08-18-2006, 07:26 PM
I am fortunate in that I am retired (don't have to find a good job) and have no children (don't have to worry about the poor schools.) The breath-taking natural beauty and nice weather are what I like most about Hawaii. I don't have any plans to leave, but I know of folks who have left (or wisely changed their mind before moving here) for the following reasons:
Poor health care options.
High cost of living. Everything from gasoline to groceries to housing costs more here than in Middle America. People from New York and California tend to complain less about the prices, though.
Haoles made to feel unwelcome. Being Haole myself I haven't found this to be true, and I think some people do not present an attitude that leads to welcoming. On the other hand, I have heard believable first-hand accounts of discrimination in employment and the public schools.
Homesickness and distance from family.
I think most of these issues can be overcome in various ways, although I honestly do not know what can be done about the health care situation except resign oneself to frequent trips to Oahu in the event of serious problems.
Aloha,
Jerry
Poor health care options.
High cost of living. Everything from gasoline to groceries to housing costs more here than in Middle America. People from New York and California tend to complain less about the prices, though.
Haoles made to feel unwelcome. Being Haole myself I haven't found this to be true, and I think some people do not present an attitude that leads to welcoming. On the other hand, I have heard believable first-hand accounts of discrimination in employment and the public schools.
Homesickness and distance from family.
I think most of these issues can be overcome in various ways, although I honestly do not know what can be done about the health care situation except resign oneself to frequent trips to Oahu in the event of serious problems.
Aloha,
Jerry