Will Hawaii’s Next Generation Have a Reason to Stay?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

What more can our State do to ensure that the next generation will want to live in Hawaii, especially when there are more appealing opportunities elsewhere?

[@janclimo2284]

The State of Hawaii could promote education & funding for education. Opportunities on Oahu or in the State of Hawaii is up for the businesses in Hawaii…more accessibility’s would be a great start. I have great friends back on Oahu ❤

[@leternadia]

I can’t buy or rent a home under affordable housing prices or apply to any financial aid because my household makes over $80k a year. But I can’t either buy affordable housing or sent my kid to better school because my household doesn’t make over $110k a year. So I guess the answer is to stop screwing up the residents from the gap tax bracket.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@leternadia Good call, Carol.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

THIS is the 64-Million dollar question, isn't it?

[@desultorilypanacea]

Help the rich people in Hawaii. The wealth will trickle down to the next generation. The rich will make sure they own homes.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

I can honestly tell you that moving to the Mainland is probably the best thing for kids nowadays. We didn't send our kids to private schools, but they both still got accepted to Berkeley. Berkeley is a topic for another story. I got a State job here in Kalyphonya, and the same job in Hawaii didn't even pay half as much. We built a 2400 sqft home in a gated community in a good part of town for $220,000. Everything is paid off, and I retired at age 62. If I were in Hawaii, I'd be retiring in my 80's, and living in a shack in the bad part of town. There just isn't anything left in Hawaii but the food.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

My brother grad from Berkeley. Great school 😁

[@Lopezflies888]

And weather. Thats it.

[@keithwong7001]

As usual your thoughtful introspection on Hawaii is beautiful and well thought out. Being the son of one immigrant and one local boy I was pushed in two directions. My father saw how ppl with an education flourished and did very well for themselves. His dyeing wish was for me to have a good education and to have more than him. Having lost him at a young age, my mother made sure I got a good education at the same private school my brother went to. At $1000 a year Cathedral School was a bargain for what it taught. For a family that lived on $500 a month it was still a lot of money. My mother was also an immigrant from China, and having lived through the communist revolution was very adverse to raising successful children. She saw university professors, artists, and scholars gunned down in the streets of China during the revolution as they were labeled elitists and were seen as keeping the commoners down in society. So she aligned with the Japanese immigrants in the "keep your head down" mentality. Don't stick out, don't show off, don't try to prove yourself, especially to the white people. The nail head that sticks out gets hammered down first was the adage they followed. These were teachings from her that were constant for me at a young age. While they enraged me in my teens I now see that she was trying to protect me. Her philosophy was that there was nothing better than Hawaii. That the mainland was a terrifying place full of death and racism, and that the "white demon" as they called the Caucasians would never accept an Asian to succeed there. I'm happy to report that the immigrant mindset in Hawaii is wrong for most parts of the US mainland. Mind you I would not recommend hawaii ppl to try to make it in parts of the country like rural Alabama or rural Kentucky as it isn't a place for non-white ethnicities. Even my caucasian friends report it being uncomfortable for them when they lived there. What can Hawaii do to keep their best and brightest in the islands? 2 things. First break the immigrant mindset that you should keep your head down and just work hard. Break the immigrant mindset that you should keep quiet and not say anything if you see something wrong that can be fixed. I have seen this at all levels in Hawaii even with the Rail fiasco that is draining hundreds of millions of dollars and going no where. A female city council woman challenged the Rail administrators on TV and asked them "what guarantees can we get that you won't spend another billion dollars on only a few miles of rail?" That woman challenged them to provide any kind of assurance that they wouldn't waste all the taxpayers money. That was seen as too aggressive and she was removed from the board. People in Hawaii don't like to call out problems. It is part of japanese culture to not actually say something is bad and needs to be fixed. They may elude to it but will never say, man this hamburger sucks and here's why. Without an honest critical feedback with real world metrics to fix things Hawaii will always be a third world state. My first job in IT was to gain the trust of local city employees so I could get honest feedback on a new desperately needed system to bring us into the current decade. 2 other companies had failed to deliver because they couldn't get feedback, because the locals thought it was rude to point out the problems. But mostly because the locals didn't trust the other companies. Me being a local boy and being able to speak pidgin broke that barrier. While the first item above is monumental, the second is even tougher. Break up the Keiretsu that controls Hawaii. It's no secret that Hawaii gets more than 50% of their goods and necessities from the mainland and from other countries. What most people don't know is that the shipping lanes are controlled by a few companies and that is WHY everything is so expensive for locals. Matson and Young brothers run a monopoly on the shipping lanes. Multiple times foreign shipping companies have offered to run goods between the islands and the mainland and other countries, and every time they were turned away by politicians owned and controlled by this Keiretsu of companies. The inter-island ferrry which had bought and built ferry boats, bases of operations and docks were shut down by another set or the same Keiretsu and basically kicked out of Hawaii. Because they threatened the establishment. If you are in family of companies of the Keiretsu or a relative in the Keiretsu you will do well in Hawaii. For everyone else, you are stuck. Generational wealth and success may take you several generations to "succeed". And believe me when I say success in Hawaii is not the same as it is here on the mainland. Corruption is rampant in Hawaii and all of the companies and people in power work together to ensure that never changes. The bleak reality is that those 2 things will never happen. So Hawaii will never change. You might see bright silver linings when someone who is innovative and truly cares about the people is in power briefly, but they will fight an uphill battle against a tsunami of old world thinking and rigid Keiretsu lines that you do not cross if you are to remain in power. That line always comes up as a crossroads for those of upstanding morals and compassionate hearts. In the end doing the right thing ends their career as the locals turn on them for breaking rank and not falling in line as most immigrants have been taught to do.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the great comment. Interesting perspective. And thank you for sharing about your mom and how she raised you guys.

[@JapanDream808]

Great insight as always Chris. When I moved to Japan in the 90’s I didn’t think I would be here this long. Life is actually cheaper than back home. Crime is almost non-existent too. It’s been hard to leave. My ohana in Hilo is the only reason why I’d move back. Aloha from Yokohama🤙🏽

[@Jose_Jimenez]

We lived in Misawa for several years, and it was the best, and most beautiful place to live.

[@JapanDream808]

@@Jose_Jimenez nice! I heard Aomori is beautiful. I gotta visit while I’m here.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

@@JapanDream808 Lots of snow, beautiful beaches and lakes.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Grad Hilo High? Maybe you know my aunty them. Ebesugawa flower shop?

