her footprint there is nothing compared to her Paki friend who owns a McMansion in Haleiwa.

[@omardeveraux1418]

Watched several of your videos and it's good to see different perspectives on things as someone researching Oahu as a place to live. Mahalo for your thoughts and the discussion, very much appreciated.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo. Glad you enjoy the videos.

[@TeawithTrishy]

Having moved to Maui from Cali, I took a $15k pay cut, and yes the groceries were 30% more, but you figure things out. I saved a lot of $ on vacation because I was already living in paradise. Hardest part for me was not being able to always get exactly what you wanted at store because they were waiting on shipments, which I don't believe Oahu has that problem. Life is much slower in HI and a great place to live if you can be flexible. Re Homeless in Maui I do believe it's out of control. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this letter. Alo)(@

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Haven't heard about the homeless situation on Maui. Is it really bad?

[@TeawithTrishy]

@@HelloFromHawaii Yes it's bad. Individuals Scattered around with several large encampments. I wonder what haolie think? Upcountry doesn't really have any. Mainly tourist areas. Interesting I've not seen any in Wailea.

[@SM-le7qb]

I am on the mainland and thinking about investing in a rental in Maui, so I am contributing to the problem! I can't make the math work so far, and waiting for the real estate market to be a bit lower, as taxes and fees are so high in Hawaii:). I agree with you 100% about the cost of living compared to other places like Florida, SF or NY, especially for the locals.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

The market is tough now. Not sure how some of the locals on Maui do it. Not much inventory to buy at affordable prices.

[@MsLandell]

I live in SF and the cost of living here is more, a lot more! Studio's start at 2K+ unless you want to live in a high crime area, where there are drugs and prostitution, then it's $1800. 1BD averages $3400+ and 2BD averages $4500+. If you want to live in a nicer, more popular area 1BD is between $3600-$4300! Not to mention, traffic is terrible, parking horrible, crime is everywhere, rampant homelessness, food & services are expensive, gas prices are the highest in the nation, and landlords demand that your income is 3x the rent! I don't know where you're getting your information, but it's inaccurate.

[@MB-yg6mb]

I lived in Honolulu Hawaii for a long time...I fell in love and got pregnant with a locals baby from the North Shore and as a white woman I was treated like trash. I was called Casper the friendly pregnant ghost. I was with the baby's father in a long term relationship however, I faced a lot of racism and the Hawaiians are very resentful towards tourism due to what its done to the island. I love the Island but at some point we had to leave and move to the mainland to be free of judgement.

[@PjPjPaul]

My wife's family is from Hawaii so we usually go often, In fact we just got back from a trip to Oahu last week. Each time I go I fantasize about moving there because it is just so beautiful. However, each time I seriously look at the prospect, it looks worse and worse each year. I feel like its only feasible for people who can afford to retire there because you don't have to commute and you don't need the public school system to educate your children. Do I think the COL in HI is unreasonable? No, I agree you guys haven't gotten there yet. I do think y'all are damn close tho. I fear what happens when the average Hawaiian can no longer afford the average rent even with multiple generations living under one roof. Many already have this problem. That email is pretty spot on about how I feel about Hawaii as an outsider. I know our opinion doesn't matter as much but its still valid. I love Hawaii. I think it's an unique special place with unique special problems, but if any mainlander seriously considers moving Hawaii they would would come to the same conclusion. It currently isn't ethically nor economically feasible to do so. For now I'll stick to being a responsible tourist who picks up trash and supports local business's.

[@martinbayron9274]

Good attitude !

[@akimaclayton]

Thanks for your insightful information and concerns. You do such an amazing job.

[@vallejan]

I’m from Puerto Rico and … several of these sound so familiar to me.

[@kaykavanagh8948]

Yes...living and visiting a place two different things...overall luv Hawaii....❤️🇨🇦Vancouver 🙋💥

[@Errr717]

Many of the leasehold properties were converted to fee simple in the 80’s and 90’s. I went to UH Manoa and studied under a number of great electrical engineering and computer science professors who were instrumental in creating the Aloha System which was a network of computers among the UH campuses. Although it used radios for the communications medium this network is the basis for what we now know as Ethernet. The networking protocols developed back then is used in every cellphone today.

