There is a segment of the Hawaii population with very strong anti-growth sentiments. You have probably heard their complaints; that our island is growing too fast, and there is just not enough space for any more malahinis. They are grabbing up all of the land and houses, clogging the roads with vehicles, using up the water and other precious natural resources.

This seems to apply to visitors as well as folks relocating to our islands - the issues are similar. "We have it, you want it, and there is just not enough of it to go around". Whether the commodity is houses or Hondas, papayas or parking spaces, we're running out! A growing contingent of Hawaii residents are ready to pull up the drawbridge - if only we had one. Even people who just learned how to say "kama'aina" are now considering themselves to be in that favored group... relatively speaking.

So in the interest of presenting that viewpoint, I have assembled this list of important negatives to consider before you decide to settle down here in the islands - even for a week.  Perhaps after reading this you will change your mind and leave us in peace. For those of you who are challenged in the humor portion of the brain (there must be a special  medical term for this),  this is to be taken with a light heart and a big grain of Hawaiian salt!

1. Bugs - and other crawly things. We are constantly reminded that most of them are harmless, but I know I was shocked when I saw how big cockroaches can get, and why they are called B-52s: they can fly right up to your 10th story lanai! Cute green geckos leave little turds everywhere, and croack like frogs. Speaking of frogs, we now have a new plague of coqui frogs who create a truly deafening noise in certain neighborhoods. Not enough? We also have plenty of six-inch centipedes, and the occasional scorpion. Mosquitos are quite happy here, too, and only require a drop of water in order to raise a big family. You will want to call an exterminator before you move into your new Hawaii home.

2.  Million Dollar Shacks - We've got 'em all over the place! Since land value is most of what you buy here, if you are in a good location, don't expect much of the house. Single-wall construction means you can feel the tradewinds through the cracks between boards, and the little critters listed in #1 above have no problem strolling in. If your floors are level, consider yourself in the minority. Most of these older homes are sitting on what we fondly call "tofu blocks", to complete the picture.

3.  Aloha Attire -  Get used to it. In Waikiki, you'll see whole families decked out in matching flower prints, featured in colors not seen in nature. Go downtown, and even the attorneys and business execs will be sporting shirts and dresses in designs made of electric blue hibiscus blossoms, golden pina coladas, and lime green surfboards -and that's just one shirt. Size is no object -these colorful clothes come proudly in XXXL sizes for both sexes. On a really big mu'umu'u it can be quite an eyeful. Aloha wear is practically mandatory on Friday, or expect a citation from the office staff. You can even outfit your dog if you wish.

4.  Falsetto - and other quirks of Hawaiian music. It's practically a religion here. That sweet soprano voice wafting over the airwaves probably comes from a 300-plus pound local boy whose forearm is bigger than the teensy ukulele he strums. It's an acquired taste, and does grow on you over time, so be forewarned that you could catch the bug, so to speak, if you move here. It's just one of the genres of local music unique to Hawaii.

5. Melanoma - With all this sunshine and sand, and very few clothes mandated by climate or custom, it's a high risk. You'll want to slather yourself with SPF40, or cover yourself with item number 3 above to minimize your risks. Add "Dermatologist" to your list of annual doctor check-ups.

6.  Hawaiian Time - It's a state of mind, not a time zone, also known as Fashionably Late. If you have ever spent time South of the Border, you get the picture. It means you should expect everyone else to be late, while you are supposed to be on time. Does not apply to job interviews, if you decide to move here in spite of reading this list.

7.  Poi - It is not just for tourist luaus. Slimy, purple, and gooey, it is bland in flavor, except for a tang from fermentation.  In case you wondered if anyone really eats it, there is often a shortage due to high demand and limited production. Sorry to have to tell you that you may be limited to two bags per purchase at some stores.

8. Building Department - one of the challenges associated with overcoming Item #2 above. Just try to build your own home, or renovate that fixer-upper. You'll need a  building permit to so much as install a dimmer switch or put in a new bathroom faucet. Go to to the City Planning and Permitting offices to get one - and that's where the fun really begins. As a taxpaying member of the general public, you will have to rise before the sun, wait in a very long line, and do a lot of groveling. Or you could send your contractor down to do it for you - if you can find one. Everyone in the state who is capable of holding a  hammer is already booked through 2010.

