Welcome to the new “Affordable Paradise” info blog! This blog is in response to the many questions I’ve received and to the reviews of my book, Affordable Paradise, in which there are comments about the costs being up-to-date.
So now we have this platform for updates on the book and of course, an invitation to questions and discussion. The First and Second Editions, published several years ago, are now out-of-date on real estate values.
The Third Edition, published in 2005, was right on at first, but then Hawaii experienced an unprecedented rush of new people who for some curious reason found it necessary to all relocate to the Islands at once. Real estate values skyrocketed. House and land prices doubled and in some cases, tripled, over a period of a year. The Third Edition of Affordable Paradise was hot off the press just as this price escalation began, and soon the prices in that book were obsolete, too. But things change, and one of these things was that the demand for Hawaii properties dwindled as fast as it escalated, and now it’s a buyer’s market once more. In addition, the prices in the Third Edition are pretty much right in line again.
You can get a feel for what happened (if you’re into that sort of thing) by checking out the postings and their dates on the “Updates” page of the “Affordable Paradise” Web site. As things changed through that volatile period, I kept updating the situation and I left the old updates in place for those who might be interested in how-and-when.
So now let's hear from you folks who are thinking about moving to Hawaii! Contrary to many very vocal opinions, Hawaii is still an affordable paradise, and it has been my intention from the beginning to show folks how to make that work.
Welcome aboard, and Aloha!
posted by Skip Thomsen @ 11:55 AM
201 comments
201 Comments:
Aloha!
It’s me again. One other thing I want to toss out for comment or discussion is that "Affordable Paradise" has been getting some flack in reviews because “it doesn’t address affordable living on Oahu or Maui.”
OK, if I was going to write a book on affordable living in California, I would certainly not include San Francisco or Beverly Hills in the list of affordable possibilities, would I? So when I wrote this book, I was speaking to people who have a passionate desire to live in Hawaii but have heard all the stories of how terribly expensive it is to live here. Perhaps they vacationed in Maui and took note of the prices of everything there and figured they were typical of Hawaii in general.
To that end, I focused on the most affordable (and to many, the most desirable) place in the Islands: The Big Island of Hawaii.
Sure, there are folks who would live nowhere but Maui or Honolulu, but then we’re not addressing them. Affordable living isn't that important to them, at least not the kind of “affordable” we’re talking about.
It’s like when I hear from our vacation-rental guests, “Wow, Safeway gets $7 for a gallon of milk!” That’s true, they do have milk for $7. It’s right there on the shelf next to the milk that costs $3.75. So why do some people choose to use the higher price as an example of the "high cost of Hawaii?"
If you have any thoughts on this, I’d love to hear them. If you have any questions, don’t be shy! Click on the “comments” link below and go for it!
Have a day of rainbows!
Hello, I can't seem to find a real estate agent on the Big Island who will follow through for me. Any suggestions?
Hello, I can't seem to find a real estate agent on the Big Island who will follow through for me. Any suggestions?
Maile, I'm sorry to say we've had the same problem and I hesitate to recommend any agents. We are constantly dismayed/surprised by the utter lack of follow-through from agents. Even when we’ve looked at properties and made it clear that we are very interested and have cash, the agents have never, ever followed up with us. Never! We’re always the ones who have to find the agent again if we want to move forward. The few times we’ve been involved with agents and told them exactly, specifically what we were looking for, the properties they showed us were again, amazing. They had absolutely nothing to do with what we had outlined for them. It’s like they were either not listening, or like used-car salesmen, maybe they’re trained to ignore what a client wants and told to just show what they’ve got in hopes that the clients will be so awed by the offering that they’ll forget what they had asked for.
What I do recommend, however, is that you scour the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) listings on the Internet (www.hawaiiinformation.com) and find your own prospective properties. Take down the addresses, find the places on Google Maps, do a drive-by, and if you’re still interested, call the listing agent rather than having "your own agent."
If you were to call your own agent with the info for the house you want to see, you would then have to wait for your agent to find the time to connect with the seller’s agent, then (unless the house is vacant) the seller’s agent would have to connect with the seller for a showing appointment, then seller’s agent would have to connect with your agent again and your agent would then call you for the appointment. And why would you want to make it that complicated?
