New Member Intro

[Misterperfect]

quote:

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Originally posted by TomK

Make friends with your neighbors.

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TomK,

I have heard several different versions of that sentiment since landing.
I believe its more true here than any other place i have lived.

How does a new neighbor go about introducing himself.
Howdy neighbor?
Aloha?
Whats up homie?
Most people ive met so far seem extremely literal and concrete.
Thats VERY different from the mainland.

Ive also noticed that friends in common are often discussed when exchanging introductions.

Whats a good topic to start up a conversation?
Please advise.

Thanks

[TomK]

I suspect you'll get a lot of answers to your question, but I would simply go over and introduce yourself, bring a beer or two to share (or bottle of wine perhaps?). Don't try and sound like a local, just say "hello or hi, I'm your new neighbor, do you have a few minutes for a chat? I just want to get to know my new neighbors". I would avoid saying aloha or mahalo, just speak as you would normally. Avoid going into a property that is clearly not welcoming (i.e., dogs and/or a closed gate) - it doesn't mean they don't welcome someone new but you can meet them other ways. Stroll along the street and give a friendly wave if they see you. They may come out and talk to you and a friendship might start there.

I don't know exactly where you are, but just waving to your neighbors as they drive or walk by if you're out in the yard or on the street might start the process. Just present yourself as being new and not wanting to change the whole neighborhood!

You'll be OK, just be yourself. You'll figure it out quickly enough and will be very happy you did so!

[PaulW]

Saying what you love about Hawaii is a good place to start, there's no end to that conversation.
Talking about what was better "back home" doesn't usually go down as well.

[Carey]

Aloha to the Perfects!
I am from the age when Punaweb was one way for us to meet & get to know each other... yah, THAT old!
There are 2 traditional Punaweb things that are coming up:

1st Sunday Beach Day at Richardsons Ocean Beach Park has been around for over a decade... there are a few that still get together every month.... some times there are quite a few people, sometimes just a very few.... Upside, even if no one else makes it, you are on a beach in Hawaii`i!

Keaau Light Parade (Sat Dec 9) Cookie Exchange has been a tradition for some of us for around a decade

[Misterperfect]

quote:

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Originally posted by PaulW

Saying what you love about Hawaii is a good place to start, there's no end to that conversation.
Talking about what was better "back home" doesn't usually go down as well.

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I have already found this to be true.

The amazing things so far, Kapoho, snorkeling, free diving, fishing, hunting, they truly are all really amazing here!
Its like AWESOME is on steroids...

I have not said once, since stepping off the plane, "well, that didn't live up to the hype!"
I haven't gone somewhere or done something and said, "what a rip off!"
The first local we met gave us a survival kit that included a snorkel set, a rusty beach chair and a worn out treasure map of the island!
And his only advice was to ditch the shoes and get slip-pahsss...

Having just arrived from a place where everything is an illusion, over hyped or just out-n-out fake, I gotta say, "this place ROCKS!"

As for now our plan is to visit all the places, eat all the foods and do everything that gets recommended. So far thats been working out great.

After all that gets done ill buy a small lot somewhere, figure out what to build on it and start building! Then the vacation stops and the life here begins. Thats the plan anyways.

So PunaWeb, im buying a vacant lot somewhere...
What kind of house should i build on it? How many dogs is too many? Which Hawaiian flag goes beneath the U.S. flag? How many neighbors do you actually know? Why is there NO Costco in Hilo? Can i just blade the dirt road myself?

Ive got a lot to learn...

Mr. P

[My 2 cents]

Can i just blade the dirt road myself?

First, you have to lose the idea that they are "dirt" roads. It's all rock. One big giant rock. Doesn't blade real well.

[Misterperfect]

quote:

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Originally posted by My 2 cents

Can i just blade the dirt road myself?

First, you have to lose the idea that they are "dirt" roads. It's all rock. One big giant rock. Doesn't blade real well.

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LOL My2cents
I just spent 4 hours digging, raking and filling pot holes with smaller versions of bigger lava rocks... Oh my aching back!
If you dont say grading the road what do you say?
Redistributing aggregate base compact to its former location...

[kalakoa]

Oh my aching back!

Home Depot rents machines to anyone with a credit card and a truck (and they'll even let you rent their truck). The smaller machines are still a workout, but nothing like doing it by hand.

[Tink]

If there was a Costco, Puna would be what you moved from.

Community begins with Aloha

[Misterperfect]

quote:

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Originally posted by kalakoa

Oh my aching back!

Home Depot rents machines to anyone with a credit card and a truck (and they'll even let you rent their truck). The smaller machines are still a workout, but nothing like doing it by hand.

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I love HD but ive never rented a tool from them.

Once we get set up on a lot Ill probably start collecting tools again. I had to give most of my favorite hand tools away when i moved (and sell, i sold a lot of the big ticket stuff).

Ive got a nice unrestored but rebuilt Ford 8N garden tractor in storage on the mainland that id like to eventually get here. Its got a few 3 pt. & PTO driven implements and i might have a line on a front end loader attachment for it but shipping is something im going to have to consider.
It might be better to buy an older construction king type backhoe locally and fix / rebuild that. Not sure what ill need until i get a lot.

I like having both hand and power tools. What can i say im a traditionally socialized male. LOL
I learned by apprenticeship and spent quite a few hours of my youth learning how to make a professional windrow while digging a ditch with a square point shovel.
Lots of time as a laborer...

It sounds weird but there is just something reassuring and reaffirming about hand tools and possessing the skills to use them.
Ill find an old cement mixer or an end mill and maybe a welder on CL that needs fixing and then my garage / yard will slowly start getting smaller and more funner!

I do like all the lava rock masonry. There were some pretty talented masons here at some point and im going to study some of the old designs and probably recreate the ones Mrs. P likes.

Having said that my back still hurts, but... its a good kind of hurt.

Thanks for the info about HD rentals.

Mr. P