Lots of great comments and discussion on this video. Wish I could pin several of the comments, but if you're interested in this topic, I'd highly recommend scrolling through the comments. 🤙
Good points on a hard issue. The only ones who have a real argument are native Hawaiians, which most "locals" are not. Most of what is considered to be "Hawaiian" culture is not really Hawaiian. Spam musubi, shave ice, chow fun, saimin, rubber slippahs, lomi salmon, li hing mui, pancit, manapua, butter mochi (bibingka), pidgin english, jong ken po, are not "Hawaiian," but are imports. Asians and pacific islanders are not "Hawaiian." Pacific islanders may have related cultures and languages, but that doesn't make them "Hawaiian." So, arguments for "locals only" priority is usually just some kind of underlying racism favoring one group of "immigrants" over another. Does someone whose family is from Tonga or Manila or Okinawa have somehow more desirability than someone born in Kansas? For the record, I grew up in Hawaii, my grandparents were from Okinawa and my stepdad was 100% pure Hawaiian, so I get the "locals only" thing. But I let it go too.
I totally agree and understand what you’re saying. I’m Hawaiian because both of my deceased parents were Hawaiian but Dad was also Portuguese, and Mom was Irish, Scottish and Native American. The people who have suffered the most are the Original Kanaka Maoli’s. Which are very few in numbers. I have no problem with people being in the Islands and want to live in Hawaii. My Great great Grandparents came from England and Hawaii. Both sides of my family had served in WWI, WWII. All my Uncles in the Army. My dad was a retired Army combat veteran who served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. I was in the Marine Corps and served in the Persian Gulf War. I was born in Hawaii before it became a State. My wife was also born in Hawaii before It became a State. She’s also an Air Force veteran. Her father was a WWII veteran and a retired Navy Veteran. My sister-I-law was an Army Veteran. My wife is Samoan, Peruvian and we’ve been married now for 46 years. We both love the Aloha spirit that people have and I believe that’s what’s missing from some Island folks. We both miss our home. But unfortunately we decided to move to the mainland after I had retired from the Marine Corps in 1994 and have been here ever since. The way I see it is we all are human beings on this planet called Earth and it doesn’t matter who or what you are and where you came from. Literally everyone came from their mothers. I’m just saying We are all human beings period and we all need to learn how to live together as God wants us to. Mahalo for you guys dong what’s right the Aloha Way. Big Mahalo Nui Loa 😊
@oakvillehigh poor choice of example. The Japanese population in Hawai`i were, like many of the asian cultures here, brought in as sugarcane/pineapple workers. A great many earned respect after service in the war - many from the same unit pooled their training and skills to essentially establish a new group of business owners that grew organically within the Hawai`ian community - to attribute their cultural "inclusion" as "mixed"/hapa breeding is insultingly inaccurate.
@oakvillehigh In the 1970s there was a lot of resentment towards Japan. They had their economic boom and started buying up a lot of properties here in Hawaii. But local Japanese have never really been outsiders to the local community. There were over 300 thousand Japanese brought over to work the plantations. By 1910 Japanese were the largest ethnic group in Hawaii. What do you mean treated as "outsiders"?
I look at it like this: The state of HI has constantly dropped the ball on native Hawaiians, its treated their own folks as second class citizens while giving preferential treatment to big moneyed interest, esp. foreign investors from both the US and Asia(CH/JP/SK, ect..). I 100% get why they're mad. Maui is the latest thing that has compounded an already huge problem on housing accessibility and rights of the local people. I've also said recently this is an opportunity to actually get it right, one that balances both the financial needs for development while still providing affordable options to citizens of the state. It also has the opportunity to create cleaner, greener energy, more modern energy on Maui with solar/wind, that's if HECO doesn't go under.. On the flipside of that coin, many native/longtime Hawaiians need to also realize that not every Haloe is out to take their land. The majority of us respect the islands and its history, I think if they actually got to know people both visiting and living there, they would realize we all share common goals and the aloha spirit..
Another good video, you hit it right on the head. Especially when you mentioned the baggage we carry from our history and the fear of change. Like you when I first lived on the mainland, it was such an eye opener. I hope most local kids get a chance to experience what it's like to live outside of Hawaii.
Your thoughts on this subject can certainly be applied to many places. I have visited Hawaii 18 times over the years and found that kindness and respect go a long way on being accepted by the locals of Hawaii which helps to define it as a real paradise. Awesome video. Mahalo.
Only 5.9% of the people are truly locals! Everyone else just sort of lives on the island so they act so snotty/ snobby about it! I say act like an asshole and get treated like an asshole wherever you’re from!
I am a tourist visiting my son who lives here. We are from a French island in the Caribbean called Martinique.All the points you talk about here in your video apply 100% to Martinique. I could switch the word Hawaii for Martinique and the video would exactly describe the relationship that exists between Martinicans and French people from France.This is a universal situation for colonized islands.A LOT to be talked about that subject in order to apply solutions...
Me personally as Native Hawaiian I'm not totally against it, but we need to have a more stable and fair housing market to accomadate people rather they buying or renting a home. Over the years it's only gotten more and more ridiculous and I it's due to our state solely leaning on tourism for our economy but it leads to more people moving here or buying up land or new franchises and giant businesses moving in and by the time we notice evrything it's too late. So many of us have been priced out of our homeland don't matter if you are native if this is where you are born and raised this is your homeland. I'm from Maui and there already talks of offering people from lahaina to sell their land to mve into a new appartments that the states gonna build tragedy or not they'll only stand to lose more if they sell what they have left of their home in paradise.
I moved to Hawaii recently and am renting for now. Rising housing costs are a huge problem everywhere, but certainly more so here because there's only so much land, and I'd hate to see the whole island turn one big city... I like the country. I think people who live in an area (anywhere, not just Hawai'i) should have priority over people who live elsewhere and are buying second homes, rentals, investment properties, etc. I don't know how that would work, in practice. Maybe you could only accept outside offers if there were no local offers? And it seems like it would be fair enough if you had to live in the area for a certain length of time before you were given priority... show you're actually committed to living there. This is probably a pipe dream, since big money rules, but hey...
Glad to see you have an open mind I got one from the Hawaiian independence movement to re establish the monarchy that acted like I wasnt allowed to exist there period despite the fact that I'm respectful and harm no one. Which I thought was an extreme stance. As everyone has a right to move to any state they want. And even the old kingdom welcomed immigrants. None of us had anything to do with the annexation. I'm just an average working class joe.
I had a bit of a flip side experience in my first year of college in Colorado, coming from Oregon to Denver. My closest friends on campus were Hawaiian and Micronesian, and then when I transferred to another school in Seattle. I learned a lot about Polynesian and Micronesian cultures from friends and room-mates. Also as someone who is mixed, I related to some degree the polarities experienced and felt by my Islander friends. My mom and I used to debrief those polarities too, and some of my friends knew they had an elder in my mom who understood their perspective. My mom lived on Oahu in the early 1940s, and was hapa: Filipino & Danish. My grandfather from the Philippines was in US Navy. What you describe for military kids is reminiscent of what she experienced as a kid. I understand the historical context and current concerns. Long ago, I thought for a minute about moving to Hawaii but decided not. I am grateful to visit when I can and especially when I can catch up with long time friends. Travel to Hawaii is different, and reminds me of visiting regions where Indigenous people still live in their traditional homelands. Visiting is like visiting someone’s home-you conduct yourself respectfully, and don’t presume you can show up just because you want to. A little oversimplified but it is on my mind when I do visit.
I love your channel because you tell it how it is without being condescending or loading the emotional baggage. I took a break from instagram for a while because it made me sad to see people I grew up with Hawaii-splaining outsiders about tourism and land grabs. These are real issues fir sure, but it feels unrelated and like it’s sending the wrong message to a large group of people who probably care about what’s going on.
Chris! I love your channel! My feelings are the same and we were about to sell our home. We were going to sell our home to a local Hawaiian/Japanese family and I chose them specifically because I wanted to have them stay here. I would love to be in that video that you make next to get my perspective in that almost sale. Unfortunately the buyers backed out because my Aunty didnt share that part of the house was unpermitted. We bought my Aunty's house for $892,500. We placed thw home we bought from her for 1,025,000. Super crazy! Also, my husband got a nuclear power job in NY, that is why we had to move and sale. My cousin was pushing me to rent and I'm glad I said no, because we'll find out why later. The highest bid was 1,050,000. I told my cousin who is my realtor (we do a lot of our business in house) that we want to sell to a local/Hawaiian family. That was my top priority. Guess what? The highest bid was a local Hawaiian family. They put down $220,000. I was impressed! I would have taken the lower bid as well if they were native Hawaiian. Here is the drama that ensued while going through this sale. Our house appraised fine during the purchase from my aunty and she swore all permits were there when renovations were done in the 80s and 2018. My husbands VA loan appraisser approved everything. Now going through this sale during the summer, the buyers found and did heavy research and said, "Hey, the blueprint plans don't match up with the permits. Well, come to find out, my Uncle Bob was a contractor and decided to add on the master room, bathroom, and laundry room without permits. The appraiser approved the house for sale lower than asking price and the buyers home owner insurance said they wouldn't cover an unpermitted area. We were all crushed and the buyers backed out. Now I have to hire an architect to draw up plans to submit to the DPP to wait for approval and this will cost around $12,000. It is such a mess and I am such a huge advocate for selling to local/Hawaiian families. Also, people will need at least 200 to $300,000 to put down on a house. We put down $302,000 for my aunty's house, but let me tell you. Facing those bidding wars were crazy when I moved back home from Grad school. Every home we bidded on, someone was bidding higher. I got discouraged till my aunty spoke up and said she was selling her house. Super long but I really wanted to share my experience. Keep it up Chris! I still love this house, it just sucks that my Aunty wasn't honest about the unpermitted work. 😢 Also, the local family that wanted this home, couldn't get it because of negligence. Massive hugs and Aloha to you!!!!❤ Tiger Pride!!!!
EVERYONE in Hawaii is an immigrant! Around 450 AD, the first humans there were from the Marquesas Islands. Around 600 AD, much larger numbers immigrated from Tahiti. There was conflict and the Tahitians dominated. Much later, the British arrived with Captain Cook, then came the Portuguese, Germans and Norwegians. They were followed by the Japanese, Chinese and Filipinos. So, we're all immigrants in Hawaii.
So what, no one outside Africa has right to self-determination because our ancestors all walked out from there? Self-determination is a basic human right which was denied to the native Hawaiians. Hawaii was an independent monarchy illegally overthrown by the US. US interests then brought in the waves of foreign workers who became the majority of people. Native Hawaiians had all their land stolen by outside people and their culture and people oppressed and decimated. When Hawaii became a state, it was primarily non-Hawaiians who made that push. You want to make this kind of argument that no one has any right to a homeland since the location of man's true homeland is an unknown location somewhere in Africa, so basically it's all up for grabs for the ones who have the most guns. No thank you.
@@mossfloss Every human on earth has the right of self-determination. Conflicts and wars result when people inevitably disagree on the details. In Hawaii, the Tahitian immigrants prevailed over the Marquesas Immigrants who preceded them. Subsequent immigrants also brought change. Conflict and change is normal in human affairs and history teaches us that democracy, NOT monarchs and dictators, is the best way to PEACEFULLY resolve our differences. Most don't know that there was a Hawaiian revolution where the people revolted against the monarchy and replaced it with a Democratic Republic. Queen Liliokalani angered many Hawaiians by reversing much of King Kalakaua's pro-immigrant, pro-growth policies. That caused the revolution. The USA did NOT overthrow the monarchy. The Republic of Hawaii INVITED the USA in. Hawaiians wanted the USA because of the threats of Japanese or Russian control of Hawaii.
