06-11-2003, 03:41 PM
I thought it might be a good idea to invite people to tell and talk story about moving to Puna. People who do not know the area are very curious and have heard many tales, often bad, about life here in Puna. So I am going to lead off and I’m not making any of this up, it is all fact. I do hope that if I speak plainly no one will find offense. This is merely the story of my introduction to Pahoa Village.
In 1993 I entered escrow on my property in Pahoa Village. I was quite thrilled at the prospect of owning a place in Hawaii and was unsure at the time if I would live there, have a vacation place or perhaps rent it out over time. I had been living for 10 years in a beach front home in a Southern California beach community.
When I told people what and where I had bought I was told by everyone that I had made a huge mistake. The area was rife with crime and as a houle I would get a cold reception. The locals, I was told, were largely Japanese Hawaiian and haoles such as my self were not much wanted or appreciated there. All I could do was shrug my shoulders and take it with a grain of salt. I was in escrow. I was basically confident I had found the location that best suited me and I guess I would just find out.
After closing escrow I finally got to spend more than an hour on the property and came over to start cleaning it up and assessing the task in front of me. My first contact with a neighbor, as I whacked on the vines and overgrowth, was a voice front the street saying “ Helloooooo, would you like a peanut butter and honey sandwich?”. This woman is my neighbor and one of my best friends. She is 88 now and I hope I can be as friendly, helpful and busy and engaged as she someday.
The next morning I wokeup and found I had a flat tire on my pickup. I decided to walk into town for breakfast and some shopping before fixing it and an hour or so later when I returned I was mystified to find the tire wasn’t flat anymore. Later that afternoon I met my second neighbor....who said to me “Heya, I saw you had a flat so I fixed it for you”. Now I gotta say that in California I do not think anyone would even consider fixing a flat tire for a stranger. I had to tell myself.....if these are the unfriendly ones god save me from the friendly folks. I might not be able to handle that much good will and aloha.
Lastly, on that same trip as I prepared to leave for the mainland I thought about all the stories about thieves and crime in the area. So as I left the house I placed a $35 tool and a six pack of beer on the front steps and figured it was worth it to find out how safe the neighborhood was. Two months later when I returned the tool and the six pack were still sitting right where I left them. At that point I knew I had found my home.
I can’t promise anyone their experiences will be the same. These are mine and reflect at least one reality here in Pahoa. I invite folks to tell their stories.
In 1993 I entered escrow on my property in Pahoa Village. I was quite thrilled at the prospect of owning a place in Hawaii and was unsure at the time if I would live there, have a vacation place or perhaps rent it out over time. I had been living for 10 years in a beach front home in a Southern California beach community.
When I told people what and where I had bought I was told by everyone that I had made a huge mistake. The area was rife with crime and as a houle I would get a cold reception. The locals, I was told, were largely Japanese Hawaiian and haoles such as my self were not much wanted or appreciated there. All I could do was shrug my shoulders and take it with a grain of salt. I was in escrow. I was basically confident I had found the location that best suited me and I guess I would just find out.
After closing escrow I finally got to spend more than an hour on the property and came over to start cleaning it up and assessing the task in front of me. My first contact with a neighbor, as I whacked on the vines and overgrowth, was a voice front the street saying “ Helloooooo, would you like a peanut butter and honey sandwich?”. This woman is my neighbor and one of my best friends. She is 88 now and I hope I can be as friendly, helpful and busy and engaged as she someday.
The next morning I wokeup and found I had a flat tire on my pickup. I decided to walk into town for breakfast and some shopping before fixing it and an hour or so later when I returned I was mystified to find the tire wasn’t flat anymore. Later that afternoon I met my second neighbor....who said to me “Heya, I saw you had a flat so I fixed it for you”. Now I gotta say that in California I do not think anyone would even consider fixing a flat tire for a stranger. I had to tell myself.....if these are the unfriendly ones god save me from the friendly folks. I might not be able to handle that much good will and aloha.
Lastly, on that same trip as I prepared to leave for the mainland I thought about all the stories about thieves and crime in the area. So as I left the house I placed a $35 tool and a six pack of beer on the front steps and figured it was worth it to find out how safe the neighborhood was. Two months later when I returned the tool and the six pack were still sitting right where I left them. At that point I knew I had found my home.
I can’t promise anyone their experiences will be the same. These are mine and reflect at least one reality here in Pahoa. I invite folks to tell their stories.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Punaweb moderator
If anyone wants a look at the intricate details of our move, it's all 
btw...call me the next time you leave the beer
I am looking foreward to meeting you