9.  Pidgin - It's not a different language, but they speak it and you can't understand it. Not to be confused with the beautiful and exotic Hawaiian language, it has colorful phrasing and vocabulary, sort of Hawaii's version of Ebonics. If you don't know the difference between shibai and shishi you bes' keep yo' mout shut. The public schools aren't sure if they should supress it or encourage it, perhaps an example of Hawaii's public school quagmire.

 10.  Pit Bulls - One of the more popular breeds in the Islands - but just one example of the Bad Dogs you may encounter here. They are utilized by some owners as home security systems, especially when kept on chains just long enough to allow them to lunge at kupuna (venerable old ladies) on their evening strolls. An unfortunate example of disrespect for both animals and people, which is disguised as a "cultural practice", along with other disgraces such as cockfighting and live goldfish-gobbling.

11. No Trader Joe's - Hawaii just does not have some of the retail shops you want, so maybe you don't want to come just for what's missing here:  No Trader Joe's, no Bath and Body Works, no Bed, Bath, and Beyond, no Olive Garden restaurants, no Target (but rumored to be coming soon, sort of like Christmas). You will do more catalog shopping if you move here, but wait until you try to ship merchandise here. Either they don't ship here at all, or it will cost so much you could fly over and pick it up in person cheaper and faster. And they will never be able to spell your Hawaiian street name (mandated by law, believe it or not),  even if they are willing and able to send it. You can't win!

And last but not leased...
12.  Leasehold Homes - no matter now long you live here, it will never make sense to pay someone else to rent the land under your house or condo.  Only in Hawaii!

OK, now you know our dirty little island secrets.  We're not really that perfect storybook paradise you imagined, so you might want to reconsider that plan to move over and add to the traffic jam. Perhaps a compromise is in order.  We will allow you to come over as a tourist for a short visit - say two weeks maximum - as long as you spend a lot of money, don't make any trouble, and go home when your time is up. If you already live here, and have other reasons we should keep everyone out who moved here after a certain date, I'd love to add to my list. Just email me at stephanieg@remax.net.

Reality Check: Hawaii's population growth rate is actually lagging behind the U.S. national average, so it's not as if everyone is really flocking here. Even the first humans to arrive here ruined it for the native flora and fauna if you want to look at it that way. They were not able to stop subsequent canoes from landing any more than we can stop the ships and planes from arriving today with visitors and new residents.

Some people may feel squeezed by any growth, yet I believe that every individual has the potential to contribute to the Hawaii economy and to our melting-pot culture. In spite of my Dirty Dozen listed above, Hawaii remains a very desirable place to live. It is bound to attract newcomers seeking the attractions we have in abundance. Those wanting something different are free to leave on those empty planes that just unloaded another batch of newcomers. It's never been possible to shut them out, nor can we make Hawaii a less expensive destination so that everyone can afford it. I, for one, feel very grateful to have called Hawaii my home since 1986.

Comments

TBishop — Thursday, April 3, 2008

For those of us who have had to live in hawaii and will have to again, Thanks a lot!

sgieseler — Thursday, June 18, 2009

If you want a a more serious perspective on moving to Hawaii, please see "A Grass Shack on the Beach" which appeared just prior to this column. However, internet readers seem much more interested in the weird and edgy, no?

TBishop — Thursday, April 3, 2008

Oh, and get over yourself. Ever been to any large cities? You could have it much worse. Does your state appreciate your "Aloha spirit"? Not me.