[@extremelylargeslug4438]

Subbed. Thanks for all your info and insight into Hawaii.

[@matthewmcgillicuddy5632]

Great Video and great letter! I live here now - from the east coast... I agree with a large majority of it. Luckily I love the outdoors. There are a few other issues if you happen to be a home owner and landlord. Or if you like healthy eating. Or nightlife.

[@ahhitskatie9094]

I know that outsiders are ruining Hawai’i in many ways, but I’d think this is a topic we can all relate to as we see it happening to many states. I do not mean to belittle what has happened to the beautiful native Hawai’ian people in any way and my heart goes out to them. Rather, we see many cities/states that were once “great” being overrun by many people from states like California and New York who bring in their issues. They ruin them and it’s frustrating!

[@jenanalleman6285]

I think sometimes people are looking for perfection and honestly, a lot of these issues are faced by quite a few states in the U.S. Maybe some issues not to the extent that Hawaii is facing, but they are happening. I live in Oklahoma and comparatively, we have affordable housing here, but all the time I see and hear the response, "Yeah, but it's in Oklahoma." Admittedly, some of it is warranted. We have cringe politicians trying to keep the state in the dark ages and that's what seems to get the most attention with national and international media. People seem surprised when they visit to see what's here because if all they know of the state is from the media then I can see how they'd be very skeptical. I will add the caveat that most of this pertains to the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. Outside of those it gets iffy in the rural areas, but that's most states. The rural areas in most states aren't going to have as many opportunities and services. All that to say that yes, some of these issues are unique to the state, but also some are indicative of larger systemic issues in the country as a whole.

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

I get what you're trying to say, but trying to compare Oklahoma to Hawaii is like comparing apples to oranges. For starters, let's just talk about the MEDIAN price of a single family home in Hawaii. It's currently over $1,000,000. What many people outside of Hawaii do not realize is that this $1,000,000 that you spend on a home WILL NOT buy you a nice home in Hawaii. In Hawaii, $1,000,000 will NOT buy you a 5-bedroom, ocean front home. It will more often buy you a 50 or 60-year old 3-bedroom, single-wall, 1500 sq ft home, with a history of termites, in need of extensive remodeling and electrical repair, in a middle class neighborhood. And being "middle class" in Hawaii means that you are STRUGGLING. Being "middle class" in Hawaii means that you don't make enough money to be financially secure, yet you make slightly too much money to not be able to qualify for government assistance and free medical insurance. The middle class in Hawaii are the group of people who pay for nearly everything, but who don't really get to enjoy all that they're paying for simply because they are constantly working and trying to keep their heads above water. I've actually known a good number of people who were considered middle class in Hawaii, to actually request to their bosses to put them from full-time work to part-time work just so their income would drop enough to allow them to qualify for the plethora of government assistance available to those who meet income guidelines. In many parts of the United States, a married couple can work as cashiers at Walmart and still buy or rent a decent home. In Hawaii, two cashiers at Walmart would be guarantee be on government assistance, would have to live in government-sponsored housing if they are lucky enough to find a place, and they would have NO HOPE of EVER buying their own place. If there's no government assistance available, and if they don't have family in Hawaii who is willing to take them in, then they'll be homeless. And, yes, there are homeless in Hawaii who have jobs. But Hawaii has one of the most expensive cost of livings in the nation, yet has one of the lowest wages in the nation. So Hawaii is very different from Oklahoma.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Good point that other states, like Oklahoma, face similar issues. Maybe it's not just a Hawaii thing.

[@jenanalleman6285]

@@user-sg8kq7ii3y I get what you're saying. I'm not saying both places are the exact same. Hawaii is on the extreme end of what's happening or starting to happen a lot of places. Yeah, Oklahoma has a low cost of living, but the minimum wage here is $7.25/hour and it's been that rate since 2008. Two cashiers at Walmart here wouldn't be able to buy a home. I work in higher education full time and if I weren't married, home ownership would be out of my reach and I make over minimum wage. As it was, my husband had already been living in the house for quite some time alone and I moved in when we got married. There are working homeless people here too. All that to say there seems to be fewer and fewer affordable places that aren't very remote/rural. When did it start to get this extreme in Hawaii and why do you think things weren't reined in because I'm thinking the powers that be could see it would go in the direction it did?