@@tanzanable I'm not a Hawaiian history expert, so I'm not going to squabble over the details of what bribes, lies, backstabs, corruption, and broken agreements were made that resulted in the US gaining control and the Hawaiian population being shoved off their land to make room for plantations and the thousands of foreign workers to cut the cane. But common sense will tell you that the vast majority of native Hawaiians never dreamed or wanted that essentially all the land would end up being snatched by a few corporations and families and that over the next hundred years they would be nearly exterminated as a people. What does "democracy" mean to a people when their land has been overrun by vast numbers of foreigners? If me and my 100 cousins invade your house and then proclaim that it is ours now because we voted for it, you gonna be happy with that?
Thanks for your thoughts. You put them so clearly. You have a real knack for honing in on a situation and stating it clearly, it seems to me. There is a lot on social media about dislike of people coming to Hawaii. Especially now, in the shadow of the loss of Lahaina, and the expected battles over land and water there, and considering the disrespect some vacationers showed for the astounding losses on Maui. It is hard for outsiders to know whether to listen to the people saying, "Stay away, from Maui and from the rest of Hawaii, for that matter," or to the people saying, "Maui's open. Please come." Because both messages are out there. There is no excuse for snorkeling in Lahaina harbor. Period. It's disrespectful, and stupid as well. But is there really a reason to cancel the Waikiki vacation that you're been looking forward to for years? Well, it depends on who you ask. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the housing issue. It's a problem being faced not only in Hawaii, but many places in the nation, right now. Thanks as always .
I agree about the mixed messages. I'm not on social media a lot so I don't see it firsthand, but I know that message of stay away is out there. Just trying to put another opinion out there to help balance that narrative. 🤙
What a wonderful message, and so needed on Maui at this time. It is a base human condition that we would rather look outside ourselves to place blame for our problems on, well, “outsiders.” All we can do is look at ourselves. With the fires, we want to find an outsider super villain, or super weapon, rather than do the mundane work of looking at the local problems, and the weather and the increasingly hot climate. We have an opportunity to build back our older neighborhoods with updated building codes. The electric company, the water company, the fire department, the police department, the building department, lands management, the local emergency management departments, the roads planning department, all have to take a hard look at themselves and plan urgently for a changing and better future. This fire was compounded by so many things that were in our control to prevent, but we either didn’t, or we were moving towards prevention too slowly.
Every time I watch your videos I always have the urge to come back and spend a good 10-day vacation. Thank you for enlightening future visitors. I love your videos. see you soon!
Chris, I'm from California. Everyone from most other states do not want us to move to their states. I guess you could say we are not really welcome anywhere, especially other west coast states like Oregon and Washington. So I know what you mean. Take care!
Well if it weren’t so expensive and we could move to your state, then we wouldn’t have to have that mindset. So make housing affordable and available for people who want to move to your state so you can be welcomed into other states?!
@@randomexploring541 it's not just housing costs either. It's the mental defect that keeps them from understanding how their states got to where they are and that they are to blame for it.
Yes I was in oregon..I had a friend who was from CA and moved there friendly..but of I never mentioned they thought I was from.there I was accepted..however those who knew were never friendly..
People from CA sell their expensive real estate and buy premium properties elsewhere. I remember people moving into CA from different states during the 70's and 80's, locals didn't like that either. Bottom line, the best approach is not to care what other people think, that is wisdom. Do what's best for you and your family.
I've been the guy staring at you. And it isn't you personally. It's a perception of invasion. My apologies if I've ever encountered you, I wasn't always able to articulate properly, in my younger years I was quick to anger and took everything personally.
@@HelloFromHawaii hey bro I just want to apologize to you personally for my interaction with Nicksparks. He's a punk troll and I allowed him to piss me off. Apologies Bradda. You're doing good here, and your voice is appreciated.
I lived on the Big Island (Hilo) for 3 years and Kihei for 2. I think the way many mainlanders can act when they visit or move to Hawaii can be a serious problem too. Maui was overwhelmed with tourists and many of them acted so selfishly they sounded like children. I remember a guy at a resort in Wailea (I was headed out for a morning dive) complaining to the (seriously underpaid, barely getting by) staff that 'I've been so busy touring I haven't even had a chance to relax!' Many who do move to Hawaii don't appear to want to integrate with the community - they just want to make Hawaii the mainland. I liked Hilo far, far better because it never tried to be the mainland. First thing I did when I moved was read A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands so I could better understand the place I was living, including small things like why the DMV was closed for Kamehameha Day. Oh and I actively worked on understanding pidgin as quickly as I could. I ultimately moved out of the state because I was priced out of the housing market due to rich tourists buying 2nd, 3rd, and 4th homes that they visited once a year and treated like an investment. I think there are steps the government could take to address housing. I actually fully understand the anger... I'm a haole and I was angry LOL
Mahalo for sharing. I think Maui is unique in that it has a lot of non-locals living there. So maybe they feel that they don't need to integrate because they are forming their own community?
@@HelloFromHawaii @HelloFromHawaii Yeah I think that could be a big part of it. A ton of retirees (especially from PNW and Canada). I think it tends to attract people who want what the mainland has, but in Hawaii, so as it gets more of that it probably attracts more people wanting that.
Thanks for the vlog! I agree with a lot of what you mentioned. I believe traveling to other places, not just within the United States but around the world, will bridge a lot of difference gaps. A lot of our perceptions are influenced by what we see on TV or in the news. But what we see on TV and the news is a moment in time and may not represent all the people in that location.
Your points on selling property to outsiders for more money applies everywhere. When we bought our property here in MA, the man who sold it to us wanted someone to buy it who was not going to develop it, someone who appreciated nature and would respect and preserve the land as it was. There was a builder also interested in buying it at the time as we were and who offered more money, but the owner took our lower offer because we fit his idea of who he wanted to sell to. We were very surprised. But, he was wealthy, so the money wasn't important to him. He could afford to choose who he sold to and the land had a lot of sentimental value to him. Thanks for the video!
You are a bresth of fresh air.❤ We are all in the same fishbowl living in a world of opposites on this little blue dot trying to row our boats through it all. I love all the diverse cultures and customs when they do no harm. How boring if we were all the exact same. Mans inhumanity to man is so sad.😪
Great points. The islands are known for hospitality. I believe moving too far away from that as the core is where things can go wrong. Embodying hospitality, true hospitality, that families and communities offer, allows for the right things to remain central and always overflowing. The right things done for the right reasons seem to have a way of happening naturally and with few barriers.
I would recommend experiencing Hawaii for yourself. Each island of Hawaii is different. The locals may be welcoming and good to you on one island while locals on another island may not be welcoming.
I don't really agree with that statement because Hawaii is a melting pot we've got people coming from all over the world so how the hell are we going to be sheltered?
Beautiful video and message braddah. Been born and raised here but have always felt like an outsider. for many years, i tried to reach out and cultivate new relationships with others living here but always found it difficult since i was constantly rejected and shut out since i was never part of any "high school" buddy clique or neighborhood. on top of that, you see all the new transplants coming here with their mindsets and certain biases about people who look different from them and unfortunately, act in ways that are at times insensitive and rude. that being said, your message about aloha being unconditional and shared with others regardless of where we come from is what we needed to hear in these divisive and difficult times. much mahalo and aloha to you as well sir. 😊🤙
Mahalo. I know the rejection is hard. We're not in elementary school anymore. But I've found that if you keep trying to reach out, you'll find the right people. 🤙
Not gon lie, I get annoyed when people move here without knowing what they’re getting into because they come and all they do COMPLAIN. So let me break this down. Bruh, it’s like they don’t realize this is an island in the middle of nowhere. 1. Bad traffic 2. Everything is expensive 3. No Mexican restaurants 4. If you don’t know what someone’s ethnicity is, ask them don’t assume they’re Hawaiian or even a local.
Good points brought up. Being native Hawaiian, I moved back to the islands cause I realized raising my kids on the mainland caused them to lose their culture. So now I’m raising my younger kids here & hope they can stay here and have a connection to the land. The more people who move here drive up the costs so my choice to move back here was to hope that maybe I could give my kids an OPTION to live here if they choose, cause it’s not an option for my older ones. We lucked out buying our place in 2021 in a bidding war. We were NOT top dollar, actually came in thousands under appraised value, but the seller knew I was a local planning to one day move in & would not displace the local tenants at the time. Recently went to Kauai and while beautiful, was saddened to see less locals there than here on Oahu. My husband is Italian so I told him “It’s like going to Italy with no Italians”, so I hope my kids can always stay here if they want & maybe have a connection to the aina. It’s part of our culture and tradition that should be passed down.
You went to Kauai and "saw" there were barely any locals? That's not really possible unless you ask everyone where they graduated from HS. You must mean you saw a lot of white people...
@@Nicksparks-nb3qp Actually, no. It goes deeper than the color of skin. There is an essence to being local that having been born and raised here, you pick up the subtleties. Is there an accent? And I’m not talking pidgin. There is an emphasis on certain vowels when words are said. How they dress. You can see it in the way people walk. In fact, I think this channel had a video on the local style of walking. Or the way they drive. It caught us so off guard that my husband said it felt like Palm Springs on a tropical island. I even looked at him and said “Are we only in the tourist spots?” That when he went back to work he asked someone born and raised from Kaua’i & showed him where we visited. To which he said “The locals are on the other side of the island & that the island is basically split into two”
I can understand aloha being a two-way street though. Everywhere with heavy tourism sees this, people who care only/mostly about their vacation and not their attitudes or the people who actually live there. It is a home to many, with its own culture and history, and some do just think of it as a playground. I actually think this is part of why community organization has been so effective in Lahaina. People are binded by a local culture that values community and is (at the end of the day) rather inclusive. In many places in the US, that just doesn't exist.
Thats what is going to happen in Lahaina. People wont be able to wait up to two or three years to rebuild. Alot will take the highest bidder to get rid of their property and move on.
It's a fine line maintaining the integrity of a place while still being welcoming. Any place I travel I'm hyper aware of being respectful, especially if it's to a location and culture I'm unfamiliar with. I don't get the people who travel and act like some kind of emporer who must be catered to. For me, the appeal of travel is learning about cultures. I sound like a broken record, but if Hawaii had more diversity in its economy it wouldn't be tied to the "golden handcuffs" of tourism and there would be other means of bringing in money to the state and providing a wider range of career opportunities to locals so that they could afford to stay in Hawaii if they wanted. Also, I like your shirt 🙂
Everyone always says that Hawaii needs to diversity it's economy. It's so easy to say. So let's you and I have that conversation. How do you suggest we diversity it? Please give some viable suggestions. I'll wait...
Truly a great perspective.. every group has bad apples but lots ok kind and down to earth people from the mainland who respect and love the culture in Hawai’i
Part of the challenge is folks moving here and not even attempting to assimilate. At least learn basic history, some pidgin and some local ways. Although, I guess Kama‘aina have been saying this for a few hundred years, regarding Malahini (outsiders)? I grew up white (and I'm still white. lol) on the Big Island and know all about outsider status. So, I'm compassionate about being treated as an outsider which makes me wonder if it's more about an attitude? Like you mentioned, the "better than". Another great video, Chris! Ho‘o maikai ana! 🤙🏼
Reminds me a lot of how things are here in Japan. The nuance is significantly different, but the resistance towards change and new, but helpful ideas was similar. This will probably be helpful for a lot of people to hear.
Whats crazy is this is happening everywhere at this point. Nicer, small towns or worse resort areas are getting absolutely invaded by people moving out of cities or mostly California, Seattle, Portland. We despise the ones moving here, it’s very similar to the Hawaiian sentiment. They are changing our towns so quickly, driving up the prices, filling up schools, teams, clubs, it is frustrating. Progressive policy has destroyed California and most inner cities, people are escaping the madness.