Takenaka — Tuesday, April 8, 2008

To think that I could raise my son under these conditions. So his mother would think to save our fifth generation Kaua`i born by moving away. I would be content to live the simple life that once was, roaches and all, but now the temptation to abandon my roots torments me. Either I remain here at home, or run away myself to be closer to my son. We survived through both plantation and modern lifestyles, so now what? In the meantime, here's a link to another writer: http://kauaieclectic.blogspot.com/2008/03/no-come-kauai.html

MauiGurl — Saturday, April 12, 2008

Pretty funny stuff but oh so real..I tried the whole moving away stuff and nothing beats the islands roachs and all. I come from a small town(Hana, Maui)now I live on Oahu and this is as much city as I'm gonna get or even want for that matter..We have the biggest melting pot in the world, no ones fault... Hawaii is just an awesome place to live..

californiagirl — Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Wow! None of the these reasons would've really kept me from dreaming to make Hawaii my home one day but your hostility DOES. I guess I'll have to find a different motivation for finishing graduate school and consider taking my vacation dollars elsewhere. Thanks for opening my eyes. ALOHA!

sgieseler — Thursday, December 4, 2008

It's unfortunate that humor can be so misunderstood. Many other crucial survival skills are not taught in school and can apparently be impeded by it. Still, it's gratifying that my column has such power to keep the wrong folks from moving here. From that standpoint, it has succeeded beyond my wildest expectations. Yet I feel bad for my part creating the downturn in the economy that I caused when I posted this piece and everyone stopped moving over. Lighten up already and have a Mele Kalikimaka!

Popeye64 — Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Allot of truth comes in the way of humor. As a vet and not a fossil mind you.. It isn't a God given right to impose your will over anyone in these United States about where they can live, thats why we defend them(by them I mean our rights and US citizens including yourself). The information provided is appreciated. Nothing new though, supply and demand. Ask me about the world I have traveled and I can give you the good and bad also. This article is meant to detour. Thats ok, just have the b@l*s to admit it. When it is time, I will make my way to my favorite island and stand in the lines I need to, call the bug guy, be a good neighbor, pay the high bills, make sure that neighbor with the dog is well insured (if they can get it with a dog like that) gobble up the poi, buy my fs property and ride my bike to the abc store on the corner and yada, yada, yada. Are you from Hawaii or did you move there?

JBakkner — Wednesday, December 24, 2008

NOWPAS - Nasty Old Woman, Plain And Simple. "One side of her double bed is empty" was my wife's comment upon reading your article.

qualicumgirl — Tuesday, January 13, 2009

I don't find your humor very funny...you don't look Hawaiian to me, just because you moved to Hawaii in 1986 does not make you a native. Without all the "malahinis" (of which you are one) you wouldn't be living there either........

imdaman — Saturday, January 17, 2009

HMMMM....?! I read your article(obviously) and ,well, I honestly don't see anything "hateful" about it really.Pretty much, it sums up the truth quite well. Not so much opinion..as opinion based on fact. I do NOT live on the islands, though I do want to eventually. For those of you taking Stephs' article the wrong way, read it again brother! She's only bringing out a few basic drawbacks, which are in fact, quite true. Not that i'm going to bat for her...but will if she finds me a decent house at a fair $ :-) Simply put, if you want to live there "be aware" of these few things. Seriously, this is all she's stating. But i understand. We're "mainlanders". We're subjected to pricks on a daily basis, thus the viscious cycle begins turning us to what we dispise most. Step back, take a breath, read it again. You'll be OK!

SomeGirl — Tuesday, February 3, 2009

What the hell is wrong with all you morons? How can you take offence to this article??? (On BOTH sides!) For those idiots who do not live in Hawaii, (Californiagirl... and please stay in California!) this was a jovial and informative article about some of the sentiments of Hawaii's current inhabitants about newcomers and other drawbacks. She is playing on how many people feel about their paradises (or whole country) being overrun with foreigners. Texas: "Don'T mess with Texas." Colorado: "Welcome to Colorado... Now you've seen it, GO HOME!" Wyoming: "You are now entering Wyoming... turn around." Windsor Canada: "Say 'Yes' to Michigan!" I live in Colorado, which is now a cross between Orange County California, and Monterrey. This is typical jest that reflects a sentiment about groups of people in general migrating to our space, NOT individuals. As for the idiots who already live in Hawaii, (qualicumgirl) get over yourselves. The world isn't getting any smaller you know. Who are you to attack the writer of this article because she wasn't BORN on the Island. I have news for you, this is America, we can all live wherever we want. You can't have it both ways. You can't be offended if a main-lander refers the the lower 48 as "back in the States" (as if Hawaii isn't a part of the U.S.) and also want to separate yourselves to the point of prohibiting the rest of the citizens from moving to Hawaii if they can afford it. Where is that "aloha spirit" you are all so OVERLY proud of?