The caveat here is that you really should to be somewhat familiar with the process to work directly with the seller’s agent. The reason is that the seller’s agent is representing the seller and obviously has the seller’s best interest first and foremost. In some situations, this could, theoretically, put you at a disadvantage.
“Theoretically,” because the seller’s agent is not going to disclose anything about the seller’s reasons for selling, his financial situation, or anything else you might like to know to be in a better bargaining position. But then, the seller’s agent isn’t going to disclose that info to your own agent, either, so unless your own agent really goes above and beyond, you won’t be in any better position even with your own agent. The seller’s agent, while keeping his client’s interests first and foremost, still has to be upfront with you, offer you a full disclosure of the property in question and assist you in every way that does not compromise his seller’s interests. It is, after all, his goal to sell the property and to do it in a way that works for everybody.
If you have bought properties before and feel some confidence in doing it again, here’s one big reason I recommend working with the seller’s agent. You have two ways to approach a purchase. One is to find your own agent, as most agents will highly recommend. The other is to work directly with the seller’s agent and let that person act as “dual agent.”
So now, let’s say you have your own agent and you have her submit an offer on this killer-deal property. At the same time, another offer, exactly the same as yours, from an equally qualified buyer, comes in directly to the seller’s agent.
All other things being equal, it is to the seller’s agent’s distinct advantage to promote the buyer who came in direct, because then the seller’s agent will not have to share the commission.
OK, I’ve recommended this before and received an unbelievable amount of flack from . . . you guessed it . . . agents. I was told that NO agent would EVER recommend one buyer over another because of the commission. Well, in a perfect world, that might be, and I would not accuse any agent of doing it to the detriment of his/her seller. But again, I said “all other things being equal.” We have had it happen to us twice where we (for one reason or another) did have our own agent, and the two unconditional full-price offers came in and ours was rejected. Remember, I recommend doing it my way only if you are comfortable with the process.
Another reason for my recommendation is that in our many real estate transactions over the last few years, we have NEVER had a case in which having our own agent didn’t unnecessarily complicate the process. It’s one more link in the chain of individuals who has to keep up to speed with the process. One more person whom you will have to call every day when time becomes of the essence. One more person who has lots of other deals going on at the same time and maybe yours is on the bottom of the stack when it matters the most. One more person in the chain of command who might decide to go on vacation during your escrow. We’ve had that happen several times, believe it or not.
OK, Realtors and agents, here I am. Let ‘er rip!
Mahalo Skip! As a mainlander looking to move to the BI by 2009, I am pleased with the new additions to your push to live aloha and keep with the culture that draws us there. When my husband and I discussed whether Maui or the BI should be where we live (and we have the financial choice)... I was always set on the BI because the slower pace, most intact culture and for me (my spirit), the mana is strongest. I am somewhat disheartened to even hear you have to tell people to let go of their mainland ways. But you have gotten thru in your last book to me, one who has scaled down to a practical 4x4 (sporting a hibiscus on the back of course), instead of the MB SL500 and looking to sell and scale down from a huge home. My friends are wowed by the change in thinking and insight Hawaii has brought me of the years. I am just as happy without all the "stuff", and preparing myself here on the mainland as I look forward to the transition to what I consider my spirits home.
Keep on pushing us mainlanders to think and test ourselves before we even leave! Bravo.
Mahalo, lopine, for the kind words!
It’s interesting, that point in our lives where we feel good about de-thinging ourselves. Before we get there, living without all of our acquisitions seems impossible, but afterwards – after we actually let go, we feel cleansed. We feel like a huge load has been removed from us. We feel free.
I’m glad you are leaning toward the Big Island. We need you here!
Aloha Nui!
Skip
Aloha!
It’s me, Skip Thomsen . . . again! I just wanted to put this out there to those unfamiliar with the best source of what’s happening on the Big Island, the State of Hawaii and even the planet in general. Some call it our “alternative newspaper,” but that carries with it a distant hint of left-bias that might be uncomfortable to some. It is, however, our alternative to the Hilo Tribune-Herald and West Hawaii Today (Both under the same management). The Hawaii Island Journal has the distinct advantage of being an independently-owned newspaper that doesn’t have to “tailor” (I always hesitate to use the word, “bias”) its content to what the owners of a particular chain of newspapers want us to see. Check it out! It’s a freebie and is available all over the Island, at restaurants, shopping centers and in most places where the other newspapers appear.