[@JapanDream808]

@@HelloFromHawaii no, the other Hilo school lol. Yes, I went to school with the daughter/granddaughter. Their relative, who's now a well known doctor was my karate teacher too. Hilo's such a small town yeah.

[@kailanicapelouto2686]

I was born and raised in Hawaii and lived there for 19 years. We finally moved to the mainland and are finally realizing how much we missed out on. Seeing my parents happy in the mainland and thriving is something that local parents don’t get to have. Better wages, job opportunities, housing prices and no traffic. Hawaii is definitely a beautiful place but not reasonable to live there anymore. Always thought I’d raise kids there but there’s no way I’d be able to support a family

[@StyleshStorm]

The truth hurts. I was going to comment but my story is similar except I was born and raised Hawaii from the 90s to 2021 so longer. Hawaii is much more beautiful than the mainland though but overall the way the state is now it's hard to admit it's not sustainable present day.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing 🤙

[@michaellatta]

It depends on how you define successful. Bigger house? More money? Lower stress? Good friends? Family connections? I stayed home during college but went away after. I had a good career but did not really know my parents as an adult and missed out on a lot. At the time I did not know what I was missing out on. Hawaii has unlimited opportunity because of the internet for those that choose to exploit it.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing 🤙

[@Jose_Jimenez]

I graduated high school in 1976, and a whole bunch of my classmates are living here on the mainland. What does that tell you?

[@rileystein6195]

I've been in Hawaii for a relatively short time (since Aug. '21) and I definitely agree. I moved because nyc was too miserable, but ultimately, i hope to return to Singapore where I lived for several years. Quality of life is so much better in other countries, so if you can get there, take the chance. Major changes will have to happen in the u.s. for things to improve and now that I have a child, I don't think I can wait for these changes. Surviving for now, but if I find a way back to Singapore, I'll be there in a heartbeat.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Singapore has an interesting housing situation. I've seen their housing model with the government housing.

[@rileystein6195]

@@HelloFromHawaii it's great. Not cheap, but if you look hard enough, you can find a place e for a manageable price and they can use part of the equivalent of their social security to help pay for it too.

[@Justinian21c]

It's remarkable that the vast majority of Singaporeans live in public HDC housing that's affordable and safe for the masses. It's definitely better than for those 200,000 Hong Kongers who live in coffin sized rooms. But I fear that Singapore's public housing model wouldn't work in Hawaii because without Singapore's or Japan's social constraints that such mass public housing would degrade, get trashed, vandalized and be crime ridden.

[@Lopezflies888]

If you have a child that isn't in school yet please get out of here before public school starts it's a nightmare

[@karenwright6410]

I visited Singapore many years ago and it was a great visit. But, head's up, China has set it's eyes on Singapore and is taking it over like it did Hong Kong. I visited Hong Kong twice during the 90's and enjoyed it immensely. But, now, not so sure!

[@dtna]

Many have moved to TX, CO and NV. Forget CA. My friend moved to HI just a few years ago. But he's an executive and moved to Hawaii Kai just under the wire.

[@mamafromhawaii]

I appreciate your thought provoking videos. I hope that no matter where my kids go to school or end up living out their adult lives, they'll look back and have a loving and safe childhood to remember. I would be lying if I said I haven't thought about moving to mainland often, but it's just not in the cards for us right now. My husband is a total local boy too, I think he'd be very homesick

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Growing up in Hawaii is special and it's great that your kids will get to experience that.

[@Duhble07]

Great observation on STEM. Kids are encouraged to excel, $$ are spent on delivering a good education, but the industries aren’t in place to hire them. Hawaii’s leaders are clever and community-minded, yet where are the initiatives and progress in economic diversification. They need to get on that pronto. Also needed is much heavier taxation on rental properties to lower the cost of home ownership.

[@dannyornelas9914]

My fiancé and I moved to Seattle 3 years ago and both of our family’s barely even left Hawaii due to financial constraints. Now her and I have flourishing careers even without a college degree, and live a life that we couldn’t even imagine in Hawaii. Now, my fiancés sister and childhood friend want to move in with us to pursue their own careers. Having her parents or mine expect us to come back is almost selfish, because doing so would ask so much of us. If we moved back we probably wouldn’t even be able to get jobs in our fields without a college degree and even then we would be paid considerably less. Not to mention Hawaii sometimes isn’t the most progressive when it comes to work life balance. Many jobs don’t even allow remote work in Hawaii because of the time difference. Getting teased as a haole boy growing up on Maui I wouldn’t want if and when I have kids going through what I went through in that respect either. Fights and bullying is an everyday thing there and nobody sees it as a problem. My fiancés younger brother is teased for being partially blind and no teacher or parent cares enough to intervene. That wouldn’t happen here in Washington, it would be taken very seriously. Hawaii will be the same as it always was, and that’s what I love coming back to for family visits and holidays. But, unless things change it’s just not a viable option. I don’t like the weather in Seattle, but there’s like 20 other states with good weather and beaches. Sometimes because of the feeling of living on an island, people can’t see another way of living. They can’t look at their society and life critically because it’s all they have and see around them. And it’s sad seeing many of my old friends still in the same place in regards to career and in many cases maturity. Some have even fallen into bad habits and lazy people. Almost all of my graduating class left Hawaii, and to be honest I think it’s a good thing. The state needs to step up and do more than just focus on tourism because it’s not sustainable economically. But I know that won’t happen.

[@Lopezflies888]

It's not even about being haole anymore in the public schools. My daughter is Asian mixed and she gets bully just because she's quiet. I had to have a lawyer call school district for them to get serious about stopping it. And the bad thing is the teachers don't intervene it's like they just turn the other cheek and don't care teachers walk around campus like they're not even your parent have a question they act like you're bothering them in the middle of staring into space it's just bizarre I came from Washington we're teachers were real professionals and bullying wasn't tolerated and I'm just in shock. My daughter is facing going to middle school next year and begs me daily to go back to Washington she hates it here and I may just do that just for her because she has major depression now since being in public schools here

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Glad that things are great on the mainland. Moving back is a tough decision. It would be tough for a lot of former residents, especially after experiencing opportunities away.

[@dannyornelas9914]

@@Lopezflies888 It was so bad for me I decided to work my butt off during summers to go to a private middle and high school. Middle school there is the worst, Hawaii is the only state that runs their schools at the State level. If I were you I would seriously move back to Washington. She might also be bullied for just being an outsider. The teachers there do not care and in my case they made things worse. Her only option is private school for an environment remotely safe. Kids are taught from an early age to fight and many parents don't care to teach their kids about not bullying. It's a different culture.