SoulObject — Monday, February 16, 2009

Question mark... A touch heated of a discussion here. Do current residents object too much to those of us who want move there, be respectful, and ride bicycles to the places prohibitively distant for walking? I once visited there, and befriended some locals in a matter of minutes, an experience I remember fondly. I am considering making the trek (so to speak).

sgieseler — Monday, February 16, 2009

To Bryan (SoulObject above) and others who may wonder if the "locals" welcome visitors to the islands: No one is sure who is a local. Is it anyone who got here before you? A skin color? Locals Only bumper sticker? My rule of thumb is simple and woreks anywhere: The attitude you receive when you travel to another city, state or country will be mostly what you put out. Be an educated visitor, observe local customs, and blend in when you can. Once you leave Waikiki, you will no longer be in a tourist-dominated situation. Watch, learn, and be friendly and courteous. The laws of nature do apply here - traffic and surf can kill you just as dead (often forgotten after too many mai tais). That said, anyone can find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pay attention to the subtle clues around you, and be smart. Like anywhere, crime can occur if you leave valuables in sight or impose on someone's turf. Most everyone in Hawaii came from somewhere else, and everyone is a minority! So come and see for yourself, I think you will love it. Be sure to check out my earlier column, A Grass Shack on the Beach for a counterpoint to Don't Come.

Canoerib — Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Couple of points. First, the article isn't delivered in a tongue cheek way, but does have a negative tone. If you don't beleive the posts by several people, maybe you should..Why would they lie? Reader's have to do some heavy lifting to see it as humorous. May you should rewrite it, minus the big fat Don't Come. And maybe skip later informing people they should be friendly and courteous when you yourself were not. The other point may be that you arrived in 1986 and seem to want to close the gate behind you. Maybe you should help the population issue by going back to wherever it was you came from. I lived in Oregon in the back to the land movement days of the late 70's. it always irked me to listen to newcomers call down newer newcomers because they got there before them and wanted to "save the land" from overcrowding. They would have verbal wars like "I have been her six years!"."Well we have been here nine!" I took a lot of pleasure telling them my great great grandparents arrived on a wagon and that made me God. So lighten up already. 1986? That's just funny. Oh and btw, I opened this site because I intend to retire in Hawaii in 09.

FormerSurferGirl — Saturday, February 21, 2009

I know many people may find this offensive, but I actually find it as a spontaneous truth. It may have a negative tone to it, but at the same time, many people on the island do feel this way. Other than those with Hawaiian blood in them, I have no idea who are the locals. After all, we are all immigrants. If you want to argue with me, I guess we have to date back to how we are all African descents. I think the ironic thing is many people locally think Honolulu is an international city, with a blend of cultures, and nationalities. However, the whole "local boy'' manner is slowing us from growing (Perhaps, this is what some people want). We are far from being an international metropolatan (there are still morons out that think we live in huts, and wear coconut bras). If we want the best for people in Hawaii, may be we should listen to some of these negative comments, and make improvements on them. May be we just need to drop the " local boy" manner, and be a little bit more open minded. May be we should not speak pidget at work, school, or to people who don't understand it (I am not against pidget, but just like I don't put Chinese words in my English to expect other people to understand my Chinglish). May be you don't agree with me, but just think about the next generation. Do you want your kids to be competitive loacally, or globally. If you want to shut the door, and ignore all the possibilities for yourself, or your descents, and think we should carry the same attitude to keep Hawaii from growing; we shall shut down the airports, and docks to prevent foreign influence from judging how we are slow and behind the world.