If you’re still hungry for more on the importance of living aloha, check out my article in the latest issue (#23).
(http://affordablehawaiiliving.com/
journal_article.html
Aloha Nui!
Skip
Hi Skip, my husband and I have been have been researching a move to Hawaii for quite a while. We have recently decided on Hilo as a truly local town to raise our kids in. We are coming from the Sonoma Valley area of Ca., so the real estate prices there actually look great to us! I just wanted to get your opinion on my husband's work situation since I noticed that you remodel houses. He is a licensed plumber here and good at what he does. What do you think his chances are of getting a decent job in Hilo? I really appreciate any thoughts on this, thanks!
Aloha, Heather!
Yes, Hilo is an amazing, beautiful and unique little town. It spite of the huge arrivals of newcomers from the Mainland in the last few years, Hilo is actually evolving in a very positive direction, in my humble opinion. The new arrivals have made it possible for a lot of Hilo’s small businesses to finally show a profit, and that has served as the invitation for even more of the kinds of businesses that make Hilo the special place it is.
We have funky old (but excellent) third-generation mom & Pop stores of all different kinds right in there with awesome art galleries, terrific restaurants and coffee shops. There’s more live music on a regular basis now, and most of the beautiful, historic buildings on Hilo’s Bayfront are seeing restoration. Some of it is slow, progressing as funds allow, but it is happening and the energy is good.
OK, your question. You probably know that Hawaii has the lowest unemployment of any state in the country right now. The building trades are booming and I see contractors trying to recruit skilled help from the Mainland because there isn’t enough to go around here.
We’ve hired several plumbers over the years and I’ll just say this: It is very difficult to find anyone here who has the skills they say they do or will show up for a job when they say they will.
I always recommend that anyone who is in the skilled trades work on his/her own rather than as somebody’s employee. Why get paid half (if that much) of what the contractor is charging the client and then have to answer to somebody else, do the jobs nobody else wants, work on somebody else’s schedule, an so on? The logic is that one could work half the hours and get the same pay if working on his own. Added benefits are that employees give up nearly half their wages in taxes. If you’re on your own, you can deduct all your expenses and end up keeping a much bigger slice for yourself.
The caveat is, of course, that we’re not all cut out to work on our own. Some of us, thankfully, are far more comfortable as employees, letting somebody else deal with the details. Like, at quitting time you get to forget the job until tomorrow.
That said, I do not know how difficult it is to transfer a CA license to Hawaii, or if it is even possible. I’ve heard from a few trades guys who said the unions make it really hard to get in here, and even if you are a veteran licensed plumber over there, you have to serve an apprenticeship here before you can qualify for a license. This obvious nonsense was set up by the existing trades and their unions to keep the existing workers working and eliminate competition. I’d suggest your husband do some Internet research with Hawaii County if he will need to get a job working for somebody else.
Bottom line: Word travels fast here. If a plumber arrives on the scene here and he’s competent, reliable, and honest, he will have more work than he can handle in a very short time. Our experience has also been that hands down, the unlicensed tradespeople we have hired have worked out way better than the licensed ones. Unfortunately, when you “call a plumber” here, the guy with the license is not likely to be the one coming to do your job. We’ve had some unbelievable experiences along that line. For that reason, we try to deal with the guy who is going to do the work, and that is usually not going to be a licensed contractor.
I hope that helps a bit. Good luck to you both. With a positive attitude, your options here are unlimited!
Aloha Nui!
Skip
Skip, thanks so much for the input. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer our question. We are so excited to begin a life in Hilo. We don't need much, just enough to get by, and from all the info I've been able to gather it seems like we should be okay. I do have another question for you. Do you know much about the rental market in Hilo? I have been checking the Hilo classifieds periodically, but it is hard to tell how competitive it is. We have 5 kids and I wonder if it will be tough to find a place. All we need is a 3 bedroom, we don't spend much time in the house(4 boys!) Again, I really appreciate you taking the time! It's awesome to have the opportunity to ask someone questions who is there now, thank you, Heather
Heather, your best resource for finding rentals in Hilo is the Hilo Tribune-Herald Classifieds http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/.