We don’t have the money to move there so it’s a non issue. Although Hawaii is doable for vacations (and we’re always treated super nice). I think if we were a young family with kids, then how we would fit in (as mainlanders) is a big consideration. If we could afford to move to Hawaii, it would be for the clean air, warm weather and slower pace. Im not very social. At a certain age, and from my perspective, other people’s issues are theirs. Haters are going to hate. I’m drawn to smiles and go around frowns. Ha ha ha Aloha
There are many view points. Every town, school, village have their local perspective... your thinking of Hawaii is just a larger scope. Example, you know if you grew up in Aiea when you lived there before the H-1 freeway and know the local places ... Speedys. Kanda, etc Same with people who grew up in Waianae and know Tamura's, 442 courts Searider stadium ... or Waialua Sagara okazuya ... Generations of families have enjoyed their shoyu hot dog, fried rice, chow fun, potato tempura, gobo and sushi and other food items... if you grew up in the area, you know about being local to that place. When you travel to another global place, you are the visitor and know who is local ... Best to respect and appreciate the friendly culture and be open to differences. Being an outsider is relative. Oahu people can be considered an outsider to outer islands and vice versa. Let's live Aloha! We are all foreigners!
@@HelloFromHawaii Same with surf spots ... they know the towny and country surfers .. or the regular player at the tennis courts ...they know the new outsiders
I understand the sentiment of the locals against people coming to change their culture. It is painful and disturbing. But if the people in the other 49 tells any ethnic group, including Hawaiians, that they should be excluded from coming to their "place", it will be scandalous and ugly indeed! I was not born in the U S A, although I am a citizen enjoying the liberty and freedom that this nation provides for asylum seekers as me. I had good and bad experiences with Americans, but as a whole they accepted me. I am bicultural. Sad to say, there is very little love now days in people`s hearts. Reminds me of Jesus´ words that in the last days, nation will be against nation and people´s groups against each other. Wars, hatred, troubles. . . We all must come to terms with our vulnerability and come to God and repent and love our neighbors, regardless of their outward look, culture, etc. as ourselves. Above all, one must forgive each other, for then, our Lord will forgive us of our failures and sins. It is not easy, but the man who died on the cross, the Son of God, is the example to follow, and He said: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing" Hatred and bitterness make one to be a slave in chains of all kind of obfuscations. There is a better way than bitterness and resentment, that of love, forgiveness and acceptance. My prayers and deep condolence for all the Hawaiians, my respect to a land that has suffered much, but blessed with kindhearted individuals and natural beauty. Aloha, from the Alligator state of Florida!
It was the Locals (Asians) of Hawaii themselves who pushed very hard for Statehood, especially after WWII, despite initial resistance from Congress - notably the Southern _Democrats._
I plan on moving to hawaii to live a quiet life off grid . If locals dont want to deal with me thats okay thats fine . Unlike some im keeping what land i can afford natural and not bulldozing the entire plot .
Tough topic. I'll comment on things that some won't agree on. The historical point. True and the statement about being open to new thinking moving into Hawaii is a particularly promising idea. The examples of people saying this is how we do things goes both ways for locals and new transplants that locals might get offended that someone is saying things are better this way or their way and vice versa, without understanding much about the pro's & cons of the change. My good friend wasn't a great student, but he was smart when someone asked him about doing something, he analytically broke down the steps to do the item, his mind factored in level of effort, energy, time, and materials needed to do the job. He also factored in other ways of doing the same job, comparing the steps and such. Rather than impose, both sides should be flexible to listen first, understand each other and even include individual preferences/taste. The historical aspect should also be considered that for some segments of the locals can 'let it go and move forward', others can't seem to which makes them vocal, where the ones moving forward are less inclined to vocalize their position. There are generations of locals getting scores of professional, technical, and respectable positions across the islands and nation; they've all accomplished it at being good at what they do. They communicate, cooperate, discuss, and work with scores of people local and non-local. They love the islands like everyone else, but some of them realize that living in Hawaii is not easy or cheap. Nor can change miraculously happen overnight to change the economics of the islands. There are only two major industries that bring revenue into the state, visitor industry & Federal funds. Hurting either will send major ripples throughout the island's economy that would invariably hurt the locals much more than anyone else. Sometimes, some locals forget that, but they might want to look at other Pacific Isle communities and how their standard of living is.
Aloha 🌼 I have lived in California since the 1980's and experienced living in tourist areas like beach towns and ski areas. I completely agree with you in regards to why locals would not want tourists / mainlanders to come over. It has a way of slow change over time or even fast change. ( Real estate greed, traffic, over crowding, pollution issues and the worst problem of all; snobby entitlement ). There's nothing worse than dealing with spoiled, snobby entitled tourists. They can absolutely ruin a town once they move in to become residents. These people need to leave their ego's behind and try to change into better humans. Of course this is only a percentage of people. No matter what race, ethnicity or color: we are all God's children. It's a heart issue at the core. Unfortunately; some people now are just driven by their ego's, money, expensive cars, homes, vacations, etc. These people are devoid of kindness, the golden rule and love for other people. Sad to be so blinded by greed, etc. And to treat others as invisible pieces of furniture. People should be absolutely loving on one another in these last days and hours; before Jesus comes back in the rapture. There's not much time left. Every prophesy has come true. I pray daily for Lahaina, Maui, the Hawaiian Islands and our country. Keep trusting in God . . . 🌴🌴🦚🌈🌅🌴🌴🌴🌼🤍🌼🌴🦚
Once again a thought provoking video. I have made comments that Hawaii has hit the wall when it is comes to housing. The state doesn't have enough and what is being built is priced higher than working people can afford. Now this isn't only a Hawaii problem but is common in many metropolitan areas. Zoning laws, communities fighting development, and developers building luxury housing. The people who are complaining that housing is too expensive kind of created this perfect storm. Once again this isn't only a Hawaii problem. Hawaii is unique because it is an island. Maryland has expensive housing(Not as expensive as Hawaii) people can well choose to commute from area's that have lower housing costs. People will commute from Pennsylvania, Delaware where housing is less expensive or live is less desirable location in Maryland like Baltimore City or areas in Maryland where schools are not as good or not as safe area's. I guess people in Hawaii could commute from different islands where housing is less than Oahu like Molokai. But the locals of Molokai will like the development. I have been traveling to Hawaii for 15 years and have many friends that are local. I always make an effort to support local businesses. I make sure I respect the culture and the local people living in the state. I try to return the Aloha spirit and eat a couple meals at Zippy's and L&L BBQ. Both restaurants would do well on the mainland. Once again I apologize for the lengthy comment on Housing but your video's are discussing topics that go beyond the state of Hawaii.
Love this video, which I think in my opinion, is very genuine and eloquently spoken. I have a coworker who's from the Midwest like me, but she's Caucasian (or what most people consider here in Hawaii as haole) and I'm visibly Asian (Chinese-Vietnamese American for context... after all, I'm in Hawai'i now where people don't really identify with Asian like I used to in St. Louis as a minority). We're going through this funny conversation together about baby photos that we're using as a game for an internal company dinner, and my coworker tells my boss jokingly, "You don't think my baby photo will stand out?" It obviously does because she's the only Caucasian/white/haole person in the company, and now, I am surrounded by people who look more visibly like me. It's like I'm living a culture clash comedy. =P I told her that when I was in the Midwest, I was usually the exception visibly, which was the story of most of my life growing up in a place where I was the minority. I apologize for digressing, but my coworker's conversation with me and my boss is funny because our boss is local, and this person hired us (technically not locals although I probably visibly look like one). I can't speak for my coworker, but my guess is that she and I feel very welcomed in a very locally dominated place like Hilo, but she experiences life in Hilo a little more differently than I do because of all the baggage in Hawai'i's history. It's important to mention though that I admire her sort of awareness, and I'm in my own way aware of my position here too. I think both of us are here with a high degree of respect for the culture(s) here, and we are doing our best to consult with local wisdom and contribute towards the local fabric and needs here. With that, I've grown up where the term "white privilege" is social term, I'm familiar with as a minority growing up. Before I moved to Hawaii, I asked myself if there's such thing as "Asian privilege" as in benefiting by passing as a local at least as a first impression. Because of my micro-experience with my coworker and a conversation with a community leaders, I'm aware of my own privilege simply because I am in some ways "passing" which might seem at face value as unfair to my other Midwest counterpart if I asked her, but I guess the reverse can be said if I was in the Midwest. That's the funny dynamics when we have the gift of hindsight of living in 2 different parts of the world, I guess. Having said that, I have to laugh at myself for things I didn't understand when I first moved here like this guy who saw that I dropped something, and he was yelling "Hui!" so that he could get my attention. I realized later he ran across an entire grass field to give me something while all the while I heard "Hui!" and had no idea this guy was trying to get my attention. Also, I didn't know that there was a certain way to drive into gas stations to make it run efficiently, so ironically, a local haole (Caucasian) was telling me off for not parking the right way, but now I know and haven't made the same mistake twice. Yeesh! =P Also, it's still a little strange for me to type "haole" because I simply didn't grow up with that term. When a local said "Caucasian" to me next to a local haole next to him, I said, "Eh, for some reason I feel like I'm back on the mainland with that term!" The haole woman laughed at me and so did the local guy who mentioned that word to me. There's plenty of peace and humor in these intercultural conversations. Thanks for reading my "novel." =P
I live in Montana and we generally resent newcomers but don’t notice newcomers if they try to fit in. There is an odd dynamic of being resistant to change from the outside.
“Can Anyone Move to Hawaii? In 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state. As a result, anyone who has the ability to legally live in the United States-including citizens and permanent residents-can move to Hawaii. Legally, it's just like moving to any other state.“
well said* If I was a "local" living in the most beautiful place, (and feel short changed) i'd probably be pissed off too at how some mainlanders act the damn fool in my state, or (buy up every piece of land, or buildings) in sight - I get it ! but people act crazy & disrespectful in all 50 States - smh. I think (like you said) Hawaii is so isolated, that the opportunity to rub elbows is limited (to learn and interact from each other)- which is why there's so much mistrust ! but on the flip side, it's unrealistic, and a bit ignorant to take ownership of a state !? It's like me saying "don't come or move to Maryland, hell no stay away" lolol Sorry, but It don't work that way boo boo !
Mahalo! Chris! I’ve been on your channel once or twice. This is the first time I’ve been here in months. Nice to know you’re still covering it. & as someone who lives on (The USA MainLand not other countries kind of MainLand) that being said. I definitely understand that there’s a sense of protection and sense of personal that comes along with it. That being said Hawaiians generalizing not just Outsiders but generalizing everyone else into one massive group like they’re a bunch of BrainDead KICK Streamers INFLUENCERS *WHICH🤢🤮 do ruin the tone but not every outsider is them. I’d love to see a Hawaii where eventually there was a niché amongst everyone. Obviously this going to change hardly anyone’s mind but maybe to a jaded hardened Hawaiian maybe this changed your mind a bit. Aloha 🤙
Mahalo for the comment. I think most locals are generally easy going and very kind to those who aren't from here. There's a small and often loud minority that don't and they express those opinions online, which is too bad because it paints all locals like that. I think it's why videos like this one are important so that there is a more moderate view that others can hear.
Good honest discussion regarding outsiders in Hawaii (or any other community for that matter). I would love to move to Hawaii at some point, and being Asian, I believe that I can fit in (over time), perhaps more so than some parts of the Bay Area and California. But all the points you bring up are valid. I just wish that we could actually have an actual discussion format as well where we can share and voice our opinions. By the way, there are "bad actors" in every community, and that's sad and at times infuriating. But the actions of a few shouldn't be clumped into the majority. Just my two cents.