jackie15 — Saturday, February 21, 2009

The whole point of this article is??? I don't know but these things are everywhere in the world. I guess that this is suppost to stop me from visiting/moving there. Wow Hawaii has bugs, fashion, music, expensive homes, skin cancer! I don't know if I can live without a.... bed bath and beyond or an olive garden. LOL I personly know someone who was born/raised in Hawaii and she said that she liked to see all of the diffrent kinds of people who came there. Some comments on here are pretty hated but that is there opinions. I am just letting you all know that not all people from Hawaii think like this. I think that the people from Hawaii should be proud to live in such a beautiful place and wan't to show it off! I know that if I lived in Hawaii I would be very proud of it. I guess that this is just my opinion. Thank you for the future hospitality.

aloni — Tuesday, February 24, 2009

For all the people who reacted negatively to this article you are closed minded. We don't need your tourist dollars. We don't need you to rape and participate in the prostitution of our culture. Do you know how many children don't know their own culture because of you? Do you know how much of the native culture has been lost due to tourism? Most of the things that you think are Hawaiian (not even a Hawaiian word) are not? Pretty soon the islands will only consist of people who can afford to live here and the people who can serve them (natives). There is a small amount of Natives left. Leave us alone. Allow us to restore our culture.

EdfromPA — Friday, February 27, 2009

Just returned from a Hawaiian Vacation...fantastic, beautiful,mahalo. Stephanie...Shut Up! you too, my dear, are an outsider...but I love ya anyway. Aloni...I just read the Hawaiian history from the US takeover(1893) to the present. It is a shame but if you weren't speaking American right now it would probably be Japanese or some other language...get my drift? None of us can change the past so, Get Over It! Live today, be happy, be proud, and spread love & light. We received lots of love from the Hawaiian people(native & others) while on vacation...wow...thank you all! I will definitely live there some day. I think the islands infuse people with love. So stop being stingy...all humans deserve love. I love you too! Ed from PA

sgieseler — Friday, February 27, 2009

Thanks Ed, I do appreciate your thoughts as well as all of the ones from the Anti-Aloha Ohana. Serious and thoughtful real information seldom gets noted - and I prefer to rouse your ire than be ignored. Thanks Former Surfer Girl for seeing the truth within the humor. If you want to read all about the reasons I love Hawaii, read my column A Grass Shack on the Beach, my earlier column which is the other side of the story, written one month earlier with little response. People find in Hawaii or anywhere they go just what they bring in with them within themselves - bitterness and spite or beauty or laughter. Those who have their own truth to reveal, jump in and submit your own column with your wisdom. I intend to continue with mine thanks to your input.

djvm616 — Thursday, March 5, 2009

I enjoyed the article, Stephanie. I've visited the Islands several times and am planning to move to Kauai in June. Nothing you said really surprised me -- except what you didn't say. . . SPAM.

kevinpeterjones — Thursday, March 26, 2009

I enjoyed the article, I have been to Hawaii 5 times and I now have great friends that live there...one Japanese guy, one islander, one white guy who has a dive shop...I know as I write my comments, there will be 10 that will agree and 10 that won't,but that's ok...welcome to planet earth...I've lived in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Chicago and now Northern, VA./Washington,DC. area...the good,bad and the ugly exist everywhere...you have a choice...i try to find the good in everything...Let the Bags off the Bus - We can’t create our future by focusing on the events of the past...peace.kpj.