There's not much available right in Hilo, but if you're persistent you will find the perfect place. Three-bedroom, unfurnished homes seem to be going for $1100/month and up.
Is there any way you could buy a home? Reason I suggest considering it is that with a purchase, those monthly payments go to your investment rather than down the drain. Your interest is fully deductible, and prices are now very reasonable. Whatever you buy now will be appreciating and even if you later find you need to sell, at least you'll have something to show for all that money you've spent.
Another great benefit to buying your home is that if you buy one that needs work, fix it up and live in it for two years, you can sell it for a nice profit and that profit is fully tax-exempt. Some people do that for their total income and do quite well with it. Even as an income supplement, consider if you sold the house in two years for $50,000 more than you paid for it (a conservative possibility), that’s $25,000 tax-free income per year. Not a bad income supplement, and certainly better than paying rent.
It's hard to find or negotiate a rental from over on the mainland, so although you can get an idea of what you'll be up against, you really need to be here to make your decision.
If you would like a look at everything available for sale, go to: http://www.hawaiiinformation.com/REsearch/ and click your way to The Big Island and then to South Hilo. You can set whatever parameters you like regarding price limits, number of bedrooms, etc. If you enter “Hilo” into the keywords box, your search will be limited to Hilo homes.
When do you think you’ll be embarking on your Hilo Adventure?
Aloha!
Skip
Hi Skip, we are looking at May at this point. As far as buying a home, we can't quite do that yet. We will have to see how the job situation goes for my husband. I would love to buy one of those homes from the 20's or 30's some day and fix it up for us. Moving to Hawaii is something we have wanted to do for 7 years. I feel that we have researched everything we can, we aren't ignorant of the issues that are close to the hearts of people there. We have been raising our children with as much aloha as we can here in the materialistic wine country. Our 9 year old looks forward to the Aloha Festival in S.F. as much as any holiday. At this point we are asking ourselves, what are we still doing here? We will drive 30 miles just to go to a plate lunch place because we don't have one here. It isn't the beaches or the weather that we love (not that we're complaining!) it is the people and the way of life. Heather
Aloha Again!
You’ve waited 7 years, so it’s time! Sounds like you have it together and you'll be at home here. Hilo is indeed a special place to raise kids. They’ll grow up “knowing” that it is normal for people of many cultures and beliefs to live together as one big supportive and tolerant family.
One other asset of living in Hilo is that it’s never more than five minutes to the nearest plate lunch!
Next time you’re in Hilo, be sure to come by for a visit!
And in the meantime, enjoy every rainbow to the fullest . . .
Skip
Hi Skip! I have a home in Hilo....bought in 2003. Hilo has gone from great to even better in the last 3 years. It is looking better than ever, and is a real jewel in all of the Hawaiian cities. We are in Ainako...not far from your River Hideaway home...it is beautiful! In Hilo, as I read some of the comments about realtors, etc., I can recommend Lloyd at Hilo Brokers. He is excellent! Also Day-Lum Properties in Hilo for rentals...they are the best! Well, good lucj, this is a great blog! See ya at the open market!!
Mahalo,
Gary
Thanks for the kind words, Gary. The Realtor scene for us is still the same. We dealt with another new one a few days ago, looking at a prospective fixer. The agent, who shall remain nameless here, was on time for the showing, attentive while we were there, but even after we showed some interest in this property that was obviously a very difficult sell, there was, as usual, zero follow-up. Not a word, not even the specific followup that was promised.
We still do our best dealing with the sellers directly. At least they're eager to work with an enthusiastic buyer.
I totally agree with you about Hilo looking better all the time. It warms my heart every time I see the restoration of another of the beautiful old buildings downtown. If there is an upside to all the new people coming here, it is that the downtown ventures are now able to run profitable businesses, and there are always interesting new ones coming on line. Check 'em out!
So everybody, do your part in supporting our local merchants! Even if you have to pay a few cents more than at Wal-Mart (often not the case), you'll get personal service and the great feeling of being a part of your community!
Aloha!
Skip
Yet another Realtor example (and the beat goes on . . .)