I hope that platforms like this are where we could have discussions, if not in real life. It's pretty unbelievable some of the things people say in online posts and comments. I can't imagine they'd say that to someone's face.
If someone doesn't want you living in their state because you are from a different state and they make that clear to you, they've done you a favor. You now know they are intolerant, spiteful and to be avoided.
Yeah I grew up on one of the islands. The greed in Hawaii now isn't worth going. Go to Tahiti it's 1/3 the cost, same kind of food, and you don't get stink eye when you go.
Do you mean the insulting $700? Old Homes in Hawaii cost close to a million dollars. If that's what you mean then the federal government can have it. It comes with to much regulation. Or do you mean the billions going to Ukraine. For money laundering and kick backs to fund weapons that end up on the black market. But the people of hawaii do pay federal taxes. Do Ukrainians pay federal taxes? The locals did more for it's own people the lack of governmental response.
And why not dude? They pay taxes. I’m Hawaiian my house didn’t burn or destroyed by wind or rain but for 55 years I’ve paid heavy taxes so disaster aid is owed if not for me my people.
I've been considering moving there for a long time, weighing all aspects. One thing you could mention is where in Hawaii? Obviously Honolulu is more accepting than say Molokai.
I think different islands and parts of the island will be more accepting than others. Oahu has so many people, though, that you'll probably find some community to fit in.
The only thing that I agree with your assessment is the last statement of showing Aloha to others who are not from Hawaii. Regardless of where anyone is from, the people of the islands are most hospitalable to everyone. There's a saying "only in Hawaii where the warmth and love for all mankind is shared." The diversity of races living among each other is fantastic. In fact, that's probably why everyone gets along with each other.
A good friend moved to Oahu about 15 years ago. After the third time flying out there to visit, I'd had enough. My name for Oahu is "ghetto island." Let the locals keep that place to themselves. In fact, it would be interesting if all tourist stopped going to those islands. Without any tourism industry, the ghetto would get much worse.
To have conversations and to be Pono about every decision will ensure that the good ideas arise, the good people move there (not just the greedy), and the locals have a chance to stay. These are important topics I think should be discussed more often. The corrupted, crime ridden ideas are making Hawai'i into the ghetto of the Pacific with luxury high rises and stores.
As a person that's not a local I lived in hawaii, I moved and will never go back my experience was horrible the cost of living is terrible, the majority of locals don't want outsiders but like the revenue the tourists bring in , it's overrated and not what you think it is.
My Japanese granny never liked Portuguese or Haoles.. During the plantation days, the Portuguese (Podigee) were the luna or enforcers(now they da cops! lol). And pre WWII, haoles were very racist to Japanese. Many of the plantation workers didn't know they were arriving in Hawaii to work. After US annexation, many plantation workers were freed from their contracts as the contracts resembled slavery and were deemed illegal. Many of those Japanese, Chinese, filipino, Korean, podigee, porto rican workers stayed as they could not afford to travel back home. That's when tourism comes in... The history is very deep rooted, relevant and did not happen too long ago. As a local Japanese I identify and am connected to Hawaiian and local Hawaii culture more than I will ever be connected to Japan. In fact, if I go Japan they know I not one of them just by the way I look.
My 2 cents as someone from Hawaii and whose family has been in Hawaii since the kingdom time. What I see as a big issue with US mainlanders moving to Hawaii is their unwillingness to assimilate to Hawaii culture. Just a generalization but it’s something local Hawaii people say a lot. The people that move here from the US mainland would rather make Hawaii like the place they’re from instead of enjoying Hawaii for what it is and assimilating themselves with the local culture. It’s not something you see too much from the people from Asian countries that move here because they seem to be more willing assimilate to Hawaii culture.
Appreciate the comment and I know it can be frustrating when there is resistance to assimilating to Hawaii's culture. Just as an aside, how do you think locals who move away to Vegas or other parts assimilate to those cultures?
@@HelloFromHawaii Appreciate you responding to my comment. I think local Hawaii people assimilate to places on the continent mostly through work and everyday interactions with people in their area. Talk to the locals of that area and try to take part in the culture of that area. To me it’s about enjoying the place you’re at. Not wishing it was something else. But it is hard to compare someone from the mainland moving to Hawaii vs a Hawaii person moving to the mainland. The scale is much different. Hawaii is a group of islands with limited area and, if you live here, most people will know who you are through your relationships/interactions. Good or bad. The mainland is so vast. If you don’t like one area, you could just move to another place that you’d rather live and would more easily assimilate into.
I may be the poorest person that ever went to Kauai multiple times and I was always treated with kindness by the locals. I look like a hippie surfer so they knew I was on the level. I still listen to KKCR every now and then to get that aloha spirit injection. I've been to a lot of places and Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
@@HelloFromHawaii we are all children of the earth. Born here to experience it, I dream of a world without borders, but also a world without tyrants and dictators where the will of the people to live in peace and harmony with nature is respected and cherished. Peace and love in the one infinite Creator
Regardless of what happened in the past ,100 yrs ago before any of us even existed, Hawaii is part of America now , so any American should be able to move / visit there with out the native Hawaiians getting mad . Iam saying this as an American that spent my first 12 years of life growing up in Hawaii (best memories I have are from Hawaii) then my family moved to the mainland and Ive always wanted to go back . I will go back when Iam ready to retire . We are all Ohana . Love and respect to all in Hawaii .
Just a note about the "Locals", more than 50% of Hawaii's non-Hawaiians residents are born elsewhere, and less than 5% of Native Hawaiians are 100% Hawaiian and 95% of Native Hawaiian are admixture with Outsiders.
Some mainlanders coming to Hawaii: 'Kindly let me help you or you will drown said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree.' If I was a local from Hawaii I'd be like NO THANK YOU!
Hawaiians love to play the "haole" card, but it was Ka'ahumanu who struck down the kapu system and started a chain of events, i.e. Christianity, from which there was no turning back. Under Kamehameha II in 1819 'Ai Noa allowed men and women to eat together as well as feasting on kalua pig and ahi poke. And then there was Kamehameha III and the 1848 Great Mahele land reform which effectively separated commoners from the land as he embraced the system of Anglo-American law. While it's true that foreigners could now own land, the news never reached the commoners. It's easy to blame outsiders, but the real culprits in 2023 if it can be said, are supply and demand, and the Golden Rule: "They who have the gold make the rules".
We're full bro. Our roads can't handle more traffic, our stores can't handle more shopers. As it is every time a cruise ship comes to the island our stores are emptied and locals are left without. No can dis kine.
@@HelloFromHawaii I don't mean land wise bro, I mean infrastructure. We just don't have it to support more transplants. Shit our stores can't even handle it when the tourists come in. Us locals go without, know what I mean. BTW I'm speaking from Big Island, not sure if I mentioned that.
I have sympathy for locals. I couldn't afford to buy a home in my home state, either. All my life. I rented there. Now I rent in Hawai'i. Malama dear Maui. Malama dear Hawai'i.
Many people look at Hawaii and change their minds because the cost of living is so high. I don't understand all the possessiveness around this place because it is part of the USA and not another country. Don't people realize all places have issues and it's not just Hawaii?
Likely because "Hawaiians" are only those with native Hawaiian blood and the rest of us are "locals"/"residents"/"kama'aina"~even those born+raised in the islands~
Im Hawaiian and if I wanna move back to live on my mother land....I damn sure will...cause I dont talk pidgin dont mean I dont represent yall locals recognize
There should be a restriction on how much land rich people can purchase. It’s now like putting the toothpaste back in the tube. Oprah and Zuckerberg to name a couple billionaires should not have been allowed to purchase so much. I’m sure there are more hidden, and the sellers sold out. I don’t understand why. I loved my time in Maui and Oahu for 13 years. I moved to escape a local white abusive man to protect my children and me. It broke my heart because the first love from family came from the beautiful kanaka. My biological family never gave me that kind of love. Thank you Hawaii for loving me.
People in the United States can move wherever they want. I am born and raised in CA but I can’t stop anyone from moving here so I stopped stressing and am welcoming. Just like feeling better. When you stress over what’s not in your control it makes you feel like crap.
I can totally feel that Native Hawaiians don't like outsiders on their beautiful land. Especially the people who just come for a few years, or leave after a few years because they didn;'t like it the way they thought.The outsiders take away their houses, their land, their jobs. And if they even don't submerse themselves in the culture, the community, then I also wouldn't want outsiders in my very small village where I live now. And Hawaii is such a precious 'small' special part of the world. I understand that the Native Hawaiians want to preserve that. The beauty of Aloha is so beautiful but I certainly can understand that some natives just can't hold on to it. And I think that is not their shortcoming but the shortcoming of the outsiders who just don't adjust to the place they are coming to.
Lots of great comments and discussion on this video. Wish I could pin several of the comments, but if you're interested in this topic, I'd highly recommend scrolling through the comments. 🤙
Are you pure Hawaiian?
Good points on a hard issue. The only ones who have a real argument are native Hawaiians, which most "locals" are not. Most of what is considered to be "Hawaiian" culture is not really Hawaiian. Spam musubi, shave ice, chow fun, saimin, rubber slippahs, lomi salmon, li hing mui, pancit, manapua, butter mochi (bibingka), pidgin english, jong ken po, are not "Hawaiian," but are imports. Asians and pacific islanders are not "Hawaiian." Pacific islanders may have related cultures and languages, but that doesn't make them "Hawaiian." So, arguments for "locals only" priority is usually just some kind of underlying racism favoring one group of "immigrants" over another. Does someone whose family is from Tonga or Manila or Okinawa have somehow more desirability than someone born in Kansas? For the record, I grew up in Hawaii, my grandparents were from Okinawa and my stepdad was 100% pure Hawaiian, so I get the "locals only" thing. But I let it go too.
I totally agree and understand what you’re saying. I’m Hawaiian because both of my deceased parents were Hawaiian but Dad was also Portuguese, and Mom was Irish, Scottish and Native American. The people who have suffered the most are the Original Kanaka Maoli’s. Which are very few in numbers. I have no problem with people being in the Islands and want to live in Hawaii. My Great great Grandparents came from England and Hawaii. Both sides of my family had served in WWI, WWII. All my Uncles in the Army. My dad was a retired Army combat veteran who served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. I was in the Marine Corps and served in the Persian Gulf War. I was born in Hawaii before it became a State. My wife was also born in Hawaii before It became a State. She’s also an Air Force veteran. Her father was a WWII veteran and a retired Navy Veteran. My sister-I-law was an Army Veteran. My wife is Samoan, Peruvian and we’ve been married now for 46 years. We both love the Aloha spirit that people have and I believe that’s what’s missing from some Island folks. We both miss our home. But unfortunately we decided to move to the mainland after I had retired from the Marine Corps in 1994 and have been here ever since. The way I see it is we all are human beings on this planet called Earth and it doesn’t matter who or what you are and where you came from. Literally everyone came from their mothers. I’m just saying We are all human beings period and we all need to learn how to live together as God wants us to. Mahalo for you guys dong what’s right the Aloha Way. Big Mahalo Nui Loa 😊
Great point.
@oakvillehigh poor choice of example. The Japanese population in Hawai`i were, like many of the asian cultures here, brought in as sugarcane/pineapple workers. A great many earned respect after service in the war - many from the same unit pooled their training and skills to essentially establish a new group of business owners that grew organically within the Hawai`ian community - to attribute their cultural "inclusion" as "mixed"/hapa breeding is insultingly inaccurate.