[@martinbayron9274]

@@jenanalleman6285 ' The powers that be ' in Hawaii like the politicians are paid by strong wealthy donors/influencers. I truly believe in 20 years only rich people will afford Hawaii. The governments unofficial attitude is, ' if you cannot afford Hawaii, beat it '. The politicians have done nothing to mitigate the rising hiigh costs of living. Look at housing, unless you inherit your house from parents, grandparents, or some relative, whom bought the property way back in the 1950's, 60's, 70's, and 80's, your shit out of luck. Only a few can make it. With what few government assisted ' affordable housing ' programs are available by lottery, is a cruel joke in itself to qualify. I was raised here, born 1961, so i seen the changes or business as usual (no changes). Greed and money wins all the time. A telling evidence that the state politicians no give a shit about homeless is way back in the 70's, was probably the last State low income housing project was built. Today, the no increase in low income housing units available to a population that has significantly increased has resulted in a very long waiting list and further encourages homelessness. I will agree, to make it in Hawaiii, you either rich or poor. Work hard will seem like you spinning tires and not going forward, and easily slipping backwards.So be careful.

[@Kulintronica]

Glad you brought this discussion to your channel.

[@np100]

I lived in Hawaii off and on during the early 80's and I found the cultures to be comforting, family oriented and friendly. However, being a Haoli, I did find young men did resent a white 30 something woman, but I did learn about the culture and was more accepted. I even was invited to work there. There were jobs then for social workers, consultants, political positions. I would have moved back in a split second from the SF Bay Area if my son had not been born with severe autism. I still dream of going back permanently.

[@PHlophe]

Nikki, you low key make it sound like locals were gratuitously salty because you are caucasian. Now that is not nice to say aboot the host Island. See i don't think any caucasian appreciates the same reverse shady jab. considering you come with abundant mainland resources and you contribute to gentrification . And now you plan on giving your fragile years to Hawai'i when a resourceful fit Caucasian that contributes to indigenous busnesses would have been an actual asset. I cannot believe my ears, for real for real.

[@hmacdonald5512]

Thank you for your input.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@just_inhawaii]

I’m just going to address one thing: Public vs. Private School. I’ve always wondered how different our educational system would be if private schools didn’t exist. Image if families and communities put the money they pour into private schools toward better public schools for all children of Hawaii. Utopian thoughts, I guess. Castle grad here, by the way. 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@HelloFromHawaii]

It's an interesting thought. Maybe better public schools.

[@dieterszczypinski9495]

Lived in Hawaii for 8.5 years. Everything said in that letter is 100% TRUE!!!!!

[@joannaprevost426]

This was really informative. A lot of what you went through was really valid. I live in Las Vegas, NV considered the 9th Island 😉. The population in Las Vegas is over 100.000 thousand plus. I have a lot of Friends that moved from Hawaii due to lack of housing etc... I just got back from Maui, and would love to live there I just think its so unobtainable . So glad to hear and listen to a local living in Hawaii 😃. At the very least I will be traveling there , I cant wait to go back to Hawaii its a magical place and you are blessed.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Vegas has really become the 9th island and I suspect that more locals will be moving there soon.

[@zenamen5221]

I've lived in a number of states; including; Hawaii, Florida, Illinois, Cali, Oregon and AZ. Hawaii is worth the extra $$ for us because my husband works at home. Unfortunately, there is a massive housing crisis, so we have not moved back (yet). Waiting to see what unfolds seems to be the wisest course of action. We lived on Maui, but spent time on every island. We still loved Maui the best. We never felt that Hawaii lost its charm! lol - But Hawaii is not for everyone. 🌿🌺🌈🌺🌿

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Awesome that he gets to work from home. The outside salary scale helps with the cost of living.