A few days ago we found a house listed that we were interested in. We called the listing Realtor who was (big surprise) not available to answer. During the course of the day, we went to the Realtor's office (locked up with no indication of a return-time) and left two messages. No reply, to date. We cannot go to another Realtor or agent to see or make an offer on this property because the new one would be unable to show the house without first getting ahold of the listing Realtor.
We would so welcome a Realtor or agent to step forward and prove us wrong in our assessment of this sitation . . .
Aloha, and Happy New Year!
Skip
Skip,
I really enjoyed reading your book. The one thing I came away with is that I can practice Aloha where ever I am...even in Southern California traffic!! I currently own a nursery and landscape company in San Diego and have looked to the islands for a while as a place to live. Do you have any idea how the job market is for gardeners/landscapers? All of the nursery folks I have spoken with on the islands insist I would have no trouble operating a successful business. I am not looking to make money, just enough to live on and am trying to get a feel. Do you know of any landscape associations that I could contact?
Happy New Year, Andy
Skip,
After my 4th visit to the islands, I think I am ready to make the move. Your book really gave me a ton to think about. Especially the practicing of Aloha. The one thing I know now is that I can carry that spirit with me where ever I am.
I currently own a successful landscape company and small nursery and basically want to do the same thing in the islands. Nurseries don't seem to generate enough income, so I was thinking landscape maintainance would be where I put my focus. I could be outdoors and take on as much work as I want or don't want. Do you know how much work is available for such a trade on the Big Island....you touched on it a little in your book. My assumption is I can be as successful as I want because showing up to work is half the battle in getting accounts. I love the surf, but I have learned not to be a slave to it...lol.
Anyway...thanks for a great book and website!
Happy New Year, Andy
Aloha, Andy!
We own some rental homes and are constantly trying to find somebody who can and will do decent, unsupervised garden chores, from simple month-to-month maintenance to full-on landscaping. I’d say a definite YES to the need for some more qualified folks in that area. We have found one good tree guy, but are less than thrilled with the man taking care of two houses we have nearby. We explain exactly what we want done and it just doesn’t seem to get through. We’d love to go by the houses from time to time and smile about what the yards look like, but it isn’t happening.
I believe that if you would start up a small nursery to compliment your landscaping business, you would do well. You could grow the kinds of plants that most homeowners like, and sell them to your yard-care clients. Podocarpus, bedding plants and ground-cover plants would be among those that seem to always be needed around here. You’re in the business, so after you look around here and observe what the really nice yards are growing, you’d have a good sense for what would sell. You can also recommend those plants that will make your subsequent work easier for these clients. Think synergy!
Another thing to keep in mind when planning landscaping here is bugs. There are certain plants that hold water (like bromeliads, for example), that should never be anywhere near a house because each plant is a little mosquito-breeder. Other plants invite specific insects that migrate into houses. You’ll have to do your own research on these things, but if you know all about this kind of stuff, your clients will love you!
Our home is on nearly an acre and it is a full-time (but to us, very pleasant) task to keep it all looking nice. We do most of it ourselves, but would so love to have somebody around who we could trust to take care of the periodic things we don’t want to deal with ourselves. We’re not alone in this need!
A lot of Island residents take mainland vacations every year and need somebody to take care of their yards while gone. So many opportunities; so little time . . .
Yards get overgrown so fast here, especially on the windward (read: wet) side of the Island. Just staying on top of the growth takes constant care and there are lots of people here who would like that kind of assistance, especially on a contracted, monthly basis.
Sounds to me like you have what it takes to be very comfortable here. Remember, word travels fast here, and anyone who is good at what he does will soon have more work than he can handle. And of course, working with lots of aloha is a big plus!
Best of luck to you!
Skip
Hau'oli Makahiki Hou, Skip.
I decided to comment, because I'm reading your book and it is wonderful. The timing, for us-is incredibly perfect.
My husband's parents retired near Papaikou about 3 years ago. We were finally there in Sept. Both of us have been to the Big Island before. Last time for me was 1984-both volcanoes then!
We came back to our native state of California, determined to plan carefully, and be in Hilo in about 4 years, when the youngest finishes high school. More and more, that sounds like forever!