Mahalo for the comment. Appreciate it 🤙
@oakvillehigh In the 1970s there was a lot of resentment towards Japan. They had their economic boom and started buying up a lot of properties here in Hawaii. But local Japanese have never really been outsiders to the local community. There were over 300 thousand Japanese brought over to work the plantations. By 1910 Japanese were the largest ethnic group in Hawaii. What do you mean treated as "outsiders"?
I look at it like this: The state of HI has constantly dropped the ball on native Hawaiians, its treated their own folks as second class citizens while giving preferential treatment to big moneyed interest, esp. foreign investors from both the US and Asia(CH/JP/SK, ect..). I 100% get why they're mad. Maui is the latest thing that has compounded an already huge problem on housing accessibility and rights of the local people. I've also said recently this is an opportunity to actually get it right, one that balances both the financial needs for development while still providing affordable options to citizens of the state. It also has the opportunity to create cleaner, greener energy, more modern energy on Maui with solar/wind, that's if HECO doesn't go under..
On the flipside of that coin, many native/longtime Hawaiians need to also realize that not every Haloe is out to take their land. The majority of us respect the islands and its history, I think if they actually got to know people both visiting and living there, they would realize we all share common goals and the aloha spirit..
I understand the Hawaiians viewpoint. We stole their land. They did NOT want us be a part of the US
@@Seabreeze34 I do as well. Having your land stolen is something I know, as my family is native/First Nations
Very true, and you can certainly say that about Native Americans on the mainland as well. Something that will probably never be corrected.
Mahalo for the comment. Agree it's a complicated issue. And yes, not all people from the outside want to buy up land.
@@moretoknowshow1887 play victim card
Another good video, you hit it right on the head. Especially when you mentioned the baggage we carry from our history and the fear of change. Like you when I first lived on the mainland, it was such an eye opener. I hope most local kids get a chance to experience what it's like to live outside of Hawaii.
I hope local kids get that opportunity too. The time away will help broaden their perspective.
Your thoughts on this subject can certainly be applied to many places. I have visited Hawaii 18 times over the years and found that kindness and respect go a long way on being accepted by the locals of Hawaii which helps to define it as a real paradise. Awesome video. Mahalo.
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Only 5.9% of the people are truly locals!
Everyone else just sort of lives on the island so they act so snotty/ snobby about it!
I say act like an asshole and get treated like an asshole wherever you’re from!
A lot of truth in that statement Zach.
I am a tourist visiting my son who lives here. We are from a French island in the Caribbean called Martinique.All the points you talk about here in your video apply 100% to Martinique. I could switch the word Hawaii for Martinique and the video would exactly describe the relationship that exists between Martinicans and French people from France.This is a universal situation for colonized islands.A LOT to be talked about that subject in order to apply solutions...
🤙 Hope you enjoy the time with your son
Totally can understand that !
Me personally as Native Hawaiian I'm not totally against it, but we need to have a more stable and fair housing market to accomadate people rather they buying or renting a home. Over the years it's only gotten more and more ridiculous and I it's due to our state solely leaning on tourism for our economy but it leads to more people moving here or buying up land or new franchises and giant businesses moving in and by the time we notice evrything it's too late. So many of us have been priced out of our homeland don't matter if you are native if this is where you are born and raised this is your homeland. I'm from Maui and there already talks of offering people from lahaina to sell their land to mve into a new appartments that the states gonna build tragedy or not they'll only stand to lose more if they sell what they have left of their home in paradise.
Mahalo for sharing. Hopefully people start getting off the list and into housing. DHHL has the money.
I moved to Hawaii recently and am renting for now. Rising housing costs are a huge problem everywhere, but certainly more so here because there's only so much land, and I'd hate to see the whole island turn one big city... I like the country. I think people who live in an area (anywhere, not just Hawai'i) should have priority over people who live elsewhere and are buying second homes, rentals, investment properties, etc. I don't know how that would work, in practice. Maybe you could only accept outside offers if there were no local offers? And it seems like it would be fair enough if you had to live in the area for a certain length of time before you were given priority... show you're actually committed to living there.
This is probably a pipe dream, since big money rules, but hey...
Glad to see you have an open mind I got one from the Hawaiian independence movement to re establish the monarchy that acted like I wasnt allowed to exist there period despite the fact that I'm respectful and harm no one. Which I thought was an extreme stance. As everyone has a right to move to any state they want. And even the old kingdom welcomed immigrants. None of us had anything to do with the annexation. I'm just an average working class joe.
I had a bit of a flip side experience in my first year of college in Colorado, coming from Oregon to Denver. My closest friends on campus were Hawaiian and Micronesian, and then when I transferred to another school in Seattle. I learned a lot about Polynesian and Micronesian cultures from friends and room-mates. Also as someone who is mixed, I related to some degree the polarities experienced and felt by my Islander friends. My mom and I used to debrief those polarities too, and some of my friends knew they had an elder in my mom who understood their perspective.
My mom lived on Oahu in the early 1940s, and was hapa: Filipino & Danish. My grandfather from the Philippines was in US Navy. What you describe for military kids is reminiscent of what she experienced as a kid.
I understand the historical context and current concerns. Long ago, I thought for a minute about moving to Hawaii but decided not. I am grateful to visit when I can and especially when I can catch up with long time friends.
Travel to Hawaii is different, and reminds me of visiting regions where Indigenous people still live in their traditional homelands. Visiting is like visiting someone’s home-you conduct yourself respectfully, and don’t presume you can show up just because you want to. A little oversimplified but it is on my mind when I do visit.
Thanks for sharing your experience in Colorado. Glad you were able to meet people from Hawaii and spend some time with them.
I love your thoughtful and thought-provoking channel. Mahalo for keeping it real.
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I love your channel because you tell it how it is without being condescending or loading the emotional baggage. I took a break from instagram for a while because it made me sad to see people I grew up with Hawaii-splaining outsiders about tourism and land grabs. These are real issues fir sure, but it feels unrelated and like it’s sending the wrong message to a large group of people who probably care about what’s going on.
Chris! I love your channel! My feelings are the same and we were about to sell our home. We were going to sell our home to a local Hawaiian/Japanese family and I chose them specifically because I wanted to have them stay here. I would love to be in that video that you make next to get my perspective in that almost sale. Unfortunately the buyers backed out because my Aunty didnt share that part of the house was unpermitted. We bought my Aunty's house for $892,500. We placed thw home we bought from her for 1,025,000. Super crazy! Also, my husband got a nuclear power job in NY, that is why we had to move and sale. My cousin was pushing me to rent and I'm glad I said no, because we'll find out why later. The highest bid was 1,050,000. I told my cousin who is my realtor (we do a lot of our business in house) that we want to sell to a local/Hawaiian family. That was my top priority. Guess what? The highest bid was a local Hawaiian family. They put down $220,000. I was impressed! I would have taken the lower bid as well if they were native Hawaiian.
Here is the drama that ensued while going through this sale. Our house appraised fine during the purchase from my aunty and she swore all permits were there when renovations were done in the 80s and 2018. My husbands VA loan appraisser approved everything. Now going through this sale during the summer, the buyers found and did heavy research and said, "Hey, the blueprint plans don't match up with the permits. Well, come to find out, my Uncle Bob was a contractor and decided to add on the master room, bathroom, and laundry room without permits. The appraiser approved the house for sale lower than asking price and the buyers home owner insurance said they wouldn't cover an unpermitted area. We were all crushed and the buyers backed out. Now I have to hire an architect to draw up plans to submit to the DPP to wait for approval and this will cost around $12,000. It is such a mess and I am such a huge advocate for selling to local/Hawaiian families. Also, people will need at least 200 to $300,000 to put down on a house. We put down $302,000 for my aunty's house, but let me tell you. Facing those bidding wars were crazy when I moved back home from Grad school. Every home we bidded on, someone was bidding higher. I got discouraged till my aunty spoke up and said she was selling her house.
Super long but I really wanted to share my experience. Keep it up Chris! I still love this house, it just sucks that my Aunty wasn't honest about the unpermitted work. 😢 Also, the local family that wanted this home, couldn't get it because of negligence. Massive hugs and Aloha to you!!!!❤ Tiger Pride!!!!
EVERYONE in Hawaii is an immigrant! Around 450 AD, the first humans there were from the Marquesas Islands. Around 600 AD, much larger numbers immigrated from Tahiti. There was conflict and the Tahitians dominated. Much later, the British arrived with Captain Cook, then came the Portuguese, Germans and Norwegians. They were followed by the Japanese, Chinese and Filipinos. So, we're all immigrants in Hawaii.
So what, no one outside Africa has right to self-determination because our ancestors all walked out from there? Self-determination is a basic human right which was denied to the native Hawaiians. Hawaii was an independent monarchy illegally overthrown by the US. US interests then brought in the waves of foreign workers who became the majority of people. Native Hawaiians had all their land stolen by outside people and their culture and people oppressed and decimated. When Hawaii became a state, it was primarily non-Hawaiians who made that push. You want to make this kind of argument that no one has any right to a homeland since the location of man's true homeland is an unknown location somewhere in Africa, so basically it's all up for grabs for the ones who have the most guns. No thank you.
@@mossfloss Every human on earth has the right of self-determination. Conflicts and wars result when people inevitably disagree on the details. In Hawaii, the Tahitian immigrants prevailed over the Marquesas Immigrants who preceded them. Subsequent immigrants also brought change. Conflict and change is normal in human affairs and history teaches us that democracy, NOT monarchs and dictators, is the best way to PEACEFULLY resolve our differences. Most don't know that there was a Hawaiian revolution where the people revolted against the monarchy and replaced it with a Democratic Republic. Queen Liliokalani angered many Hawaiians by reversing much of King Kalakaua's pro-immigrant, pro-growth policies. That caused the revolution. The USA did NOT overthrow the monarchy. The Republic of Hawaii INVITED the USA in. Hawaiians wanted the USA because of the threats of Japanese or Russian control of Hawaii.
@@tanzanable I'm not a Hawaiian history expert, so I'm not going to squabble over the details of what bribes, lies, backstabs, corruption, and broken agreements were made that resulted in the US gaining control and the Hawaiian population being shoved off their land to make room for plantations and the thousands of foreign workers to cut the cane. But common sense will tell you that the vast majority of native Hawaiians never dreamed or wanted that essentially all the land would end up being snatched by a few corporations and families and that over the next hundred years they would be nearly exterminated as a people. What does "democracy" mean to a people when their land has been overrun by vast numbers of foreigners? If me and my 100 cousins invade your house and then proclaim that it is ours now because we voted for it, you gonna be happy with that?
@@mossfloss I am Rh Neg and it is not found in Africa, mainly Basque.
Thanks for your thoughts. You put them so clearly. You have a real knack for honing in on a situation and stating it clearly, it seems to me. There is a lot on social media about dislike of people coming to Hawaii. Especially now, in the shadow of the loss of Lahaina, and the expected battles over land and water there, and considering the disrespect some vacationers showed for the astounding losses on Maui. It is hard for outsiders to know whether to listen to the people saying, "Stay away, from Maui and from the rest of Hawaii, for that matter," or to the people saying, "Maui's open. Please come." Because both messages are out there.
There is no excuse for snorkeling in Lahaina harbor. Period. It's disrespectful, and stupid as well. But is there really a reason to cancel the Waikiki vacation that you're been looking forward to for years? Well, it depends on who you ask.
I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the housing issue. It's a problem being faced not only in Hawaii, but many places in the nation, right now.
Thanks as always .