[@Lopezflies888]

@@dannyornelas9914 yeah we are actually making plans I'm not going to let her go to middle school here

[@flyinlow6692]

Have you ever done a segment about the cost of retirement & eventual elderly care here versus selling & moving away to have a more enjoyable golden years with fixed income?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I haven't done that, but it sounds like an interesting topic.

[@melanieathwal4038]

Family is the only real reason to go back. Sadly many of us chose to leave when we were younger and were looking for adventure. Easy to leave without looking back when adventure is what you want. It’s not til you’re older that you have regrets for leaving but by then, after 40+ years of reestablishment, it’s difficult to go back. Therein lies the dilemma… Do you go back to try and pick up where you left off or do you leave everything you worked most of your adult life for including your own children,grandchildren, friends etc…. Just to recapture memories of younger days? After many visits and watching my family grow up (and old) without me, I long to be a part of that. Oftentimes, I have to remind myself that those pictures of all the happy moments I’m missing are literally a snapshot frozen in time. Visits are just that. Everyone is happy to see you and willing to make the effort to get together for a short time but the reality is there’s still the everyday life where kids are in school, adults at work and routines are already established. Moving and living there will not be the same as visiting. In keeping with the idea that we want what’s best for our children, when my parents were younger they cheered on and encouraged us to seek opportunity elsewhere. It wasn’t until they got older, that they too longed to have all of us nearby. By then it was too late to return to home base permanently. Until Hawaii leaves the plantation mentality behind and has more opportunities to offer young people, it will continue to experience a brain drain. As is common throughout the country, people go where the jobs and opportunities are. Sounds like you’re doing lots of thinking yourself especially where it concerns your children. No matter where we choose to live and what reason we chose to live there,It’s up to us as parents to keep family traditions alive and to instill in our children those family values we hold dear. Today, technology and telecommunications is such that We can now keep in touch via FaceTime and Skype or old fashioned phone calls at a minimal cost. My family has a program that enables us to share our photos so we can remember what we all look like and won’t be too much of a stranger when we are all able to get together. Hawaii is a beautiful place but there are many beautiful places in this world. Hawaii is just one of many. As the saying goes, Home is where the heart is. . .

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. It's a tough decision to move back. Like you said, it gets harder the longer a person is away.

[@dannyornelas9914]

I love what you said. I had the same experience. I almost looked at visiting as almost better than living because when you live somewhere you can take family for granted and also Hawaii. But living on the mainland you can cherish your memories and not have to experience the negatives of day to day life in Hawaii. Everywhere has issues, it’s just a matter of picking your problems. Some places have less problems than others, or the problems aren’t as stressful. Mainly financial

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Thank you for another outstanding video, it will be an eye opener for a lot of people.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@blkbass1958]

That discussion is very thoughtful and troubling for the next generation.

[@Q-BinTom]

Great food for thought

[@kai0tika]

Good stuff man!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@EvilTheOne]

It is said that the largest result of being a great parent is great children! Many people pat themselves on their own back proclaiming this, without the positive results. Sustaining to live a life in Hawaii is difficult, although it needs to be mapped out. And most times this involves multi-generational strategy, planning, sacrifice and adherence. Waiting for the government to allocate funds, affordable real estate/housing, programs, etc . . . is all well and good, although no one can count on and/or factor these things into their plan, because those are things beyond their control.

[@conniephillips8217]

That was an excellent video! You shared the dreams and aspirations of a responsible parent along with what your environmental influences are. As a parent, I felt the same way. As a grandparent, I feel the same way. You show very responsible parenting skills don't worry you're on the right path! I love your videos, they're so thought-provoking

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo 🤙

[@csiipahoa2857]

On the big island jobs are controlled by those in charge, you know someone you can get a job, you don't good luck. My adult children are 23 percent Chinese, 18 percent Hawaiian but they look Haole, all have college degrees, all of them are leaving here because the don't look right.....

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Yeah, in Hawaii, it's often about who you know.

[@csiipahoa2857]

Still love it though

[@user-k4d-e59mo28oc]

@@HelloFromHawaii Well, as is the case everywhere, you need to "check the right boxes".

[@ASHEVILLEMOVINGCOMPANY]

#Grateful 🙏 love you guys, thank you, #mahalo

[@finewinetome]

Another great video! Although I live in the UK in London, I feel like the islands have so much potential with remote work. I work in digital marketing and I wouldn't think twice to relocate to Oahu if I have the chance. I can still do my work from home and enjoy the amazing natural beauty what Hawaii has to offer in my spare time. By the way, absolutely love the baseball cap! 🤙

[@garytellep5392]

Pretty simple answer; what is a decent one job, one income wage, for a family of 4 today in Honolulu? Now list the jobs that will accomplish it, taking into account things costing more in the future naturally and perhaps the need to change skills sometime in mid -stream. Surely 2 incomes help but better to rely on that as a bonus you can do nicely without instead of everything crashing & burning if someone loses a job and can't equate it with another one in a reasonable time or perhaps not at all. That's a very short list with a lot of competition.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm not sure what job that could be. I suppose it depends on household budget.

[@spacetimemalleable7718]

I often go back to Hawaii and also wonder how the next generation will survive. If your family is rich enough to afford a private school AND send your children to a mainland college, that's great. With the unbearable cost of living, it may not be possible. I'm glad I decided to stay on the mainland. Education, cost of living is so much better. There are some school districts here where a public school is comparable to a rich private school in Hawaii. When it comes time for college, you can easily visit potential campuses compared to flying from HI at a huge cost. Also job opportunities are so much better. If you remain in HI, and you're into a STEM field, the jobs are scarce/limited compared to what's available on the mainland and the salaries are higher too. Basically Hawaii is a financially prohibitive place to live and grow. You would have to be a multi-millionaire (i.e. > $2M) to live comfortably.

[@Mimi-bh3yo]

Hi, I wish it is not sound rude, but have you think about sending your sons to the school in Japan? I think that the good education in the US is really expensive. In Japan, we have so many good private and public schools, and even if you choose to send your children to a private school, the tuition is a lot less than most of US private schools. My parents, they were not rich, but were so serious about good education. They often told me that the can not leave me a lot of money but a good education. They didn’t push me hard but always said how important the education is. Good education is like doors to the world, and it would give me more opportunities in my future. Your sons will come back to Hawaii like you if they want. And people with good education will do good to Hawaii’s future.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the suggestion. I'm not sure about sending them to school in Japan just yet. Maybe college? But I'd like them to grow up in Hawaii and experience a local education.