[@SupremeJudge]

If you don't need to live right smack in the middle of Honolulu, venture out west and the rent drops a lot. Literally 10-15 miles away rent is anywhere between $1200-1500 for usually 3 bedrooms.

[@alexcarter8807]

Also, Welfare/food stamps/WIC once you're at 3-4 kids those will pay your rent, food, doctor etc., you have to work but it can be a minimum-wage job. That's how to raise a family on a minimum-wage job, that's how people do it.

[@zrienkersh1475]

South Florida has very high property tax rates though. So they get y’a too. I believe Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm beach have some of the highest property taxes in the US. This is prob accurate pre-pandemic, but after pandemic everyone moved to Florida and jacked up the prices big time.

[@kevinhsu8184]

The writer clearly done some research on pros and cons of living in Hawaii. However, I do think there are a lot of exaggerations of the reasons why Hawaii isn’t the place for him. Almost feel like because he can’t afford to live there, he has to give a list of reasons why Hawaii sucks for him. The whole thing feels like a somewhat researched rant. Basically the guy would like to live in Hawaii but it has to be this and that to suit his needs. Otherwise it’s a no go and it’s Hawaii’s fault. There are definitely problems with living in Hawaii but there are problems living in California, Florida, Texas, New York, etc.. There will always be problems in every state of the union. It’s really more about going to a place with an open mind and go with the flow. If you want things your way, you will never be happy no matter whichever state you go to. I for one likes to retire in Oahu someday. I will first rent a place for at least six months to see if I can adjust myself to Hawaiian lifestyle. I think the trick to live in Hawaii is only move there if you don’t need to look for a job there. Money is one way to put space between you and any unpleasantness. This is not just for Hawaii but for any place you want to live. I find people who complaints a lot says a lot more about them than the subject they are complaining about.

[@edwardlane7034]

I subscribed to your channel because after living there for two years and vacationing there at least 6 or 7 times, I find a lot of what you said is true. It is a wonderful place to vacation, but it is a wonder to me how anyone can afford to live there. I thought of moving there after I retired but quickly abandoned the idea after doing a lot of research. I have never been treated badly by any of the locals, but I know a few who have. For those few, I have tried to explain some of the reasons, which seem to coincide with some of the things you mentioned. What really saddens me is that the very rich seem to be buying up the entire state. Maybe it will become the American version of Montecarlo. All the more reason for the Hawaiian people to fight to hold on to their culture. Just do not ignore progress. It is one of the things that will eventually level the playing field. Become more self-reliant, and diversify the way you grow your own foods. I'll be there in March. Aloha.

[@rossflores1946]

Aloha I too was born and raised on the Big island and been living on the mainland.remember something the islands can only sustain so much growth at any given time and the amount of jobs can only suffice certain amount of job availability and to damper even further issues, the good jobs are even more comparative in a pool of fish that has way more fish then food.the problem is way too many people for the availability of jobs.had it not being for those of us who chose to move rather we like it or not would have devastated the pool of jobs available even further.now 30 years later we can see that the locals are being displaced in their own homeland as others with strong financial resources are able to purchase what few land and housing remains. As always (the money dictates evetything) so sad.my people has been scattered all over the world due to this displacement of my culture,my people and my kingdom.GOD HELP US ALL!!!

[@247chapel]

Excellent report. It has indeed helped me at reassessing my return. I love Honolulu Hawaii, and it's people enough to consider what my home coming would bring to it as well as take away. Hawaii is no doubt beautiful and I dream of waking up with the Ala Wai Canal at my side, but the Paradise I grew up in is in need of serious Help. If somehow I could be a part of that assistance great, but to simply take up space where much more Aloha is in needed...? Anyways..., Thanks again for being a wise messenger of heavy loads. Someone has to put the word out and you do a great job. Aloha and Mahalo!

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

You dream of waking up next to the Ala Wai Canal, which is probably one of the most polluted stretches of water in Hawaii? People have, literally, died from nasty, antibiotic-resistant infections that they got from Ala Wai water.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. Sorry, I laughed when you mentioned the Ala Wai. Not really the most pristine waterway, but if that's what you'd like to see when you wake up, good for you.