I agree about the mixed messages. I'm not on social media a lot so I don't see it firsthand, but I know that message of stay away is out there. Just trying to put another opinion out there to help balance that narrative. 🤙
What a wonderful message, and so needed on Maui at this time. It is a base human condition that we would rather look outside ourselves to place blame for our problems on, well, “outsiders.” All we can do is look at ourselves. With the fires, we want to find an outsider super villain, or super weapon, rather than do the mundane work of looking at the local problems, and the weather and the increasingly hot climate. We have an opportunity to build back our older neighborhoods with updated building codes. The electric company, the water company, the fire department, the police department, the building department, lands management, the local emergency management departments, the roads planning department, all have to take a hard look at themselves and plan urgently for a changing and better future. This fire was compounded by so many things that were in our control to prevent, but we either didn’t, or we were moving towards prevention too slowly.
Man, I lived there for four years and no matter how much I showed Aloha, they still told me to Get Dafaq out! 😢😮
Sorry to hear that. Just know that not all locals are like that. 🤙
Every time I watch your videos I always have the urge to come back and spend a good 10-day vacation. Thank you for enlightening future visitors. I love your videos. see you soon!
Nicely said Chris...if we want change, it starts within.
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Chris, I'm from California. Everyone from most other states do not want us to move to their states. I guess you could say we are not really welcome anywhere, especially other west coast states like Oregon and Washington. So I know what you mean. Take care!
Well if it weren’t so expensive and we could move to your state, then we wouldn’t have to have that mindset. So make housing affordable and available for people who want to move to your state so you can be welcomed into other states?!
It’s because of the leftist mentality of California after 1966. …California was a nice place prior to Vietnam war era ..
@@randomexploring541 it's not just housing costs either. It's the mental defect that keeps them from understanding how their states got to where they are and that they are to blame for it.
Yes I was in oregon..I had a friend who was from CA and moved there friendly..but of I never mentioned they thought I was from.there I was accepted..however those who knew were never friendly..
People from CA sell their expensive real estate and buy premium properties elsewhere. I remember people moving into CA from different states during the 70's and 80's, locals didn't like that either. Bottom line, the best approach is not to care what other people think, that is wisdom. Do what's best for you and your family.
When I lived in Hawaii, as a Caucasian, there were a couple of beaches that did not want us there. They stared us down. We left
People have no idea. Blessings.
Sorry to hear about that. I know that stuff happens. Not very aloha.
I've been the guy staring at you.
And it isn't you personally.
It's a perception of invasion.
My apologies if I've ever encountered you, I wasn't always able to articulate properly, in my younger years I was quick to anger and took everything personally.
@@HelloFromHawaii hey bro I just want to apologize to you personally for my interaction with Nicksparks.
He's a punk troll and I allowed him to piss me off.
Apologies Bradda.
You're doing good here, and your voice is appreciated.
More than once I fought along side my hoale friends that were swung on simply because they are white. We took some we gave some.
I lived on the Big Island (Hilo) for 3 years and Kihei for 2. I think the way many mainlanders can act when they visit or move to Hawaii can be a serious problem too. Maui was overwhelmed with tourists and many of them acted so selfishly they sounded like children. I remember a guy at a resort in Wailea (I was headed out for a morning dive) complaining to the (seriously underpaid, barely getting by) staff that 'I've been so busy touring I haven't even had a chance to relax!' Many who do move to Hawaii don't appear to want to integrate with the community - they just want to make Hawaii the mainland. I liked Hilo far, far better because it never tried to be the mainland. First thing I did when I moved was read A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands so I could better understand the place I was living, including small things like why the DMV was closed for Kamehameha Day. Oh and I actively worked on understanding pidgin as quickly as I could. I ultimately moved out of the state because I was priced out of the housing market due to rich tourists buying 2nd, 3rd, and 4th homes that they visited once a year and treated like an investment. I think there are steps the government could take to address housing. I actually fully understand the anger... I'm a haole and I was angry LOL
Mahalo for sharing. I think Maui is unique in that it has a lot of non-locals living there. So maybe they feel that they don't need to integrate because they are forming their own community?
@@HelloFromHawaii @HelloFromHawaii Yeah I think that could be a big part of it. A ton of retirees (especially from PNW and Canada). I think it tends to attract people who want what the mainland has, but in Hawaii, so as it gets more of that it probably attracts more people wanting that.
Thanks for the vlog! I agree with a lot of what you mentioned. I believe traveling to other places, not just within the United States but around the world, will bridge a lot of difference gaps. A lot of our perceptions are influenced by what we see on TV or in the news. But what we see on TV and the news is a moment in time and may not represent all the people in that location.
And now that we have social media, a lot of it is unfiltered and controlled by algorithms meant to increase engagement.
Your points on selling property to outsiders for more money applies everywhere. When we bought our property here in MA, the man who sold it to us wanted someone to buy it who was not going to develop it, someone who appreciated nature and would respect and preserve the land as it was. There was a builder also interested in buying it at the time as we were and who offered more money, but the owner took our lower offer because we fit his idea of who he wanted to sell to. We were very surprised. But, he was wealthy, so the money wasn't important to him. He could afford to choose who he sold to and the land had a lot of sentimental value to him. Thanks for the video!
You are a bresth of fresh air.❤
We are all in the same fishbowl living in a world of opposites on this little blue dot trying to row our boats through it all.
I love all the diverse cultures and customs when they do no harm.
How boring if we were all the exact same.
Mans inhumanity to man is so sad.😪
🤙
Great points. The islands are known for hospitality. I believe moving too far away from that as the core is where things can go wrong. Embodying hospitality, true hospitality, that families and communities offer, allows for the right things to remain central and always overflowing. The right things done for the right reasons seem to have a way of happening naturally and with few barriers.
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I would recommend experiencing Hawaii for yourself. Each island of Hawaii is different. The locals may be welcoming and good to you on one island while locals on another island may not be welcoming.
Hawaii is just too sheltered. It’s good you have different views because you experienced other cultures and places outside of hawaii.
I don't really agree with that statement because Hawaii is a melting pot we've got people coming from all over the world so how the hell are we going to be sheltered?
Mahalo for the comment. I agree that we're sheltered, even if we are a melting pot. That's not how it is in most places.
Beautiful video and message braddah. Been born and raised here but have always felt like an outsider. for many years, i tried to reach out and cultivate new relationships with others living here but always found it difficult since i was constantly rejected and shut out since i was never part of any "high school" buddy clique or neighborhood. on top of that, you see all the new transplants coming here with their mindsets and certain biases about people who look different from them and unfortunately, act in ways that are at times insensitive and rude. that being said, your message about aloha being unconditional and shared with others regardless of where we come from is what we needed to hear in these divisive and difficult times. much mahalo and aloha to you as well sir. 😊🤙
Mahalo. I know the rejection is hard. We're not in elementary school anymore. But I've found that if you keep trying to reach out, you'll find the right people. 🤙
Thank you for this perspective. I like your attitudes very much.
Mahalo 🤙
@@HelloFromHawaii No mention, Brah! 😃
Not gon lie, I get annoyed when people move here without knowing what they’re getting into because they come and all they do COMPLAIN. So let me break this down. Bruh, it’s like they don’t realize this is an island in the middle of nowhere.
1. Bad traffic
2. Everything is expensive
3. No Mexican restaurants
4. If you don’t know what someone’s ethnicity is, ask them don’t assume they’re Hawaiian or even a local.
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Good points brought up. Being native Hawaiian, I moved back to the islands cause I realized raising my kids on the mainland caused them to lose their culture. So now I’m raising my younger kids here & hope they can stay here and have a connection to the land. The more people who move here drive up the costs so my choice to move back here was to hope that maybe I could give my kids an OPTION to live here if they choose, cause it’s not an option for my older ones.
We lucked out buying our place in 2021 in a bidding war. We were NOT top dollar, actually came in thousands under appraised value, but the seller knew I was a local planning to one day move in & would not displace the local tenants at the time.
Recently went to Kauai and while beautiful, was saddened to see less locals there than here on Oahu. My husband is Italian so I told him “It’s like going to Italy with no Italians”, so I hope my kids can always stay here if they want & maybe have a connection to the aina. It’s part of our culture and tradition that should be passed down.
It makes me so happy when people come home
You went to Kauai and "saw" there were barely any locals? That's not really possible unless you ask everyone where they graduated from HS. You must mean you saw a lot of white people...
@@Nicksparks-nb3qp Actually, no. It goes deeper than the color of skin. There is an essence to being local that having been born and raised here, you pick up the subtleties. Is there an accent? And I’m not talking pidgin. There is an emphasis on certain vowels when words are said. How they dress. You can see it in the way people walk. In fact, I think this channel had a video on the local style of walking. Or the way they drive.
It caught us so off guard that my husband said it felt like Palm Springs on a tropical island. I even looked at him and said “Are we only in the tourist spots?” That when he went back to work he asked someone born and raised from Kaua’i & showed him where we visited. To which he said “The locals are on the other side of the island & that the island is basically split into two”
Mahalo for sharing. Glad you were able to get a place and that the sellers sold to a family that was here to stay. Great to hear stories like that 🤙
I can understand aloha being a two-way street though. Everywhere with heavy tourism sees this, people who care only/mostly about their vacation and not their attitudes or the people who actually live there. It is a home to many, with its own culture and history, and some do just think of it as a playground.
I actually think this is part of why community organization has been so effective in Lahaina. People are binded by a local culture that values community and is (at the end of the day) rather inclusive. In many places in the US, that just doesn't exist.
Thats what is going to happen in Lahaina. People wont be able to wait up to two or three years to rebuild. Alot will take the highest bidder to get rid of their property and move on.
Hey Chris...I was the guy that suggested you should be a News Anchor on some major network, etc.
I as a Hawaiian born migrant to vegas getting a reminder of what i am & what my people are by your videos. Mahalo nui
It's a fine line maintaining the integrity of a place while still being welcoming. Any place I travel I'm hyper aware of being respectful, especially if it's to a location and culture I'm unfamiliar with. I don't get the people who travel and act like some kind of emporer who must be catered to. For me, the appeal of travel is learning about cultures. I sound like a broken record, but if Hawaii had more diversity in its economy it wouldn't be tied to the "golden handcuffs" of tourism and there would be other means of bringing in money to the state and providing a wider range of career opportunities to locals so that they could afford to stay in Hawaii if they wanted.
Also, I like your shirt 🙂
True. We love our golden handcuffs. 😆
Everyone always says that Hawaii needs to diversity it's economy. It's so easy to say. So let's you and I have that conversation. How do you suggest we diversity it? Please give some viable suggestions. I'll wait...
Truly a great perspective.. every group has bad apples but lots ok kind and down to earth people from the mainland who respect and love the culture in Hawai’i
Part of the challenge is folks moving here and not even attempting to assimilate. At least learn basic history, some pidgin and some local ways. Although, I guess Kama‘aina have been saying this for a few hundred years, regarding Malahini (outsiders)? I grew up white (and I'm still white. lol) on the Big Island and know all about outsider status. So, I'm compassionate about being treated as an outsider which makes me wonder if it's more about an attitude? Like you mentioned, the "better than". Another great video, Chris! Ho‘o maikai ana! 🤙🏼
Mahalo for sharing. I think many try to assimilate. But must be hard when they feel that pull to move back to the mainland.
Reminds me a lot of how things are here in Japan. The nuance is significantly different, but the resistance towards change and new, but helpful ideas was similar.
This will probably be helpful for a lot of people to hear.
Whats crazy is this is happening everywhere at this point. Nicer, small towns or worse resort areas are getting absolutely invaded by people moving out of cities or mostly California, Seattle, Portland. We despise the ones moving here, it’s very similar to the Hawaiian sentiment. They are changing our towns so quickly, driving up the prices, filling up schools, teams, clubs, it is frustrating. Progressive policy has destroyed California and most inner cities, people are escaping the madness.
We don’t have the money to move there so it’s a non issue. Although Hawaii is doable for vacations (and we’re always treated super nice).