[@TyrannyStudios]

I like the coal mine comparison, resonated with me.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@raymondnicolajr.7323]

some who go away, don't return. great video.

[@OkiP0wer]

Gen-X here... I'm surprised locals even want to live in Hawaii these days. I moved out to the mainland back in 1998 and concluded by comparing to my peers, I am doing much better on the mainland (as a kid who barely made it through high school). In some way, I think there is too much people living on the islands given if they don't want to modernize the infrastructure (light rail, highways, etc.) so it would be okay if future generations left the islands. If they modernized the infrastructure and solved the housing issue, then it would me more feasible for future generations to live/work in Hawaii, especially with the work from home industries becoming the norm. Think about it, if I was a software developer and could easily afford a condo somewhere in Hawaii, it would be pretty attractive. I don't even want to come back to the islands these days, hotel room prices are insane. It's actually cheaper for me to go vacations in Japan or South East Asia.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Gen-X, what the hell is that? You already started of by identifying yourself as clueless to what is going on in Hawaii.

[@OkiP0wer]

@@Jose_Jimenez You may want to educate yourself on the major generations.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

@@OkiP0wer When you have to label yourselves, something is definitely wrong. I have no intentions of doing that.

[@OkiP0wer]

@@Jose_Jimenez So what is wrong calling yourself a Gen-X'er? I am trying to say that I am not a young chicken.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

@@OkiP0wer Kind of what the trans people are doing. I'm old, but I would never label myself as Gen-Xer, sounds too cluelessly liberal.

[@reelone595]

You didn’t settle, gotta do what feels right for you! Like you said, you feel it’s worth it! Life is about being happy at the end of the day

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@haleohanamalama2967]

I wonder in the age of internet, is it really hard to make Hawaii’s Industries more diversity including like those you mentioned? Other creative industries like design has great potential in place like Hawaii with strong cultural background. I am a designer and architect, thinking of relocating myself to Hawaii someday? and constantly thinking of how to create quality design culture despite of rather consumerism driven society with terrible housing design aesthetics…

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Even if you could afford that $1 Million shack, everything else is so expensive. You are dreaming if you think you can move to Hawaii. But they will let you live in a tent hidden in the bushes on the beach.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Great ideas. Not sure how to incorporate the local culture in design outside of the state. Would that be desirable?

[@burntendz]

My wife is a school teacher I’m a longshoreman we rent in kailua we are looking to buy but it is a struggle an stressful honestly my mom guided me an told me it would be hard after high school but I was never taught in school how hard it was going to be. I guess what I’m saying it is very hard to make it here without a great education I’m definitely going to push my kids for them to be the best they can be an hopefully everything will workout good video. 👍🏽

[@wesleychun3058]

First is to instill the value of ohana/family. Then having thoughts and beliefs in being the best you can. Whether that's education, profession or anything else. Then I feel that is success anywhere you are.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@parkercroft7066]

Aloha Nephew, For a moment imagine that the question about living in Hawai'i is not heavily influenced by finances or family. Is life in Hawai'i what one would choose given all of the other options that are available? Twenty-five years ago I would unequivocally say yes. Today I find the answer less certain. Is life in Hawai'i worth the loss of opportunity to live somewhere else? In a sense, is Hawai'i still Hawai'i?

[@Jose_Jimenez]

This issue is faced everywhere even here in the US. What do you think parents who grew up in the cities face. Their kids move to better areas, and they can always visit.

[@dannyornelas9914]

Yeah but on the mainland at least you can drive to see family, or not have to fork over a small fortune for plane tickets.

[@ringsixty]

Hawaii is my home and my heart. I'm 63 and planning our move to the mainland. Finishing out our Golden years in LV. ( Not my choice 😉 but after 36 years of marriage no sense complain ) When we were young the population was about 1/2 of what it is today and economic growth was possible. Now it has reached it limit. Some may say there is more room to grow. But, I disagree. Lose or downsize one of the two pillars that keep Hawaii afloat. The Military' or Tourism and we are in deep Kaka. There is little future for the young, only the grind. Sorry to be so blunt.

[@DuaneEseo-ul1bg]

How is Hawaii economically?

[@bertfukuda559]

First and foremost, I think it needs to be more affordable for locals. It saddens me that people are getting priced out of their homeland.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

How can you say that. The worst thing you can do is divide people. Look at the Hawaiians and their free living just because of their heritage. The sad part is that Hawaii is only so big, and there is nowhere to else to provide opportunities on the island. I grew up in a town that was surrounded by cane fields. There are no more cane fields, and just houses everywhere. Where are you going to get the energy, water, and all the other resources? Hawaii's time has come, and it just can't sustain itself for much longer. You don't need private schools and $100,000 a year colleges to have a good life here on the mainland. Come join us, it ain't that bad.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

How do you figure it's their homeland? And who do you consider "local"?

[@Jose_Jimenez]

@@briangarnier5714 Guess who is living in public housing here in the US? I believe it's called section 8, and guess who is paying for it.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

@@briangarnier5714 WOW, just like student loans.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

In what ways do you think it can be more affordable? Housing? Food? Better and higher paying jobs?

[@dorayoung1073]

I love your videos because you always vocalize and discuss issues that have always been on my mind. My brother and I went to UH and stayed in Hawaii. Yes, we struggled but we were able to make it by living within our means. We had the valuable benefit of having our parents in our children’s lives. My dad picked up our sons from elementary school and they spent the afternoon with them. My parents were able to instill their values in our children, values we were brought up with. Our children were able to create and value family traditions with us and they respected and loved their grandparents so much. Yes, when we were young parents, everything you mentioned about educating our kids so they could get good jobs was our goal. We sent them to Kumon and private school for intermediate and high school. Yet, we were still always on top of them to study hard and make good choices. They played sports and participated in other extracurricular activities. Our older son went to college and post graduate school on the mainland and now has a good job on the mainland. I think he would be able to make it in Hawaii but it will be his choice. I always wonder if he will ever come home and raise a family where his children will have a relationship with their grandparents. We can only hope.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Sounds like your son has done well for himself on the mainland. Hopefully he gets to visit often.

[@SunnyIlha]

Local Youngish should get heavy into State Government and Political arena (Public Service). Also Geothermal Power Generation and Infrastructure Distribution. And Solar Power Engineering, Equipment and Installation. Combine these with a new manufacturing industry the engineers, designs, (patents) and manufactures everything and anything *USB* and *ANDROID* device technology.