[@247chapel]

@@HelloFromHawaii That’s OK my friend, I understand. I graduated in 81 from Moanalua Hi. I now live in New York and I am retired with a desire to come home and that area is just special to me because that’s where I would go to work out and jog.

[@247chapel]

@@HelloFromHawaii By the way…, I would never think to jump in there. Lol!

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

@@247chapel On some days, when the wind blows a certain way, the smells coming from the Ala Wai smell like a toilet bowl. Lol!

[@pmbarro]

I noticed something shady from the government in Hawaii when I was there. It had to do with Airbnb. Their new law about not allowing locals to rent short term anymore. It has to be above 30 day stays. This forces most tourism money to go to the large hotels and less to the people since most people vacation for less then 30 days. Correct me if I'm wrong but that just something I noticed.

[@alanfrank1358]

That is funny that you mentioned that. I am not from Hawaii but I have been there 3 times since 2015. When I travel I usually prefer to rent a home/condo because I think it helps you to see a little better what life is really like in that place. The last time I went was after they had made this change to the 30 day stay. I managed to get around this with the owner of a place thankfully. The reason I thought this was put into place was because non-Hawaiians were buying up properties to use as rental income leaving less places for the locals to purchase. I think this rule only pertained to right around the Honolulu area but I could be wrong about that. But I can see what you are saying that maybe it was done to funnel people to the hotels where local people work to keep people employed. I guess I can see it both ways.

[@pmbarro]

@@alanfrank1358 To me, it seemed like the big fish (hotels) might of complained that they were losing revenue due to airbnb vrbo etc. When I was there, I was there for 4 months due to work. I called the hotels looking for extended stay prices and they were still sharks with extremely high prices. Like 4-5k a month. They don't even give you a deal on parking. So I was forced to find something on vrbo and that were the locals told me about that over 30 day rule. It just seemed odd to me cause the hotels are in a huge monopoly there. $200 per night stays. While the noticed the locals struggling.

[@PjPjPaul]

The government is trying doing the same thing with P2P car rentals like Turo. I wasn't going to get into it with my comment but the government in Hawaii seems to have been corrupted by big tourism who don't want their profits eaten into.

[@tracyalan7201]

I read the comment and it is understandable about the complaint from a non-resident perspective. Maybe thinking about it from a resident perspective. Everyone wants to get a great deal, whether buying a house, value of house, selling a car, buying a car, taking a vacation. A deal means both sides agree that it is a win/win. Now, image if the great deal that one benefits from hurts physically, morally, financially someone that you really care about, is it such a great deal? If by hurting that someone, will they benefit from the great deal? In the case of Airbnb, or P2P, these operations operate on presumption of legitimate business model. Does legitimate mean recognized as legally allowed, licensed, taxed, enforceable? If so, then, if someone rents to you and the location is not what was agreed upon, would you have a complaint and why? If they said it had running water, but you had to draw from a well, and restrooms that turned out to be a outhouse yards from the house in the dark, is that what was advertised? People would complain. Now, imagine if the neighbors of such a location had to put up with a location that was residential neighborhood, but having vacationers disturbing their peace and quiet, taking up street parking and access to the home, leaving trash to blow into their property? If they wanted to live in a vacation area, they would have bought in it. If the neighbors are treated to hordes of strangers showing up in their neighborhood, would they feel safe in their own property? Or tying up the roads/infrastructure of the community with strangers wearing and tearing it down? If those Airbnb are not licensed or paying taxes, who's paying for the upkeep? Think of public rest stops, going in to use the restrooms, if they weren't maintained, cleaned, or repaired, who pays for it. It's the tax dollars which aren't being replenished. There are legitimate places to rent, just more regulated.

[@tracyalan7201]

@Steve Murphy: Yup. Great for the owner, bad for young couples to afford buying. Plus, like other states, investment buyers coming in from out of the area buying up property over market price, jacking up values, renting them out pricing those families from buying. It artificially inflates property values, then if a recession hits the area, it suddenly deflates the values of the surround properties for rentals and sales, making the residents who thought they had a good nest egg to be hurting financially. Those outside buyers have made a profit renting, then selling when the market starts sliding and dumping before it hits rock bottom, then maybe picking up similar/better properties on owners that need the cash and buying dirt cheap again. If it works for the stock market, it will work for real estate.