AftonMG — Monday, March 30, 2009

I really think a lot of people took this article the wrong way. But I also think that it could've been written a bit differently. Stephanie, I understand your point for not wanting ''paradise'' overcrowded. Who would want that? But at the same time, you should understand what motivates people to move to the islands in the first place. To me, there are many islands in the world, many countries, that I would love to live in... but Hawaii offers things that they don't. For one, it's a part of the US. Do you ever question why millions of people try to move to the US everyday? Why people risk their lives to live here? There's a reason for it... The US offers many things that other countries do not.. A chance for a better life. I could never condemn anyone for wanting that chance. There are many beautiful places here, but Hawaii... well,it's amazing that we can call it part of this Country, because it truly is incredible... it's almost as if it doesn't fit. There is not a place near as beautiful in the US as Hawaii. Can you really blame people for wanting to remain a US Citizen AND live in one of the most beautiful places in the world? It's not that they want to ''over populate'' anyone's territory. Nor do people crossing the border every day want to do that to US Citizens. It's as simple as they want a chance to live in Paradise and still live in a great country, with freedom's and liberties that you can't find anywhere else. There's not a beach in the Continental US that compares to any beach in the Hawaiian islands. None of us choose where we're born and where our parents lay their roots. Some of us have always yearned to share a bit of paradise...there's no reason to be selfish about it Stephanie.. I too, understand in a way how you feel. I live in a small town that use to have 10,000 people. Now Wal-Mart headquarters alone employes nearly 20,000... that's all in the past 10 years. Sure its not white sand beaches, palms and pineapples... But traffic here is just as bad, guarenteed if not worse..There are tourists walking around WM HQ with camers, tour buses galore. Do you think I really want to leave for class an hour and a half early to drive 3.2 miles?? No.. but that's how it is, and I don't complain. And as long as you live in such a sought out destination, that's how it will always be. You should know that living there, or before you moved there. You are no more entitled to Paradise than any other soul in the world. It's selfish to complain about traffic when you have so much beauty in front of you. So my advice to you is either deal with it, or move if you can't handle traffic. Cause sweetie, if you ever leave your island to travel the streets of NYC, Sao Paulo, L.A., Seoul, or any other amazing and vibrant city, you will surely sit through your fair share of traffic. And I lived in L.A., so please don't complain about traffic.. because Hawaii is much more beautiful than L.A.... and you don't hear them complaining. You should try being more warm and inviting as opposed to bitter and cold. Try being thankful for the beauty you are fortunate to see everyday, and have a little heart for the people who have always yearned for that. Remember, Paradise is not yours... it's God's beautiful gift to everyone on this earth. You are just fortunate enough to have your slice right now.. Others will get their time and I hope you can try and be friendlier to those who have the passion for the Islands as you may. Just be thankful, and be kind. that's what's wrong with much of the world today. We are not out to ruin 'your' beautiful hawaii, but yet share one of natures masterpieces with you. It belongs to anyone who seeks it. You should embrace those who are only trying to share it. And remember, that we do consider your "'islands'' to be a part of our great country. So if you have a problem with us moving there, maybe you shouldn't be a US citizen??? Or you could just give up a lot of the civil liberties and freedoms that you have?? Since obviously being an American Citizen has not taught you to love your fellow Americans... regardless of where they're from. And so you know, you have not stopped anyone from moving there.. Don't let your ego get too big. Because for those of us who can afford to, and who are going to study over there, we will be there. But don't worry, I'll make sure to put a ''local's only'' decal on my car.. so you'll never even know! :) Aloha!!! AMG

MilitaryWife — Wednesday, April 1, 2009

From personal experience of people all over the world; it's only natural for people to react this way for the places they love and live. Being a Northern CA/Bay Area native, we didn't especially like it when folks from Southern CA or east coast moved there and when I moved to San Diego I found myself defending where I came from. Same went from when I moved to Vegas. I was in high school and some girl asked me where I was from, I replied "Oakland" and she asked me if I had a gun in my bag. When I was in Japan there were places where they had signs of "No Americans" or "No military". I've moved at least 10 times my whole life and I'm only 23. My husband's in the Marines so I'll be doing a lot more moving. And YES, we will be moving to Hawaii in June because of military orders. I'm not saying that I DON'T want to live there but I would have preferred if we didn't have to leave so soon. I've learned that where ever you go not everyone will want you there, some will openly show you how much they want you to leave, some will challenge you, and others will welcome you. As for the article itself, I just found it to be sarcastic. Probably cause I'm big on sarcasm myself and love it, and I could be completely wrong but who cares? And those who REALLY want to live in Hawaii read "So You Want to Live in Hawaii"; gave me some good insight of what lies ahead in the next couple months for me.

deckydon — Monday, April 6, 2009

i have just read the very informative and a little misleading article and it made me laugh in th elight hearted way it was meant ha. i have always wanted to go and live in hawaii after i finish my time in the army and i cant wait to do it if it happens as i still have a few years left in.....