[@edrictong1350]

As always, great monologue and topic. This is not a new concern, and does not only apply to Hawaii. The Silicon Valley median home is $1.4 million. Without a college degree and dual income, my boys will not be able to buy a house. Many have to move away from the Bay Area. My parents did not push us in school, instead they raised us to be responsible, independent thinkers. My five siblings and I all worked at 16. Persoanlly, when I hit 40, I did not want to be that pot-smoking coworker at the Kailua Magoo's Pizza. In the late 1970's, I knew I had to get a college degree and hope to make $30k/yr. It is sad that 4 of 6 siblings moved away from Hawaii. My boys rarely saw their grandparents and cousins on my side. This is more common on the mainland, not an isolated island.

[@kauaiboy5o]

We gave our two kids all the opportunities and our job as parents is done. I live in the Mid-West and one kid lives in SF and the other in NYC. Both went through the local public school system, but for higher education, one to Duke and the other to Stanford. As Asians (hapas), they needed to go to those top schools to even out the working world playing field. As far as Hawaii, it is what it is, small islands geographically out in the Pacific where housing prices are dictated by supply and demand, and you need a certain percent of the population to leave the island to maintain population equilibrium.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

"and you need a certain percent of the population to leave the island to maintain population equilibrium." And that is the only answer. The more cramped it gets, the more miserable it will be. I hear traffic is a nighmare.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. Great schooling for your kids. Hope they learned a lot and were able to use what they learned to better their communities.

[@kauaiboy5o]

@@HelloFromHawaii "to better their communities" unfortunately has become too political. Teachers and health care workers are exemples where they have become from heroes to zeros in the eyes of the public and communuties. My advice to the kids is to take care of themselves and family first before they can help others because no one can help them.

[@kauaiboy5o]

@@HelloFromHawaii Daughter was a math teacher but is now a data scientist in SF, and son (Stanford BS/MS) in NYC, is an environtmental engineer in sustainable energy. 🙂

[@raymondnicolajr.7323]

successful maybe, but in the end family, not stuff. We all come and go in life, making choices, accepting the choices, home is in the heart, even if it is on the mainland for a while,

[@darrylk808]

That's my story. My parents are old so now I go back 3 to 4 times a year to visit. The key is the side hustle. Don't get on that hamster wheel of life...school, work, retire at 65 or older. This is a great country, you can accomplish whatever you want, you have that freedom and ability...question? What are your goals and do you have a plan to get there or did you just get comfortable with the work to 65-70 and retire? Look into F.I.R.E. School is the answer for a career. Financial education is the answer to FIRE.

[@darlingcorinne]

I think it’s absolutely crazy how many people send their kids to private school here. I’m not gonna say I’m 100% happy with our education system. I have my gripes. But scrimping and saving to spend every last cent on tuition when you can go to school for free seems like total insanity. Send your kids to public school and use some of that extra energy to push for improvements in the public school system.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Or they sometimes get help from the grandparents. 😁

[@sw651]

Like Massachusetts, your state decided to embrace the low pay service industries economy. Then, knowing what you had or could afford you increase benefits to residents to stay and fill the jobs you have. Those benefits you hand out, don't bring revenue in to pay for them, so you increase tax burdens and raise cost of living on your citizens. You punish them with higher fees for everything, you create new taxes on industry, and you pass it with stupid slogans like "Everyone needs to pay their fair share." What do you do to fix that? You look at the policy differences of successful states and realize your citizens aren't your slaves. How do you get your politicians to make the needed changes? You stop calling yourselves victims and vote out the slave masters.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Damn, that's a huge pill for them to swallow. You can always tell who a liberal is, all you will hear is talking points.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing about Massachusetts. At least you can drive to another state, though. 😆

[@sw651]

@Hello From Hawaii Hawaii is far from the mainland, but you flew away once, you can do it again. Or you can try the long game and reform the political system. Its easier to move to Florida, an enviroment similar to Hawaii, than try to change minds. You are on the same path as California, and the people can't see it. They just accept it.

[@mckeekev]

This same story is playing itself out anywhere that's nice (and expensive). It always ends up like this: You have wealthy newcomers who moved in and bought $1M+ homes, and you have locals who are just hanging on, easier if they own their home but scary if they're renters. So you end up with an inverse bell curve of the economic spectrum, a large upper class, a large lower class (often working in the tourist sector), and relatively small middle class. IMO the best solution is what you talk about at the end - develop an economy that has a path to the upper middle class for the lower class kids. Right now that's tech and medical but who knows what it will be in another generation or two. It makes staying and moving up the ladder a viable, doable thing. I have family in Tahoe, same thing, no jobs except for tourism, and her sons are all moving away, knowing they can't afford to stay.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing 🤙

[@kithg]

Thoughtful ideas, as always, thank you. I think families have always gritted their teeth and tolerated being separated from their younger generation so that their children could better themselves. That's how everyone but Native Hawaiians and Native Americans got here in the first place. They left The Old Country and came here. Some were fortunate to be able to bring their families over. But there were some parents who never saw their sons or daughters again. And they were sad, but hopeful that their children were living a better life in The New World than they would have, had they stayed where they were. In some families, the younger generations are in Hawaii and the elders are on the mainland. I'm pretty sure, the kids are having a better time in Hawaii!

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Interesting that you mentioned the "Old Country". Maybe that's how it will be. Hawaii being the Old Country and soon we'll be sending off families to spread the aloha.

[@harryshigeura3892]

Very thought provoking vid ! Same here, up in the mainland then back for parents (only child) to take care of them, no regrets at all, but man the mainland life sure had me setting some deep roots, but made the decision to move back before it would be too hard to pull up roots ... one thing I do see though, among so many, is some segments of our neighbors is the "dumb down" attitude all around, meaning for many, advancement is frowned upon very silently, but nevertheless very strong, just sayin' ... so much more to say on this subject, but ...

[@mkkaneta]

Hawaii is not the Hawaii I grew up with. There is more tension and "attitude". Ohana is there but has gotten smaller. Intolerance has increased. Happiest is not in a location. It is with the people you care for and care for you. Older locals like myself, often reminisce about the old days. Those memories are cherished but gone forever. It's okay for people to stay or leave Hawaii.