[@dpcdvrdve]

Letter is shallow and over reactive. We live in one of the most remote places on earth. Yes, many good points that are based in truth but presented unrealistically. Very good and incredibly fair response. Your response brings credit to the entire topic quite accurately. 👍🤙

[@paulstan9828]

I lived in Hawaii in the 70’s and I loved being there because I loved being outdoors. But the points the person made about what is wrong with Hawaii are very true. They definitely did their research. Not saying Hawaii is a bad place to live it’s the exact opposite, it’s a great place to live. If you can afford it or are willing to have less disposable income.

[@patrickkemp8047]

I think the letter brings some points however with a lot of exaggeration. Lots of truth however. I think the big mistake people who move to Hawaii make is comparing living somewhere with vacationing somewhere. People always say it must be so great to live in Hawaii going to the beach all the time… I tell them that people who live there have to go to work, raise families, maintain your house. It’s not a life long vacation. I love Hawaii and understand it has a lot of challenges but it is still the most wonderful lace on earth. Very entertaining letter though. 😃

[@brentsnyder5564]

I think sometimes we forget that life in Hawai'i in the past was different then modern life today. Hawai'i has always been a little more expensive since statehood when compared to the mainland. But imagine in the 60s- the start of the 70s the average cost of a single family home was $85,612!!!! Same aina back then as today. Remember leaving doors unlocked or leaving your keiki to play while shopping and coming back and they ok? Remember having more time? Is this paradise? Lets not forget that we lived this way back then. So it was possible? Why and how could we? Not saying we didn't have issues back then. We did. Just different kine. I think we need to bring the reality of the past and how we lived it in discussions today. Focusing on the cultural changes on the islands.

[@chasethe808]

@@brentsnyder5564 Agreed. I grew up in Kealakekua and we never locked our doors growing up. Also, just had to be in before dark. I love reminiscing about the past but, times change.

[@brentsnyder5564]

@@chasethe808 I agree Chase. Be patient with my response ok. My intentions are good here. Times do change but sometimes things never change. Look at Oahu as an example. We hear the word progress to justify major change. However progress often means to move forward. What we are seeing is not a move forward to something new on Oahu in a local or international, Hawai'i way. What we are really seeing is a replacement of one peoples old for another peoples old. I believe the western term for this is called gentrafication? Now don't get me wrong here ok. Modernisation is not the problem or even having a balance of international business here or culture. Hawai'is culture was build on this delicate ballance of cultures.It brought wonderful things. Today this balance of cultures has been lost. We see this in our unique social issues today and that never in history has more locals or indigenous hawaiians are lived off island then today. Even local generational business is becoming lost.. What would true progress or even moving forward would look like understanding our traditional local island culture and its values?

[@tracyalan7201]

But the continental United States is growing as well and parts of it aren't the same as it used to be. Given that Hawaii isn't what it used to be for those that live here in the 50's - 60's -70's - 80's - 90's, neither are parts of mainland as well. Just as much crowded and built up. Crime, traffic, crowds, congestion, air pollution, trash. It has changes of weather, if you enjoy the changes. It has lots of everything if you need everything. It also has more climate change problems, hotter/dryer weather, shortage of water, colder/wetter periods. More floods, fires, earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes, colder winters. Some of us as we get older find life can be as good doing with less.

[@gardenia8085]

@@brentsnyder5564 ....my friend told me in the late 1960s her parents bought a small new house in San Diego near Miramar Air Base for $36,000. So looks like Hawaii has been more expensive than CA for awhile.