The time will allow us to clear out the material clutter from our joint lifetimes in this state.
Just wanted to let you know that we are really learning a lot from your book. It's also great because it confirms our hopes and beliefs about the amazing place you call home.
Can't wait to get home too!
Aloha, Annie!
Hey, if your youngest doesn't mind year 'round great weather, surfing, getting an awesome tan and hanging out with some good kids, maybe he could finish high school here!
Seriously, is that your home in he picture? Looks really interesting!
Do your plans and get very clear on your goals and you will be amazed at how everything falls into place. Or maybe you already know this, and if you do, you've got it made.
Stop by next time you're in Hilo!
Aloha Nui!
Skip
Aloha, Skip,
My wife and I are planning to move to the Big Island in 2008, after I graduate from nursing school. We were married on the Big Island and fell in love with the spirit, climate and people. Any feel for employment availability for nurses? I just discovered your site and am buying your book today.
Mahalo!
Mark
Aloha again, Skip.
Nope, that isn't my home, but here on the Mendocino Coast, there are some really interesting structures!
Thanks for your timely reply. We want to come back over in '07, and bring our 14 y.o. daughter with us this time. We are thinking that she may just change her tune about where she finishes high school, after seeing what we see. I have been looking into the possibility of a charter school in Hilo. Do you have any insight about that?
Mahalo for being such a great resource, Skip.
Annie, we've seen other teens come over and decide for their parents that they would love to move ASAP instead of finishing high school elsewhere. You might want to check out http://www.hcsao.org/hicharters/profiles for a list of charter schools. They're for the whole state, but just pick the ones that say Hawaii Island.
From there, you can contact the schools of your choice.
I grew up in the SF Bay Area and have spent lots of time in and around Mendocino. Now if only it was a little warmer there, and if the ocean were a bit more friendly . . .
Aloha!
Skip
Mark, I'm not really up on opportunities in the nursing field, but I just googled it and came up with this: http://www.graduatenurse.com/nursingschools/Hawaii.php. Looks like a good resource from whch to start. I typed in "hilo hawaii nurse opportunities" and came up with tons of material. Try it!
I do often hear that the whole medical community here is in need of more and better staffing, so that might include nurses as well.
Good luck and much aloha!
Skip
Aloha!
Just wanted to mention... affordable entertainment! Its fun! its FREE!
BOSCO THE AMAZING ONE MAN BAND performs Wed. through Sun. from 8-10pm
at the KONA INN SHOPPING VILLAGE, outside on the boardwalk, in beautiful downtown Kailua-Kona.BOSCO plays up to eight different instruments, and takes requests!If you're in Kona, come and visit!
Aloha, Waiha!
Just wanted to mention that it is considered proper form to ask permission before using somebody else's blog for your personal advertisement.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Skip
PS: Bosco is a great show.
Hi Skip!
about a dozen years ago I saw an
article in Fine Homebuilding magazine about a book called "More Power to You!" I bought that book (three times...I should stop lending them out) and devoured it.
Our new place is getting closer to completeion, and the generator is sitting in the crate just waiting to be installed. I've read the book so often, and talked it up so much at our log home members meetings (Google: Skip Ellsworth) that in spite of never having met I feel like we're old friends.
My wife and I decided to make the immediate move to Hawaii. We had a yard sale, got the house ready to sell, and the baby was born. Everything went on hold. The baby is now in college and we are hoping to come to Hilo for our 25th anniversary. The plan is to have a summer residence here, and a winter residence in the Hilo area. I'm right at retirements' door so I ahould have plenty of time to build a place over there.
If we do come over this spring I hope to talk with you and possibly rent from you for a while ao we can get the "feel" for the place.
Anyway, after all these years I just wanted to say hi and say thanks for the encouraging books.
-Rick Buchanan
Have a spare four minutes? You can see me and my progress at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qox2x5exMuo
Hi Skip!
about a dozen years ago I saw an
article in Fine Homebuilding magazine about a book called "More Power to You!" I bought that book (three times...I should stop lending them out) and devoured it.
Our new place is getting closer to completeion, and the generator is sitting in the crate just waiting to be installed. I've read the book so often, and talked it up so much at our log home members meetings (Google: Skip Ellsworth) that in spite of never having met I feel like we're old friends.