I think if we were a young family with kids, then how we would fit in (as mainlanders) is a big consideration.
If we could afford to move to Hawaii, it would be for the clean air, warm weather and slower pace. Im not very social.
At a certain age, and from my perspective, other people’s issues are theirs.
Haters are going to hate.
I’m drawn to smiles and go around frowns. Ha ha ha
Aloha
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There are many view points.
Every town, school, village have their local perspective... your thinking of Hawaii is just a larger scope. Example, you know if you grew up in Aiea when you lived there before the H-1 freeway and know the local places ... Speedys. Kanda, etc
Same with people who grew up in Waianae and know Tamura's, 442 courts Searider stadium ... or Waialua Sagara okazuya ...
Generations of families have enjoyed their shoyu hot dog, fried rice, chow fun, potato tempura, gobo and sushi and other food items... if you grew up in the area, you know about being local to that place.
When you travel to another global place, you are the visitor and know who is local ... Best to respect and appreciate the friendly culture and be open to differences.
Being an outsider is relative.
Oahu people can be considered an outsider to outer islands and vice versa. Let's live Aloha! We are all foreigners!
Mahalo for the comment. Agree that there are subcultures here depending on where you grew up. I still know those Kaneohe spots. 😆
@@HelloFromHawaii Same with surf spots ... they know the towny and country surfers .. or the regular player at the tennis courts ...they know the new outsiders
I understand the sentiment of the locals against people coming to change their culture. It is painful and disturbing. But if the people in the other 49 tells any ethnic group, including Hawaiians, that they should be excluded from coming to their "place", it will be scandalous and ugly indeed! I was not born in the U S A, although I am a citizen enjoying the liberty and freedom that this nation provides for asylum seekers as me. I had good and bad experiences with Americans, but as a whole they accepted me. I am bicultural. Sad to say, there is very little love now days in people`s hearts. Reminds me of Jesus´ words that in the last days, nation will be against nation and people´s groups against each other. Wars, hatred, troubles. . . We all must come to terms with our vulnerability and come to God and repent and love our neighbors, regardless of their outward look, culture, etc. as ourselves. Above all, one must forgive each other, for then, our Lord will forgive us of our failures and sins. It is not easy, but the man who died on the cross, the Son of God, is the example to follow, and He said: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing" Hatred and bitterness make one to be a slave in chains of all kind of obfuscations. There is a better way than bitterness and resentment, that of love, forgiveness and acceptance. My prayers and deep condolence for all the Hawaiians, my respect to a land that has suffered much, but blessed with kindhearted individuals and natural beauty. Aloha, from the Alligator state of Florida!
Mahalo for the comment.
It was the Locals (Asians) of Hawaii themselves who pushed very hard for Statehood,
especially after WWII, despite initial resistance from Congress - notably the
Southern _Democrats._
Thank you for your thoughts.
I plan on moving to hawaii to live a quiet life off grid . If locals dont want to deal with me thats okay thats fine . Unlike some im keeping what land i can afford natural and not bulldozing the entire plot .
Tough topic. I'll comment on things that some won't agree on. The historical point. True and the statement about being open to new thinking moving into Hawaii is a particularly promising idea. The examples of people saying this is how we do things goes both ways for locals and new transplants that locals might get offended that someone is saying things are better this way or their way and vice versa, without understanding much about the pro's & cons of the change. My good friend wasn't a great student, but he was smart when someone asked him about doing something, he analytically broke down the steps to do the item, his mind factored in level of effort, energy, time, and materials needed to do the job. He also factored in other ways of doing the same job, comparing the steps and such. Rather than impose, both sides should be flexible to listen first, understand each other and even include individual preferences/taste. The historical aspect should also be considered that for some segments of the locals can 'let it go and move forward', others can't seem to which makes them vocal, where the ones moving forward are less inclined to vocalize their position. There are generations of locals getting scores of professional, technical, and respectable positions across the islands and nation; they've all accomplished it at being good at what they do. They communicate, cooperate, discuss, and work with scores of people local and non-local. They love the islands like everyone else, but some of them realize that living in Hawaii is not easy or cheap. Nor can change miraculously happen overnight to change the economics of the islands. There are only two major industries that bring revenue into the state, visitor industry & Federal funds. Hurting either will send major ripples throughout the island's economy that would invariably hurt the locals much more than anyone else. Sometimes, some locals forget that, but they might want to look at other Pacific Isle communities and how their standard of living is.
Lots of great things you mentioned in your comment. Mahalo 🤙
I'm a Pasifika historian. If I ever go to Hawaii one day it'd be educational, but that goes for any place I travel to. I already live in paradise ♡
Aloha 🌼
I have lived in California since the 1980's and experienced living in tourist areas like beach towns and ski areas. I completely agree with you in regards to why locals would not want tourists / mainlanders to come over. It has a way of slow change over time or even fast change. ( Real estate greed, traffic, over crowding, pollution issues and the worst problem of all; snobby entitlement ). There's nothing worse than dealing with spoiled, snobby entitled tourists. They can absolutely ruin a town once they move in to become residents. These people need to leave their ego's behind and try to change into better humans. Of course this is only a percentage of people. No matter what race, ethnicity or color: we are all God's children. It's a heart issue at the core. Unfortunately; some people now are just driven by their ego's, money, expensive cars, homes, vacations, etc. These people are devoid of kindness, the golden rule and love for other people. Sad to be so blinded by greed, etc. And to treat others as invisible pieces of furniture.
People should be absolutely loving on one another in these last days and hours; before Jesus comes back in the rapture. There's not much time left. Every prophesy has come true.
I pray daily for Lahaina, Maui, the Hawaiian Islands and our country.
Keep trusting in God . . .
🌴🌴🦚🌈🌅🌴🌴🌴🌼🤍🌼🌴🦚
please create a podcast!!! i love listening to your insight and stories 🫶🏼
I wish I had the time. lol
Thanks!
Mahalo for the Super Thanks 🤙
Once again a thought provoking video. I have made comments that Hawaii has hit the wall when it is comes to housing. The state doesn't have enough and what is being built is priced higher than working people can afford. Now this isn't only a Hawaii problem but is common in many metropolitan areas. Zoning laws, communities fighting development, and developers building luxury housing. The people who are complaining that housing is too expensive kind of created this perfect storm. Once again this isn't only a Hawaii problem. Hawaii is unique because it is an island. Maryland has expensive housing(Not as expensive as Hawaii) people can well choose to commute from area's that have lower housing costs. People will commute from Pennsylvania, Delaware where housing is less expensive or live is less desirable location in Maryland like Baltimore City or areas in Maryland where schools are not as good or not as safe area's. I guess people in Hawaii could commute from different islands where housing is less than Oahu like Molokai. But the locals of Molokai will like the development. I have been traveling to Hawaii for 15 years and have many friends that are local. I always make an effort to support local businesses. I make sure I respect the culture and the local people living in the state. I try to return the Aloha spirit and eat a couple meals at Zippy's and L&L BBQ. Both restaurants would do well on the mainland. Once again I apologize for the lengthy comment on Housing but your video's are discussing topics that go beyond the state of Hawaii.
Mahalo for the comment. The housing issue is something I hope we can address now, before it's too late.
I too worry about this issues for my sons@@HelloFromHawaii
Agree that changes for Locals in HI is tough
Love this video, which I think in my opinion, is very genuine and eloquently spoken. I have a coworker who's from the Midwest like me, but she's Caucasian (or what most people consider here in Hawaii as haole) and I'm visibly Asian (Chinese-Vietnamese American for context... after all, I'm in Hawai'i now where people don't really identify with Asian like I used to in St. Louis as a minority). We're going through this funny conversation together about baby photos that we're using as a game for an internal company dinner, and my coworker tells my boss jokingly, "You don't think my baby photo will stand out?" It obviously does because she's the only Caucasian/white/haole person in the company, and now, I am surrounded by people who look more visibly like me. It's like I'm living a culture clash comedy. =P I told her that when I was in the Midwest, I was usually the exception visibly, which was the story of most of my life growing up in a place where I was the minority. I apologize for digressing, but my coworker's conversation with me and my boss is funny because our boss is local, and this person hired us (technically not locals although I probably visibly look like one). I can't speak for my coworker, but my guess is that she and I feel very welcomed in a very locally dominated place like Hilo, but she experiences life in Hilo a little more differently than I do because of all the baggage in Hawai'i's history. It's important to mention though that I admire her sort of awareness, and I'm in my own way aware of my position here too. I think both of us are here with a high degree of respect for the culture(s) here, and we are doing our best to consult with local wisdom and contribute towards the local fabric and needs here. With that, I've grown up where the term "white privilege" is social term, I'm familiar with as a minority growing up. Before I moved to Hawaii, I asked myself if there's such thing as "Asian privilege" as in benefiting by passing as a local at least as a first impression. Because of my micro-experience with my coworker and a conversation with a community leaders, I'm aware of my own privilege simply because I am in some ways "passing" which might seem at face value as unfair to my other Midwest counterpart if I asked her, but I guess the reverse can be said if I was in the Midwest. That's the funny dynamics when we have the gift of hindsight of living in 2 different parts of the world, I guess. Having said that, I have to laugh at myself for things I didn't understand when I first moved here like this guy who saw that I dropped something, and he was yelling "Hui!" so that he could get my attention. I realized later he ran across an entire grass field to give me something while all the while I heard "Hui!" and had no idea this guy was trying to get my attention. Also, I didn't know that there was a certain way to drive into gas stations to make it run efficiently, so ironically, a local haole (Caucasian) was telling me off for not parking the right way, but now I know and haven't made the same mistake twice. Yeesh! =P Also, it's still a little strange for me to type "haole" because I simply didn't grow up with that term. When a local said "Caucasian" to me next to a local haole next to him, I said, "Eh, for some reason I feel like I'm back on the mainland with that term!" The haole woman laughed at me and so did the local guy who mentioned that word to me. There's plenty of peace and humor in these intercultural conversations. Thanks for reading my "novel." =P
I live in Montana and we generally resent newcomers but don’t notice newcomers if they try to fit in. There is an odd dynamic of being resistant to change from the outside.
“Can Anyone Move to Hawaii? In 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state. As a result, anyone who has the ability to legally live in the United States-including citizens and permanent residents-can move to Hawaii. Legally, it's just like moving to any other state.“
well said* If I was a "local" living in the most beautiful place, (and feel short changed) i'd probably be pissed off too at how some mainlanders act the damn fool in my state, or (buy up every piece of land, or buildings) in sight - I get it ! but people act crazy & disrespectful in all 50 States - smh. I think (like you said) Hawaii is so isolated, that the opportunity to rub elbows is limited (to learn and interact from each other)- which is why there's so much mistrust ! but on the flip side, it's unrealistic, and a bit ignorant to take ownership of a state !? It's like me saying "don't come or move to Maryland, hell no stay away" lolol Sorry, but It don't work that way boo boo !
Very informative
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Mahalo! Chris! I’ve been on your channel once or twice. This is the first time I’ve been here in months. Nice to know you’re still covering it. & as someone who lives on (The USA MainLand not other countries kind of MainLand) that being said. I definitely understand that there’s a sense of protection and sense of personal that comes along with it. That being said Hawaiians generalizing not just Outsiders but generalizing everyone else into one massive group like they’re a bunch of BrainDead KICK Streamers INFLUENCERS *WHICH🤢🤮 do ruin the tone but not every outsider is them. I’d love to see a Hawaii where eventually there was a niché amongst everyone. Obviously this going to change hardly anyone’s mind but maybe to a jaded hardened Hawaiian maybe this changed your mind a bit. Aloha 🤙
Mahalo for the comment. I think most locals are generally easy going and very kind to those who aren't from here. There's a small and often loud minority that don't and they express those opinions online, which is too bad because it paints all locals like that. I think it's why videos like this one are important so that there is a more moderate view that others can hear.
