moving to Puna

[wildemoose]

Aloha! I've been reading your forum for several weeks now and decided to join in. My family is moving to the Puna area this year. We've been looking at HPP. What would you say are the top 3-5 "safest" places to live (in terms of crime and "racial tension"--we are haoles)? We've noticed much dislike against "whites" on Oahu, is it like that on Hawaii?

[mella l]

Just wanted to say welcome wildmoose. It is difficult to answer your question for a comparison with Oahu.

Have you been to the Big Island? You will be most welcome, and your eyes and judgement would be the best for you. Generalities are difficult to make. We personally have had no problems when visiting for extended periods of time. We found a neighborhood and neighbors who are terrific for our lifestyle, of laid back and into nature.

Best of luck hunting. Oh for specific subjects you might try the search function listed at the top of this page, that might be a place to start. It is so hard to answer such a big question with little bites. Best of luck!

mella l

[Seeb]

Living here is WAY different than vacationing here, espcially if your going to try to make a living here.you mite want to try it out for awhile before committing to a one way trip.

[wildemoose]

I haven't been to the big island but am in the process of doing extensive research. Been to Oahu 3 times. I was quite saddened about the homeless problem and high crime...to point where we were warned by hotel and resort workers not to even get out of our cars on the west side........and the signs poted all over not to leave anything in your car because it was a high crime area. Are there "slum areas" we need to be aware of before getting seriuos about a paritcular property? I've read much about the meth/drugs in some areas of Puna. I just want to make sure I don't end up living next to that. Any "inside" info would be extremely helpful as I have children to protect.

[wildemoose]

Is anyone familiar with the rental store (epuipment)..what type of equip do they rent, etc. We are contractors/operaters and plan on doing most of the work ourselves.

[Carey]

Home Depot rents tools & such, as does HPM (local lumber store) & a few others (unless you are talking furniture & stuff, for that there is a RAC store)
There is crime (mostly domestic & drugs). There are poorer properties...some next to nice...so it is very good to get a feel for each property (there are areas that are much nicer, & have a much higher price tag). Puna does not have any one subdivision that is totally free from "stuff" but there are a lot of areas that are relatively free. We moved here without ever visiting Hawaii, so it is possible, but we also came so that I could attend the university in Hilo, so we did have a exit plan if needed (graduate & go...if we didn't like it here) We bought & are planning on staying .... forever.
We have not had any racial tension, but we are kinda laid back & probably wouldn't notice it unless it was in our face...school kids (esp. intermediate) seem to get taunted, but many can handle it (I've seen some feed off, & that is where trouble begins...if they let it roll, OK) If yo are looking, I would say it would help to come here with the goal of investingating the place, that way you can decide. If you are need a job right away to move here, look into employers where you are that have places near where you currently reside, they may allow you to transfer (but that is usually longer range than a few months...)

[wildemoose]

Thank you to all who replied!

[Kahunascott]

Discrimination against haoles is alive in Hilo. Many employers discriminate during the hiring process and when promotions become available. If you would like more information email me.

[Hotzcatz]

Discrimination against folks who don't live here is also alive and well, but there are valid reasons for that. Many employers are not eager to hire folks who have just moved here from the mainland bcause so many of them move back within a year or two and then the employer has to go out and find and train a new employee.

[wildemoose]

Doesn't sound like I'll be looking for a job, I'll be too busy homeschooling!