[@rayage777]

They have been saying these same things for a long time. When I left after UH in the 90s, they wrote Advertiser articles about the "brain drain". They tried to create high tech jobs, but never really succeeded. They also use to quesiton how the Japanese were buying all the land/homes. Then it went to the Chinese. Now it's how to limit the airbnb's, vrbo's, etc. Like they say, same crap different day.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

History repeats itself 😆

[@MerlinsBeard245]

Where do you get your hats? Can I get one on the big island?

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Aloha Revolution online 🤙

[@maxfit68906]

Love your content, always have. This is always a great topic to discuss especially from people who were born and raised there such as myself. When you look at the statistics, there’s a large exodus of “locals” leaving this beautiful State. The reasons are all to familiar. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Case in point, as of Jan 1st, the State of Hawaii just increased property taxes on homeowners. That’s an increase in your mortgage payment or extra money that has to be put aside if you don’t have an impound account. At some point, people do one of two things: They believe the struggle is worth it just so they can stay or they reach their breaking point and look at other options.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. It's getting tougher, but we'll see what changes are ahead to improve the quality of life for locals.

[@ridgemondhigh4891]

@@HelloFromHawaii They've been saying that for generations. And prices, traffic and destitution just keep going up. At the end of the day, people vote with their feet. Mind you this isn't just Honolulu, but LA, SF, NYC and more.

[@justasummerday3929]

I left the island 21 years ago and after raising kids on the mainland, I returned to raise my younger children here. I think the people romanticizing the mainland is just that. The grass is greener where you water it but where we lived (Nevada) was becoming a retirement community with little resources for Keiki. Opportunities are limited here and if I didn’t make money on the mainland with the real estate market & starting a business in no income tax states - coming back would be hard. So why did I return? I want my children to have some sort of connection to their Hawaiian and Asian heritage. For family, I’ve had two relatives die this year alone and being able to be near family is so important. But if not for my kids, I doubt I would have moved back. It’s so much more kid friendly here. Human trafficking is such a huge problem on the mainland & there are more resources for children here. I marvel anytime I take my kids to see the doc & I’m given referrals to pediatric specialists rather than just a regular specialist. I do live in my car a lot more now with traffic but at my age I’ve come to realize no place is perfect. I’ve lived all over the US thanks to a former spouse who was military. Figured out I’m a west coast or Hawaii person after going to school on the east coast and also spending time in the Midwest. Again, the grass is greener where you water it

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@samuraisurfer1319]

Teach them to start their own businesses. Break out of the "sacred cow" mindset. Good education equals good job. Not always the case. There's no place like Hawaii. Success really comes down to relationships.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙

[@nomuramai]

there is no easy answer to what you are saying, even if someone leaving hawaii, going to school then working on the mainland, being successful on the mainland, there will always be a part of them remaining in hawaii, whether its their relatives or just their beingness of being from hawaii. unfortunately hawaii is not making it easy to stay in hawaii. my brother, sister, and myself all left to the mainland, we are older than you. and when it became time we all came back home to care for our parents, because that is what we do. after they passed we sold the family home and all went back to the mainland. now my son is thinking of moving up here in the northwest. personally i feel there is more opportunity on the mainland, and people really are the same whereever you are; the good, the bad, the ugly...seems like locals are leaving hawaii and the mainlanders or foreigners are taking their place, honestly just how it is though since time immemorial...the beat goes on...

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Interesting that you all moved back and then sold and moved to the mainland again. Must have been nice for your parents to see you all, though.

[@LorieShelley]

Incredibly thoughtful discussion and a bit depressing. My family didnʻt have the education themselves, nor the means to provide for us, so there was never any life preparation. But I remember how desperately I believed my life could be bettered just by getting "off the rock" (waaaay before social media). Went to the mainland, studied, and spent 30 years and every spare dime going back home to the rock. My kids grew up (on the mainland, albeit with Kamehameha summer camps) understanding the significance of their Native roots, and my greatest wish was for them to attend college in Hawaiʻi and make Hawaiʻi their home. But one is pursuing his MA in Germany; one is doing the same in China and the third in CA. I guess all we can do is provide love, support, and encouragement and hope for the best. In retirement, I could come home -- but I have no idea how my children could support themselves and their families if they follow me home. Auwe.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. It must have been great at the summer camps in HI.

[@ssglopezvm]

Seriously, run for local office.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😄

[@just_inhawaii]

I hope my kids find somewhere else to start a life. There’s no incentive for our leaders to keep local people here. I would love to be proven wrong, though.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Go to Texas or Florida, it is their best chance of survival. Don't mind the hurricanes, they only come several times a year.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'd hope they see the value in keeping our kids here and giving them something to look forward to. Maybe enough of them haven't experienced seeing their kids move away yet. Hopefully things change.

[@Fiawordweaver]

You are stating reality that has been decades long fight since the USA took over the country. During these decades different difficult issues were present. Now the exploitation from elite wealthy is as egregious as it was when the USA imprisoned the Hawaiian government. Your channel keeps these issues alive. Your station is vital. You are asking all the right questions. Living in Hawaii is not about a vacation setting. Living in Hawaii is about embracing the spirit of ancestors and nurturing family values, that so many transplants and visitors are ignorant to. Please know you and your channel is so appreciated!

[@Jose_Jimenez]

HUH? The times have changed, get with the program.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

🤙 Mahalo for sharing

[@brendamclean8447]

I think the new generations will think of other creative ways to make money and there will be plenty of opportunity in Hawaii or anywhere 😊

[@stellamarina4123]

There is much truth to what you say,, but the funny thing is, I hear the same story when I travel to other countries.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Really? Which countries?

[@stellamarina4123]

e.g. New Zealand, Ireland, Israel, Egypt

[@islandsnow]

I see a lot of parents following their kids to the mainland once they are retired. Multi generation homes here are way more common than in hawaii Kids that move away usually don’t come back because of the money and opportunities on the mainland. Do you see any kid from the mainland move to hawaii and never go back? Rare

[@HelloFromHawaii]

That's true. The ones who stayed often stayed because they married a local. Good reason to stay.

[@Waynegonefishing]

Brain-drain is nothing news. Check out some of the mid-west states, most of the educated young professionals all move to big cities where they can find better opportunities for themselves. Once they acquired the wealth elsewhere, some people may consider to move back home later. This seems to be more practical way to live.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

I'm sure it happens in other places. I can imagine how tough it must be for small towns. It's just harder here because of the isolation and island culture.

[@Waynegonefishing]

@@HelloFromHawaii agree. Cost of living is too high there. I totally get it. But Life is what you made of no matters where you live, just like in the Bay Area where I am. People just have to work harder to build up a 1st bucket of wealth first then things will become easier later in life. Good luck!

