10-04-2008, 12:53 PM
yes, I am totally in agreement that statistically Puna is safer.
I agree that most crimes are between parties who know each other!
I'm just saying that when you live on a relatively isolated piece of land, you are vulnerable and part of your lifestyle will involve a defense, or should, against undesirable people who may just show up.
There are parts of this island where I have no fear of that happening, and parts that I do.
Also should point out that in cities, there are usually neighborhoods where no one who doesn't live there should go, that contribute most to the stats. Here, all the neighborhoods attract newcomers, pretty much.
Newcomers just need to realize there are people who moved there earlier on who are not on the same page as to aloha for everyone. My son moved to Royal Hawaiian Estates after being on the island, mostly in Puna (HPP) for two years, so not a newbie. But he was still surprised when he came home the first week to find everything he owned had been plundered. It was sad, because he was dead broke and some of what was taken were sentimental gifts.
He found out it was his neighbor. Aloha!
On the mainland, I could generally tell by looking at the condition of a street whether my neighbor was likely to welcome me with banana bread or a ripoff. But it's a little harder when you just see beautiful rain forest to know whose around you.
Take the time to really talk to people, especially if there's a neighborhood watch or association, by all means seek them out and educate yourself. Find the right place socially and the weather should be secondary.
I agree that most crimes are between parties who know each other!
I'm just saying that when you live on a relatively isolated piece of land, you are vulnerable and part of your lifestyle will involve a defense, or should, against undesirable people who may just show up.
There are parts of this island where I have no fear of that happening, and parts that I do.
Also should point out that in cities, there are usually neighborhoods where no one who doesn't live there should go, that contribute most to the stats. Here, all the neighborhoods attract newcomers, pretty much.
Newcomers just need to realize there are people who moved there earlier on who are not on the same page as to aloha for everyone. My son moved to Royal Hawaiian Estates after being on the island, mostly in Puna (HPP) for two years, so not a newbie. But he was still surprised when he came home the first week to find everything he owned had been plundered. It was sad, because he was dead broke and some of what was taken were sentimental gifts.
He found out it was his neighbor. Aloha!
On the mainland, I could generally tell by looking at the condition of a street whether my neighbor was likely to welcome me with banana bread or a ripoff. But it's a little harder when you just see beautiful rain forest to know whose around you.
Take the time to really talk to people, especially if there's a neighborhood watch or association, by all means seek them out and educate yourself. Find the right place socially and the weather should be secondary.