Hawaiiby50 — Monday, April 13, 2009

Thank you for the article. Sounds like a great place to relocate to! Think I'll do just that within a few years. Aloha!

cpa77 — Tuesday, April 14, 2009

I am not surprised that there are so many angry comments...people seem to take policing the web pretty seriously. Once, I posted a question about a legal issue on a site designed for just that, and I was bombarded by nasty messages attacking my grammer, my punctuation and even my personal morals! No one bothered to answer my question. These people need to get out more. I came across this article because I am considering relocating to Hawaii. I have always wanted to but like most, I thought it was just a fantasy. Then it occured to me...you have to get up every day and go to work, pay the bills and do the daily grind no matter where you are. Why not someplace beautiful? The funny thing is, most of the negatives posted here about Hawaii, are just as true about New York! Except with none of the positives. Roaches, traffic, impossible parking, high cost of living, crime, Pitt Bulls (which I love, btw) all factors of life here in the Big Apple. Oh, and if anyone can relate to how out of place tourists look when you're not one of them, its a New Yorker! Tourists are always looking up...and New Yorkers are always looking down at your feet so they can avoid stepping on your toes as they rush by. In any case, I'm doing my research. I sincerely hope that if we do make the move, we are not met with hostility. I will take all the advice I've read and be sure to respect the ways of the land. The whole point of moving to a place like Hawaii, is to change your lifestyle, and I look forward to it. Being from NY, I think the hardest thing to get used to will be the whole 'waving people into traffic' thing. If you did that here, you'd never get anywhere! LOL!

idbrn4u — Tuesday, May 19, 2009

I find this all pretty humorous. If I may indulge my views for a brief moment: Life is short. Very short. What one may feel is theirs'..... and only theirs' is really ridiculous. Everything, I mean everything we claim to have, touch, breath, eat, smile at, touch, seeth, or walk swim on or in......Everything.....is borrowed. Borrowed for such a short short time that we get to call this place...... ours. The truth is, while we are here on this revolving ball called earth, it is all shared and borrowed for a short, so short a time. So, a little bit about me. I'm an Los Angeles City Firefighter of 23 years. I'm a burn survivor and came close to biting the big one 4 years ago. I'm a rescue diver/firefighter in San Pedro and live in san Diego. My late father worked for United Airlines and brought me to the islands back in the early 70's surfing, and imersing myself in the H2o of pacific blue. In my youth I vowed to make Hawaii my home...... sooner than later. I look forward to my new nieghbors and their opinions. Its those opinions that make people interesting. The strongest influence we will ever have on each other is a smile. Yes I get pissed off about stuff too. But life is about attitude and choices. Lets embrace thee concepts. Enjoy the humor about htis blog, laugh a little.....and remember, life is short and everything is borrowed! Take care, Mahalo!

twinkle — Thursday, May 21, 2009

Well, this may sound really rude, but I understand where your coming from as we too here on "The Mainland" are experiencing an overabundance of overpopulation due to illegal immigration. Causing major traffic congestion and education issues not to mention many other issues. So just an FYI, your state is not the only place being overpopulated. This whole planet is being overpopulated!!!!!! There should be a limit to how many kids people have.

kywrite — Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Oh, my god. I've lived near Pearl Harbor for going-on three years now, and your article -- as well as the varied opinions in the comments -- are DEAD ON. So totally Hawaii!! You did forget a #13 to make a baker's dozen, though -- the homeless problem. Nothing like going down Magic Island and seeing legs dangling out of the trees.

katesophia333 — Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I understand the sarcasm in this article, but are people in Hawaii really this against people moving down there? I've heard they are, and now I'm nervous to move down there when I start my job... lol

sgieseler — Thursday, June 18, 2009

You pretty much get back what you dish out, wherever you live, in my opinion, so let that be your guide. If you check out my main web site, www.hawaiihomehelp.com, you will find lots of tried-and-true information about moving to Hawaii that is far more serious than this blog-type exchange!