My wife and I decided to make the immediate move to Hawaii. We had a yard sale, got the house ready to sell, and the baby was born. Everything went on hold. The baby is now in college and we are hoping to come to Hilo for our 25th anniversary. The plan is to have a summer residence here, and a winter residence in the Hilo area. I'm right at retirements' door so I ahould have plenty of time to build a place over there.
If we do come over this spring I hope to talk with you and possibly rent from you for a while ao we can get the "feel" for the place.
Anyway, after all these years I just wanted to say hi and say thanks for the encouraging books.
-Rick Buchanan
Have a spare four minutes? You can see me and my progress at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qox2x5exMuo
Hey Rick!
Thanks for the kind words about my books! The power-system book was first published in 1979 but is still relevant today. The only changes I'd make if I did another printing would be to the resources at the end of the book, plus possibly some recommendations to changes/upgrades of the inverter. I might also do some research to see if anyone has come up with a better generator than that ancient China diesel. I did that a few years ago just for my own info, and came up with nothing. Most of the generators of comparable output ran at a self-destructing 3600 RPM and gumped too much fuel.
For some time now, I've been incuding an update sheet with the books that get sent out. I emailed you a copy in case you didn't get it in your last book.
I'm looking forward to see what kind of house you build in Hawaii!
Aloha!
Skip
Hi Skip,
I read your book about two years ago after speaking with my brother who lives in Oahu and loves it. He said raising a family might be easier on the Big Island. Well I loved your book and all the information I got from it. My question to you as I still dream of living in Hawaii is what do the job prospects look like for a masssge therapist on the big island?
I am a native Californian living in the Atlanta are right now. Very much missing my beloved Pacific Ocean and the good weather of out west. Our only concern is the job situation in Hawaii. We were told by some friends that lived on Ohau that there is a lot of discrimination on the islands when it comes to jobs, as far as caucasions being able to get jobs. As I read others information about Hawaii I have not heard this to be true. It is a big move and we want to make sure it's going to work if we do it.
Any feedback you can give me would be greatly apprectiated.
Trina
Aloha, Trina!
Geez, where do all these people find the “discrimination” I hear about from time to time! Maybe it’s a lot different on Oahu, and I have heard it voiced here, too. But in every case I’ve had to listen to it, it was an excuse for some other problem. Right now, Hawaii has the lowest unemployment of any state in the country. That in itself should shed some light on the situation for you.
As I covered in Affordable Paradise, the one thing that is in short supply here is competence in any field. Word-of-mouth is the best advertisement there is, and on and Island it happens fast. If you are good at what you do and you run your business in an aloha manner, you will have more work than you can handle.
I’m no expert on the topic of positions available for massage therapists, but remember Hawaii is a world tourist destination. The hospitably business here is enormous. I don’t know if you would be looking for a straight job or if you would be on your own, and that makes a big difference. If you can afford to make do while your name gets around and do it on your own, you’ll do a lot better than if you have to work for somebody else. Do the math: If you’re working for somebody else, they have to double what you get to stay in business. If you’re on your own you need work only half the hours for the same income, and that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. On your own, you may deduct all your expenses, including the expenses for that portion of your home that you use for work (if that’s how you would do it). You also get to choose your clients, and that, I would imagine, could be a big deal. You also get to choose your hours and the days you will work.
Try googling “massage hawaii,” “massage big island,” etc., and see what kind of sense you get of the massage environment here. Get on http://konaweb.com/ and http://www.punaweb.org/ and “listen’ to what’s going on for a while. Then ask some questions! You’ll be surprised how communicative and helpful folks are on those forums.
Anyway, forget the discrimination thing! If there is any place on this planet where all the people of many distinct and different cultures get along as well as they do here, I’d like to know where it is!
Best to you in your adventure!
Skip
Skip
Thank you for the positive information. It is funny how certain people can be so negative about others dreams. We have always been able to get what we want out of life somehow.
Thank you also for the web sites they are great,
Trina Shultz
Skip
Thank you for the positive information. It is funny how certain people can be so negative about others dreams. We have always been able to get what we want out of life somehow.