Good honest discussion regarding outsiders in Hawaii (or any other community for that matter). I would love to move to Hawaii at some point, and being Asian, I believe that I can fit in (over time), perhaps more so than some parts of the Bay Area and California. But all the points you bring up are valid. I just wish that we could actually have an actual discussion format as well where we can share and voice our opinions. By the way, there are "bad actors" in every community, and that's sad and at times infuriating. But the actions of a few shouldn't be clumped into the majority. Just my two cents.
I hope that platforms like this are where we could have discussions, if not in real life. It's pretty unbelievable some of the things people say in online posts and comments. I can't imagine they'd say that to someone's face.
Another Great video 🤙🏼
If someone doesn't want you living in their state because you are from a different state and they make that clear to you, they've done you a favor. You now know they are intolerant, spiteful and to be avoided.
Yeah I grew up on one of the islands. The greed in Hawaii now isn't worth going. Go to Tahiti it's 1/3 the cost, same kind of food, and you don't get stink eye when you go.
I think this was a well done video. Big island grown (and flown)
I wonder if some of these locals will still take federal disaster aid.
Do you mean the insulting $700? Old Homes in Hawaii cost close to a million dollars. If that's what you mean then the federal government can have it. It comes with to much regulation. Or do you mean the billions going to Ukraine. For money laundering and kick backs to fund weapons that end up on the black market. But the people of hawaii do pay federal taxes. Do Ukrainians pay federal taxes? The locals did more for it's own people the lack of governmental response.
And why not dude? They pay taxes. I’m Hawaiian my house didn’t burn or destroyed by wind or rain but for 55 years I’ve paid heavy taxes so disaster aid is owed if not for me my people.
I hope they do. And I hope they get trauma services if needed and help with insurance companies. Long road ahead.
@@poginurse The people really pulled together and had to sneak in aid on private boats. I wish they wold vote for better people.
I've been considering moving there for a long time, weighing all aspects. One thing you could mention is where in Hawaii? Obviously Honolulu is more accepting than say Molokai.
I think different islands and parts of the island will be more accepting than others. Oahu has so many people, though, that you'll probably find some community to fit in.
The only thing that I agree with your assessment is the last statement of showing Aloha to others who are not from Hawaii. Regardless of where anyone is from, the people of the islands are most hospitalable to everyone. There's a saying "only in Hawaii where the warmth and love for all mankind is shared." The diversity of races living among each other is fantastic. In fact, that's probably why everyone gets along with each other.
I believe most people who already decided to move to Hawaii likely aren’t impacted by how the locals feel.
True.
Great video. I subscribed.
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A good friend moved to Oahu about 15 years ago. After the third time flying out there to visit, I'd had enough. My name for Oahu is "ghetto island." Let the locals keep that place to themselves. In fact, it would be interesting if all tourist stopped going to those islands. Without any tourism industry, the ghetto would get much worse.
Thank you 😊 💓
To have conversations and to be Pono about every decision will ensure that the good ideas arise, the good people move there (not just the greedy), and the locals have a chance to stay. These are important topics I think should be discussed more often. The corrupted, crime ridden ideas are making Hawai'i into the ghetto of the Pacific with luxury high rises and stores.
🤙 mahalo for the thoughtful comment
As a person that's not a local I lived in hawaii, I moved and will never go back my experience was horrible the cost of living is terrible, the majority of locals don't want outsiders but like the revenue the tourists bring in , it's overrated and not what you think it is.
Thank you.
My Japanese granny never liked Portuguese or Haoles.. During the plantation days, the Portuguese (Podigee) were the luna or enforcers(now they da cops! lol). And pre WWII, haoles were very racist to Japanese. Many of the plantation workers didn't know they were arriving in Hawaii to work. After US annexation, many plantation workers were freed from their contracts as the contracts resembled slavery and were deemed illegal. Many of those Japanese, Chinese, filipino, Korean, podigee, porto rican workers stayed as they could not afford to travel back home. That's when tourism comes in...
The history is very deep rooted, relevant and did not happen too long ago. As a local Japanese I identify and am connected to Hawaiian and local Hawaii culture more than I will ever be connected to Japan. In fact, if I go Japan they know I not one of them just by the way I look.
My 2 cents as someone from Hawaii and whose family has been in Hawaii since the kingdom time.
What I see as a big issue with US mainlanders moving to Hawaii is their unwillingness to assimilate to Hawaii culture. Just a generalization but it’s something local Hawaii people say a lot.
The people that move here from the US mainland would rather make Hawaii like the place they’re from instead of enjoying Hawaii for what it is and assimilating themselves with the local culture.
It’s not something you see too much from the people from Asian countries that move here because they seem to be more willing assimilate to Hawaii culture.
Appreciate the comment and I know it can be frustrating when there is resistance to assimilating to Hawaii's culture. Just as an aside, how do you think locals who move away to Vegas or other parts assimilate to those cultures?
@@HelloFromHawaii Appreciate you responding to my comment.
I think local Hawaii people assimilate to places on the continent mostly through work and everyday interactions with people in their area. Talk to the locals of that area and try to take part in the culture of that area.
To me it’s about enjoying the place you’re at. Not wishing it was something else.
But it is hard to compare someone from the mainland moving to Hawaii vs a Hawaii person moving to the mainland. The scale is much different.
Hawaii is a group of islands with limited area and, if you live here, most people will know who you are through your relationships/interactions. Good or bad.
The mainland is so vast. If you don’t like one area, you could just move to another place that you’d rather live and would more easily assimilate into.
I may be the poorest person that ever went to Kauai multiple times and I was always treated with kindness by the locals. I look like a hippie surfer so they knew I was on the level. I still listen to KKCR every now and then to get that aloha spirit injection. I've been to a lot of places and Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
hi from upcountry Maui, I'm from Oahu originaly...
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“Legally be here is weird” people personal immigration issues are no one’s else concern.
If mainlanders can’t live in Hawaii then native Hawaiians can’t live in the mainland. We are all either Americans or neither of us is American.
Not sure it works that way, but mahalo for the comment 🤙
@@HelloFromHawaii we are all children of the earth. Born here to experience it, I dream of a world without borders, but also a world without tyrants and dictators where the will of the people to live in peace and harmony with nature is respected and cherished. Peace and love in the one infinite Creator
We feel the same way in Texas….
Regardless of what happened in the past ,100 yrs ago before any of us even existed, Hawaii is part of America now , so any American should be able to move / visit there with out the native Hawaiians getting mad . Iam saying this as an American that spent my first 12 years of life growing up in Hawaii (best memories I have are from Hawaii) then my family moved to the mainland and Ive always wanted to go back . I will go back when Iam ready to retire . We are all Ohana . Love and respect to all in Hawaii .
Just a note about the "Locals", more than 50% of Hawaii's non-Hawaiians residents are born elsewhere, and less than 5% of Native Hawaiians are 100% Hawaiian and 95% of Native Hawaiian are admixture with Outsiders.
Hawaiians or locals moved to mainland as well
I am sure mainlanders feel the same way . It goes both ways
Some mainlanders coming to Hawaii: 'Kindly let me help you or you will drown said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree.' If I was a local from Hawaii I'd be like NO THANK YOU!
They have no right to be mad when people are only visiting!!
Unless those people are acting like trash!!
What reason would you have to come there without embracing the culture which makes it what it is if not they will destroy the magic
That's how most of us feel about those who move to the US from outside the country.
Uusally the two dollar donation thing pops up. Maybe yours is set up differently
Hawaiians love to play the "haole" card, but it was Ka'ahumanu who struck down the kapu system and started a chain of events, i.e. Christianity, from which there was no turning back. Under Kamehameha II in 1819 'Ai Noa allowed men and women to eat together as well as feasting on kalua pig and ahi poke. And then there was Kamehameha III and the 1848 Great Mahele land reform which effectively separated commoners from the land as he embraced the system of Anglo-American law. While it's true that foreigners could now own land, the news never reached the commoners.
It's easy to blame outsiders, but the real culprits in 2023 if it can be said, are supply and demand, and the Golden Rule: "They who have the gold make the rules".
We're full bro.
Our roads can't handle more traffic, our stores can't handle more shopers.
As it is every time a cruise ship comes to the island our stores are emptied and locals are left without.
No can dis kine.
Then leave
I'm not sure we're full. It's just that too many people want to live in the same areas. Lots of land on Big Island. Just not enough jobs.
@@Nicksparks-nb3qp Easy to tell you're Haole, lol.
@@HelloFromHawaii I don't mean land wise bro, I mean infrastructure.
We just don't have it to support more transplants.
Shit our stores can't even handle it when the tourists come in.
Us locals go without, know what I mean.
BTW I'm speaking from Big Island, not sure if I mentioned that.
You’re such a rational person and say things so eloquently. Love your content 🤙🏼
Mahalo for the kind words
I have sympathy for locals.
I couldn't afford to buy a home in my home state, either. All my life.
I rented there. Now I rent in Hawai'i.
Malama dear Maui. Malama dear Hawai'i.
Many people look at Hawaii and change their minds because the cost of living is so high. I don't understand all the possessiveness around this place because it is part of the USA and not another country. Don't people realize all places have issues and it's not just Hawaii?
It's a difficult issue, particularly because of the cultural ties and isolation. But I understand where you are coming from.
Growing up with my Japanese Hawaiians never called themself Hawaiian why? Downey California ❤
what exactly is a "Japanese Hawaiian?"
@@bill2066 they refuse to be called Hawaiian. I think I understand , we Mexicanos refused to be called American ,
yes, they prefer "Locals". I lived there for 26 years.@@Californiansurfer
Likely because "Hawaiians" are only those with native Hawaiian blood and the rest of us are "locals"/"residents"/"kama'aina"~even those born+raised in the islands~
yes, there are only approximately 60 full blooded Hawaiians left. All the rest have inter-married over decades.@@maz8023
Im Hawaiian and if I wanna move back to live on my mother land....I damn sure will...cause I dont talk pidgin dont mean I dont represent yall locals recognize
well I'm coming and I might be staying so deal with
It's been like that forever
So locals or Natives because you don't look like you are 100%. What is your family name? Which canoe did your family come on?
There should be a restriction on how much land rich people can purchase. It’s now like putting the toothpaste back in the tube. Oprah and Zuckerberg to name a couple billionaires should not have been allowed to purchase so much. I’m sure there are more hidden, and the sellers sold out. I don’t understand why. I loved my time in Maui and Oahu for 13 years. I moved to escape a local white abusive man to protect my children and me. It broke my heart because the first love from family came from the beautiful kanaka. My biological family never gave me that kind of love. Thank you Hawaii for loving me.
Hawaii and New Mexico are the 2 best states in the USA to move to.
People in the United States can move wherever they want. I am born and raised in CA but I can’t stop anyone from moving here so I stopped stressing and am welcoming. Just like feeling better. When you stress over what’s not in your control it makes you feel like crap.
I can totally feel that Native Hawaiians don't like outsiders on their beautiful land. Especially the people who just come for a few years, or leave after a few years because they didn;'t like it the way they thought.The outsiders take away their houses, their land, their jobs. And if they even don't submerse themselves in the culture, the community, then I also wouldn't want outsiders in my very small village where I live now. And Hawaii is such a precious 'small' special part of the world. I understand that the Native Hawaiians want to preserve that. The beauty of Aloha is so beautiful but I certainly can understand that some natives just can't hold on to it. And I think that is not their shortcoming but the shortcoming of the outsiders who just don't adjust to the place they are coming to.
Tldr: xenophobia
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