[@erickim2025]

It's a tough question both sides have good points, as I parent you to your kids use their full potential & ability even if the parent left alone aging but the opportunities aren't in HI, its a sad answer for parents & offspring. Endless argument

[@jesuscastillo3335]

Aloha my friend, this here is Jess again. You want to know what the saddest part of this point is ? Unlike the people in Ukraine, who have been fighting the Russian invasion like hell, with weapons given to them by other countries like the USA, in Hawaii, there are those who have been fighting for their Hawaiian sovereignty restoration , specially after President Cliton issued the apology to the Hawaiian people for how the USA took over Hawaii, but stop short of returning Hawaii it's independence. they are few compare to how much more there could be, BUT, most young Hawaiians seem to be contempt , with the USA ruling the islands, sad. Instead they are leaving for the mainland, what happened to the Hawaiian warrior ?As i mentioned in a previous commentary , I have a plan to solve this problem, where everyone will be happy . I know you have seen or read the book " Stolen Paradise ", doesn't need to end this way, England returned their independence to China and India ,where there's a will , there's a way as they say . Mahalo for reading my comment, till the next, Aloha.

[@808lublabs4]

I don't have kids but to me looking from the outside it seems like the private school thing is more of a status symbol for the parents than it is about education for the kids. You can get a good education in public school. I went to public school. I worked hard to get through school. I went to UH. Stayed here and got a job. I finally worked myself through the ranks and now I'm finally at a place where I can say yeah I'm successful. In fact in my job, it seems like we have the most issues with the private school people than the public school people. They have a really hard time adapting to not doing book work and realizing how things work outside of the academic world. It seems like parents have this need to show that they can provide everything when all that really matters is what do the kids want. Yeah you can try to expose them to things to give them options but you don't have do go all in on every single thing like parents tend to do. Again, its a status thing. Just be you and let your kids be their own person. It doesn't matter what everybody else is doing.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing 🤙

[@tedmiyashiro6163]

Great insight but you have to realize that these questions were prevelent during my time in the 70s. Leaving kalihi for college was an exciting time and as i experienced life without social media i found that growing up in hawaii had a distinct flavor with the traditions of ohana. Mainlanders were always very mobile and it was not unusual for families to be spread across the globe. For various reasons hawaii is in this mobile life style but the main reason to leave seems to be future economics. My parents worried about their 7 children, i worry about my children and my grandchildren will be the avenue of more worry. Yes, we do survive and know that there isnt a perfect solution but do enjoy the ride because there isnt a destination. Cant believe its been about 45 yrs since i left hawaii but the journey has kept me very distracted. 🙂 ted ... farrington 74'

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. After conversations with my dad, I realized that many of the issues we have are the same as in the 60s and 70s. So I'm not surprised these questions were brought up back then.

[@xiaolaoshu520]

born and raised in hawaii im planning to move cant stand over population heavy traffic idiots dont know how to drive and use turn signals less travel options taxes. ill will miss the foods and beaches

[@HelloFromHawaii]

lol. The local drivers.

[@BobbyHo2022]

My generation class of 99 80 percent or more gone. Private school, mainland colleges are nice and all but no guarantee of success.

[@jonnuanez7183]

So then the ideas of how to raise a child need to change, because the idea that things are good enough, right from wrong, etc are fine. But that's the parent's job anyways. There needs to be an idea that yes, you CAN be something "more". It seemed to me that the beach life, taking things as they come, etc was the predominant way of living. While that was fine 50+ years ago, that certainly isn't the way to be able to get ahead in life. There's no way you can survive on the islands with a "get by" mentality. Keiki need to be shown, and that it's okay, to strive for something more. What's more, they need to be guided in that direction. So get and promote that education. Because that's what is needed at the end of the day. The whole family needs to be involved in that, not just mom and dad but aunties, uncles, cousins, etc.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. Hopefully the education, primarily public education, can prepare these kids.

[@diveanddine]

Either the sun will destroy us or A.I will take over the entire work force #future

[@little5bee]

Chris, you need to get into politics. You explain issues very eloquently.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

😆

[@ppw8716]

I agree.

[@Keliiyamashita]

You equated coal mines to tourism. I’m not sure that is a good comparison. People live here for paradise and great weather all year round. Working in that industry gets you close to the environment and culture. Coding and working at a desk indoors 12 hours a day doesn’t seem like a great way to live your life in Hawaii. You can do that anywhere. My friend quit a high paying job at Google to take a less stressful job here locally to spend time with his wife and kids and enjoy the island. Plus he said AI is gonna destroy coding in the future sooooo???

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. I'm sure your friend is enjoying life here with his family.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Answer me this, how many $100,000+ jobs are there in Hawaii?

[@Jose_Jimenez]

Never thought I'd get a $100,000+ job in my life, I damn sure would not have if I were still living in Hawaii. I'm still living comfortable on my $9000 a month retirement. Life is hard, but we all have to do it.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Not sure. Probably not too many.

[@Lopezflies888]

Good question. With my son's it was easy because there were big kids there a Hawaiian well half, spoke pigeon and really fit into the public schools. My daughter is visibly East Asian and really had a hard time in downtown public school I won't say which one but it's a nightmare she wants to carry pepper spray into middle school next year and she's so intelligent not a day goes by that I don't think about taking her to the mainland if I can't get her into private school. Middle School is where the biggest fears come in I'm telling you I just really think of bailing out of Hawaii for something better for her sake. I don't see any good jobs here because you got to be connected at all about connections and she's not going to have that that's her dad's not from here he's from another country and my family is scattered here. Raising girl is a very different from raising boys cuz boys you raise them to be strong and independentbut my generation the way I was raised was you are raised to be a lady and to be a good wife someday and that's just not how it is these days it's like you got a raise strong girls with mouths and you know teach them that it's okay to go to planned Parenthood and they're teaching kids from Grade 5 about gay rights it's just a whole new life and I just I feel too old for this if I had to do it this year I would never have kids and bring them into this generation never ever

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Sounds tough. My kids are much younger, but I'm sure I'll have concerns when they get to middle school.

[@rjmanzano0877]

sad news but looks like it might be a little hard to stay without enjoying yourself working two jobs to stay and not enjoying life why stay

[@tjernst6488]

Basically; getting priced off the rock.

