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how IslandSoul was introduced to Puna
If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't be living on the island, much less in Puna.
At this point I'm far too invested ... it's already taken 2-3x longer than I thought, and I'm not sure it will ever be "done".
Experience suggests that merely "having a dream" isn't enough, and "hiring it done" means a bottomless money pit (assuming "they" even return phone calls).
Like I said ... good luck.
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Ok, let's try this again, shall we? I have followed many threads before I joined and I enjoy the information on this forum. I totally get the hesitation, skepticism, and seeing another "dreamer". No worries, I can take it.
Can I ask you kalakoa, why you say you wouldn't be living on the island if you knew then what you know now?
or what makes you wish you had not taken the path you did?
I take it you're building yourself? And it didn't go as planned? Not quite the "dream" you thought it would be?
Maybe I am seeing more surface than the deeper aspects that would make me run the other way... just what Puna (or Hawaii in all) wants, right? no more mainlanders coming to their turf?
I could do this, invest a ton of money and then totally hate it, b/c, no, I have not lived there, only visited... but this could also happen anywhere.
Just curious on your experience, thoughts, etc... thx
Posts: 14,120
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Joined: Aug 2012
Expect everything to take 3x longer than you think, and cost 5x as much.
Either have skills that are in high demand locally, or bring your own money.
Be prepared for things being "unavailable" -- not just "on backorder, wait a few months" but literally "not available on island at all". (I was recently told "if you want that, go to the mainland, get a container, and ship it here yourself.")
If I had bought an existing house, I would be at the beach right now.
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quote:
Originally posted by kalakoa
If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't be living on the island, much less in Puna.
That surprises me Kalakoa. You often point out the shortcomings of living there but aren't they still outweighed by... living there?
I have a pretty good idea of what I'll be getting into (much of which is thanks to you) but I still can't wait to move there.
Posts: 14,120
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Joined: Aug 2012
More accurately: Hawaii seems like a good place to retire, and a bad place to get something done.
I'm too far in to give up, so hopefully it works out "eventually".
