Introducing myself

[MamaGarcia]

Aloha. My husband and I are planning to move to the Puna area with our two little ones in February of next year. Right now we live in the SF Bay Area, CA. He has some work lined up in Puna. I lived in the area in 97-98. My husband lived at Black Sand Beaches area about five years ago. We met in Oakland, CA and both just happen to have our hearts still rooted in the BI and are finally ready to go back "home". I have a few questions for you all. Hoping to gain some insight here.

[?]~We will arrive with a good savings, but we are thinking to find a place to caretake while we decide where to live/rent. I worked on a farm there years back so I'm good getting my hands in the dirt. My husband can fix just about anything and works with horses. How would you suggest finding a caretaking situation?

[?]~As I said, my husband has some work lined up but in the long run would like to work as a Solar Installer. He just finished some intensive training in Solar Integration and Installation. It seems Solar would be a growing industry there. Any info on this?

[?]~Is there a link from any previous threads talking about the moving process and what to/not to bring from the Mainland? We've got a ton of furniture and almost have a mind to just sell it all and move lightly. We are bringing our Jeep Liberty, but what else is good to take with us?

Thank you. We are very much looking forward to moving back to the Island and want to do it right!

[waynesb]

Hi! and welcome to Punaweb.

There have been several discussions over the last couple years about what to bring and not. You can search for them. My memory of the gist of it is: Don't bring anything that would be damaged by humidity, especially anything containing particle board or fiberboard or leather. Do bring all your kitchen gadgets and tools. That's just my memory.

Whereabouts are you in the Bay Area? We're in Castro Valley, and will be until we recover from that really dumb condo purchase that we finally got out of last year.

Good luck, and I'm jealous!

Wayne

[MamaGarcia]

Right now we live in Vallejo. Thanks for the reply. I'll do a search for past threads on that.

[Carey]

One of the past threads on what to leave & what to ship:
http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1876

Solar Installers:
There have been quite a few added the last two years...
Provision is one of the bigger commercial companies on island

[PaulW]

Welcome to Punaweb and (eventually) welcome to Puna!

At the risk of stating the obvious, be sure to use the "Search" function at the upper right
when looking for old threads.

You could post a (free) ad in the non-classified section of the forum for the caretaking position.

If I could give some advice on what to bring: Nothing. One suitcase should be enough.

Enjoy.

[MamaGarcia]

Well of course I searched old topics, but liked to have a good one recommended. I've been reading a lot of them. I wish we could only bring one suitcase. I've got fileboxes, medical documents, tons of family pictures and things I've inherited. I am not attached to those things, but it is my responsibility to keep them for my family. Maybe I'll keep a storage space here in CA. Also I have heard that it's good to bring your own vehicle since it is more expensive to buy on the islands. I'd love to sell my jeep and just get a van on the island, but I still have over two years to pay it off. Unplugging is a process.

[Guest]

MamaGarcia,
Welcome to our world, a good exchange of information has and still is going on by a new furture Punatic coming here to live. Her name is Margo i believe and you can find her no http://www.punaonline.com/punaonline/for...ontent.asp

Good luck and if you get a chance stop by at Gentelmen Jim's in Vallejo along side of the freeway. It's my Calif. watering hole and most know me there. I have friends that own the joint for years. I graduated from CMA there in Vallejo [California Maritime Academy] Say The Lack sent you.

The Lack

The Lack Toons

[Bullwinkle]

Had two of my "wet behind the ears" deckhands go on to CMA. They are making gazillions now, one a captain the other an engineer good for the "kids". CMA is a national leader, the kids grew up to be responsible adults. There is a message there.

Aloha

[Sandra A.]

I have a niece who graduated from CMA and her now husband. Both did well, she is now a stay at home mom (because they can afford it) and he is moving right up the ranks. Both are well-rounded, decent young adults. What an experience and good career!

A big welcome to MamaGarcia and her family!

[jimbob]

Be prepared for the change. Alot has happened to the local life here in the past 5 years. Weirdos are taking over, locals are going crazy and the government has gone to the extreme poking their noses in every aspect of life in Hawaii. Get ready for higher taxes, more taxes and fewer deductions. After the government needs to pay for itself somehow.