[@justinwiseman8965]

There is no way most people in Hawaii can retire comfortably. People will need at least 2 million dollars by the time they retire around 65 years old to live comfortably for 20 years which is almost impossible for most people in Hawaii. Alot of old folks will end up homeless. The whole system in America is broken and clearly isn't working as well, I dont understand why soo many Americans just keep living like slaves/robots for a plan that's not set up to keep us secure in life. We should all go back to the barter system and live a simple life especially in Hawaii.

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for the comment. I'm not sure a lot of older folks will end up homeless because of the social services available, like Medicaid or Medicare. But some many end up needing to liquidate assets in order to qualify.

[@minc4970]

ah...I love your videos because it makes me think. I can tell you this. if you feel comfortable at home , you are not learning anything. Soon your career will be stagnant. unfortunately, one has to take risks in life to get ahead. each generation needs to move forward. Otherwise, there is no point of having kids. Yes. love and family are all important. I agree. But why risk of making their lives stagnant and blame you for their stagnant life down the road. I had a friend who went to U of Hawaii and went to USC for his MBA. He was doing fine at a major Fortune 500 company. He always told me that he was glad to get out of Hawaii and was making in CA. Not to burden children but to push them to be the best they can be. professionally and personally. Hope to hook up with you someday in person

[@HelloFromHawaii]

Mahalo for sharing. For some, they feel like Hawaii is limiting. But then once the parents get older, it becomes complicated. Move back or watch them age from afar?

[@minc4970]

@@HelloFromHawaii Sure. It is to support parents as they get older. But parents should not hold back their kids and let them go. Otherwise, the vicious cycle will never end. Ever. Wouldn’t you want your kids to live better life than you do? All it takes is one generation to sacrifice. Am sure future generations will appreciate it. It is hard but have to step one step back to go two steps forward. Do not get me wrong. I love Hawaii but I will live in CA while I work. (BTW, I tried Zippy’s after watching your video, it is not not bad. Unfortunately fried chicken was under cooked. But they refunded. Thanks again for your video!)

[@Bunnyroo7]

The USA in general is awful. The quality of life is not good. The cost of living is astronomical. I was shocked to realise that Switzerland and Norway are far cheaper. You pay multiple times as much to live in a country that is more violent than many third world countries. You pay a fortune to live in a place that is sickeningly corrupt. The mainland is not affordable, either.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

You have only the democrats to blame for it. The mainland is totally affordable, what the hell are you talking about? Just stay out of democrat controlled areas, and you will be fine. BTW, tell me how you are going to get a job in those countries, and how much tax will you be paying.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

There is a reason why you are still here, can you figure that out. BTW, get off that damn knee.

[@Bunnyroo7]

@@Jose_Jimenez Actually, I have a one-way flight out booked. There are absolutely no benefits to living in the US. The cost of life is astronomical. The quality of life isn't anything remarkable. The working climate is toxic. At this point, the majority of people are dysfunctional. Workplace participation is very low and many of those who have jobs just waste space. There is a reason why so few people from developed countries migrate to the US. It's a step down and they're abused. I've never been on my knee, but I do have two fingers in the air and I won't be treated like an idiot.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

@@Bunnyroo7 Good bye, and don't come back.

[@Bunnyroo7]

@@Jose_Jimenez Oh god, how hilarious. Florida is over-priced. Texas is over-priced. North Carolina, in areas where there are jobs, is over-priced. Arkansas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Ohio, Idaho... All are absolute dives. Iowa and Nebraska are tediously dull. The minimum wage in Denmark is about $20, it fluctuates with exchange rates. Most earn more. In Germany, France and Belgium it averages at just over $10 an hour. That's minimum wage, people usually earn more. Industries also have to compete for workers. It doesn't matter if someone earns $100,000 a year in MURCA if rent is $50,000 a year -- or $50,000 if it's $25,000. If someone earns $23,000 a year and rent is $6500, they're still better off. I'm also going to have to break something to you. I know how much many Americans utterly hate reality. In Europe, all mandatory contributions are counted as taxes. National taxed, local taxes, medical contributions and pensions contributions are counted as taxes. In the US, they're not. That is why so many Seppos get on their hind legs and bleat about how much less they pay in taxes -- until you realise that once you compare apples to oranges, you're worse off in the US. Lose your job in Sweden? You will receive training for a new one. Burnt out in Germany? Just go to an employment office and you'll receive support to be retrained for a new career. Want to try a different life? You can easily move from, say, Germany to France or Finland. In the US, between healthcare costs, pension costs, Medicare, Social Security, federal taxes, state taxes, local taxes and how taxes are assessed, you often pay more in the US. If you want to retrain, you can -- but you'll be going into further debt which is an additional burden and cost which you wouldn't have in Europe. Oh, and if you earn £1, 1 euro or 10kr too much in Europe, you'll only have to pay the higher rate on that £1, 1 euro or 10kr -- not the entire income.

[@garytellep5392]

I'm pretty sure I'm twice your age but friend you need to start growing up faster you ain't in college anymore. School - private vs. public in Hawaii. Public education isn't great and hasn't been for decades in Hawaii. You did a spot about the poor salaries of public school teachers and generally how it's viewed as a poor career choice for locals. And that half the teachers are imported from the mainland, usually new teachers with little experience and generally it's a turn- around job, after a few years on island they get chased back to better standards of living and pay on the mainland. Then the schools get to repeat the process all over again there's no continuity. You bailed on a teaching career too, exactly why? Public education is the foundation for a successful - no foundation the building fails right? Big assumption too, whether public or private school that your kids don't get involved in substance abuse or crime or bad peer choices. "Not mine", "not us", "never happen", etc., but unfortunately it's to somebody's kids and a lot of them, many coming from good homes, good schools, good opportunities. They slide anyway. Of course you can home school, if that's an option or a possibility or even realistic. Hopefully by the time your kids go to college, or trade schools Hawaii will have the housing issue figured out and good jobs and careers will be available at home instead of somewhere else. I read where about 65% of Oahu residents live in apartments or condos, townhouses, etc., the opportunity to own a detached home with a yard isn't reality today or likely ten years from now on living Oahu. Can you blame a young family for seeking better? The average annual wage is about $70K in Hawaii, one job, and that doesn't offer much either unless you have 2 incomes and then there's the child care concerns and even so you are just barely on the lower middle class rung of the ladder. Or you work two or three jobs and never see your family. As for who takes care of you in old age, best start planning for that now and not expecting to dump it on your kids. Taking care of Auntie and Uncle is a concept that starting going away in the 1970s. Good luck, you aren't alone. The other 49 states are pretty much just as screwed up as yours, most without beaches and ocean views.