[@robertdobbie702]

When I got the visit Hawaii 9 days with me and my wife it was a beautiful paradise it was sad to see all the homeless people I looked in the living there there's just no way I could afford to live there the jobs didn't pay very well the people were great didn't experience any racism I'll be saving for the next 2 years to come there again I was there in December been wanting to go there by whole life glad I got to make it at least once love your videos please keep making them aloha

[@yoramsadot2780]

You are amazing. You have the right vision for Hawaii future

[@paimeg]

Enjoyed your video. Nowhere is perfect, appreciate the frankness.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelflores3767]

People that love it and can see themselves living there and people that have reasons why they can never live here. Both are right. Living is subjective. I know people that have lived in Hawaii and cannot wait to move and people that are sad to go. I have always wondered about people that can live in a paradise but still can find something to complain about. They will never be happy no matter where they live. I have told people it comes down to this. If your're a have to have it kind of person then you may not be the most happy living in Hawaii. Just an observation. Everyone has an idea of what they can and cannot live without. Subjective is the best word to use for Hawaii. 🤙🏽 I really enjoy your content BTW. Very honest outlook on everything and well organized.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Glad you enjoy the channel 🤙

[@leedaero]

A low income young person as an outsider can make it in Hawaii if you’re willing to accept a communal lifestyle. You’ll be sharing everything including housing, and maybe a rusted out car. Embrace the tourist industry there are many low skilled jobs. Have a sense of adventure there are so many things to see and do. You’ll eventually establish a network of friends. I personally saw this happening in the skydiving industry at Dillingham airport on the north shore. The pilots, instructors, and packers were skilled of course lol!

[@stevecheung4750]

I own my home in town and I just retired. Tax is not outrageous for me. Social security is not taxed, pension is not taxed, property tax is incredibly low with generous exemption and home insurance is relatively cheap. Gas is expensive but I just fill up once every ten days since I don't have long commute. Grocery is expensive, can't help. There are three hospitals within 10 minutes drive from my home. Airport is within 15 minutes. Crime is on the rise but still better than Florida.

[@ChrisClark_808]

Comparison with Florida… but you gotta actually live in Florida. Apples and oranges. Personally, I don’t think it’s a fair comparison. But I also don’t have an opinion on a better comp.

[@Rahsaun77]

Yeah, cause Florida in the summer no joke. Crime element is different level. I moved from Hawaii in 2000 to Jacksonville, FL.

[@infinitytricks3716]

No mountains in Florida. Too much humidity and gun violence.

[@Montecitodesign]

I think the emailer's assessment of Hawaii and living in Hawaii is fair and to be respected. If anyone is familiar with Suzie Sunshine and Johnny Surfboard, well then you have read (elsewhere) about my POV of Hawaii and how the locals can take back their State. Your leaders lack the imagination and determination to do anything. Hence, the status quo remains.

[@Ken-ul6ll]

The diversification of the Hawaiian economy is a topic that could be discussed more. I think it comes down to not relying on the “natural advantages” of Hawaii like tourism, geographic location, climate,etc. and starting from a blank slate. I personally think the answer lies in tech and entrepreneurship, which requires a huge mindset shift. This is an interconnected issue that requires support from the government as well as people in the community.

[@wizirbyman]

i dont think i could live in hawaii full time either, mostly because i never see bands have concerts in hawaii lol i feel like id have to go to the mainland all the time to go to festivals and concerts

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Yeah, I miss the concerts on the mainland too.

[@brentsnyder5564]

I believe one of the biggest things we forget in discussions like this is just that. We forget or don't know. We talk about the issues of the modern life on Hawai'i. Yes there are issues. However if we look at history and haven't forgotten? Life and issues on the islands were different. For example, In the 60s-70s on Oahu the average cost of a single family home was $85,612. Same aina, same land as today. Growing up on the islands back then was different also compared to typical mainland living. Even in honolulu back then we could leave our doors unlocked. This would be foolish today. The point of my post is not to bring stink or be negative. I just wanted to point out that life in Hawai'i always has issues. However what or what kind of issues we have is dependent on our cultural values at the time. Todays issues like Homelessness, highest cost of living, etc were just mainland issues decades ago. I think we miss that in discussions today or forget that life on the islands was different in history. I believe we forget that culture is important and is often forgotten in discussions like this. I also believe we forget that history is our friend. We can use it to be a measure for modern life.