johnkalani — Monday, June 15, 2009

OK den, now fo da kine comment :) Sarcasm was the style chosen by the author to write this article. It was her article and her opinion. It could have been about food, sports, or Ford vs. Toyota, but it is still her article as it is your comment. In your opinion, she could have wrote it different or changed the title. In my opinion, you wear that same shirt everyday or you should floss better or raise your keiki better. All just opinions. Write your own article, who are you, her teacher? She didn't want to write another "So you want to move to Paradise" article we have already seen over and over. She has written 12 articles here alone, how many you? :) No one should get angry at her opinion or your comments, just keep the comments as civil as her article without being hateful. I love sarcasm, when my friends say, "Oh no, not you again" It means I love you, where have you been! Thank you for a different variation of the truth about Hawaii. You did forget Spam at McDonalds, Rubba Slippahs, grocery & gas prices, probably because you are too use to them. You also forgot the out of control drunk driving and car accident fatalities on all 3 main islands. Nor did you mention the increase in crime, assaults on tourists and Police that are frequent. Probably because you really do love Hawai'i and want to see the Aloha in this Aina and not the ugly hatred that is in all mankind. Hawai'i was created by undersea volcanoes and then populated by man that arrived there from somewhere else because they were seeking a better life. Many of the residents are not descendants of the original Marquesan and Tahitian settlers but are actually Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Samoan, Tongan, other Pacific Islanders, Caucasian, and blends of each. Still, they are Hawaiian by proxy (they live there), as there are Californians and Texans. We have all seen our favorite spot get overrun with people. I love when I hear someone say, "Look at all these idiots driving to our favorite place" as we are in traffic with them too. There are twice as many people on the planet since 1963. What, you think no one else gonna hear about your favorite sandwich shop, burger shack, BBQ bar, fishing spot, quiet beach, surf spot, lover's lane, library, school, store or neighborhood? This is a human condition and when it becomes a human problem, we must deal with it humanely. If locals beat up tourists, they will be in local prison (when they are actually sentenced after multiple warnings - another article). Congratulations Steph, if I were your teacher, I'd say you rewrote a well covered topic with a humorous, maybe cynical approach and you have stimulated discussion by including content of personal experience. What some failed to notice, is the article wasn't written for Hawaiian locals, it was written for people thinking about becoming a local. The #1 reason to "Don't Come" or "No Stay" is.... there are no Trader Joe's ( da kine grinds market on the mainland) Aloha

sgieseler — Thursday, June 18, 2009

Mahalo John, your comments are right on, and you are a great local style writer. In fact, you would be a good columnist for aroundhawaii. Think it over, I'm serious this time! I hope you look at my column "A Grass Shack on the Beach", which almost no one reacted to because it has a positive spin. Sad but true, and precisely why I wrote "Don't Come" - to get a response from cyberspace, since no one likes talking to an empty room.

paddleboardman — Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Gosh!, Sounds like any place desirable to live in Florida, except in the land of the eternally old and befuddled, there's 1) no surf, 2)more mosquitoes than believed possible 3) alligators and 4) hurricanes. I think I'll move to Hawaii, at least there's no purple legged diabetics cruising around in giant motorhomes. Where do I sign up?

Melyssa0907 — Thursday, June 18, 2009

I'm from Florida. Everyone says, oh how nice it must be to live in Florida. Beaches on all three sides, palm trees everywhre and a million things to do. Yeah, sure. Until EVERYONE and their mother from New York to Puerto Rico moved here. Now it's a Spanish haven. I went to Maui, Kauai and the Big Island in Sept. 2007 for two weeks. Our hotels were modest, we did things like cliff dive and snorkeling to keep our budget tight and still enjoy our time. We received nothing but the Aloha spirit while we there. Being in Hawaii touched us so much that we've decided to move their sometime before we're 40. My boyfriend and I are 30 and 32 now. So we'll still be young enough to enjoy it, but old enough to STILL respect it. We did not litter while we were there, we rented a fuel efficient compact car. We are avid caregivers to the environment/mother nature. We have a profound respect for ocean and land alike. And when we were in Hawaii, when we were asked where we from by the locals, we received nothing but a deep respect for being from Florida. We feel the same way! Go back to where you came from!

Add Your Own Comment