Thank you also for the web sites they are great,
Trina Shultz
Hi,
I have been doing research on relocating to (BI) Hawaii. I'm 57, a mail carrier and live North of Boston Massachusetts and it seems this time of year when temps get into the teens, I wonder why the heck I'm still here especially where I have never done or been interested in any winter sports.
I googled Best places to live in the US with the best weather and came up with Florida, California and Hawaii. California is out of the question, Florida was a maybe but Hawaii sounded perfect, until I started getting more and more info about it.
Sorry, I have not read your book, maybe the info I seek would be in there.
From the info I found, Hawaii is Rat and Mongoose infested, has Active Volcanoes, Frequent Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Hurricanes, Floods and Brush Fires.
Of all the Natural Hazards in Hawaii, I bet I would be more tramtized with waking up to find a RAT in my bed. lol....the last posting I found on the Rat situation was a posting in 2004 stating the government was thinking of dropping poison by air, I haven't found any info that it was done.
Anyway I don't understand how anyone would be willing to move to the (BI) knowing that all these 6 Natural Hazards can and will occur on this one little (BI). Where do people go and do they have time to get where ever it is they need to get to?
I'm bummin because Hawaii sounds pretty scary to me now.
Freeeezin in Massachusetts
Aloha, Dztiny!
Wow. Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your posting, but I still really have nothing to offer on this other than that you may want to consider accepting the freezing weather and the safety of Massachusetts as an alternative to putting your life at risk in a place as “dangerous” as Hawaii.
And maybe after reading this, most of the 1,200,000 residents of this hazardous pile of vermin-infested, smoking rocks in the middle of the ocean will be seeking refuge there with you. Including me, because I had no idea of that all of these hazards existed here! I’d rather freeze to death than be blown up, blown away, burned to a crisp, drowned or devoured by rodents in my sleep.
May you live long and be well!
Skip
Aloha Skip
Do you know where I can find rental ads. Were looking for a 1 bedroom apartment in the Hilo area. I can't seem to find anything online. Please help.
Mahalo
Aloha Skip & All,
My partner & I have been planning a move to the BI since visiting a little over a year ago. We will be visiting again next week. Your book has been invaluable. Thanks so much. THis visit we are coming to spend some more time in areas that applealed to us but that we just passed through last time -- Hilo, Honokaa, Volcano and Honanau. We ll be looking at properties. We have been self starters and hope to start our own business again. Do there seem to be plenty of competent vacation rental managers now? Our experience with realtors has been poor & from the blog clearly we are not alone. Does that lackof competance extend to vacation management as well. Any leads of whom to contact would beappreciated. Also thinking of opening a B & B. Any areas you think might be underseved or a friend in the business looking to sell? We also love the idea of artist rep -- any leads or thoughts would be great. Once again thanks for the great book.
Mahalo,Erik
Aloha, Danby!
Try www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/ and click classifieds, then rentals. There are lots of them there. Unfortunatley, the Tribune Herald dumps all ads together, so you have to look through ads for all over the Island. But there are usually quite a few right in Hilo.
Good luck!
Skip
Aloha!
Aloha, Erik!
Mahalo for your kind words about Affordable Paradise! Re: vacation-rental management, the lack of competence extends deeply into vacation-rental management. You need to know, however, that you will need to have a Realtor’s license to operate as a rental manager. You can legally manage your own rental and one other without that license. So get your license! It isn’t that difficult, and having it will open other windows of opportunity for you, too.
About where a new B&B is needed, I really don’t know, but if I were going to establish one I’d go after a desirable area regardless of how many are already there. Here in Hilo there are several already, but they’re always booked. Again, quality of service is key. If you place is a wonderful experience for your guests and you run your business with plenty aloha, you will succeed!
If you like, contact me when you get here and we can talk story.
Skip
Hi there!
My husband is already living in Kailua-Kona (he moved on Thanksgiving weekend last year) and the boys and I are following when the school year ends. He started his own business, against the advice of most of the people we know, but is doing OK. What really amazed me, when we started this venture, was the negativity we got from people: it is too expensive, you will never make it, you won't find an affordable house, etc. Well, within 3 months we found a four bedroom house for a very affordable rental rate (gonna rent until we find the right house to buy) and my husband's gross income has tripled since inception...
My problem is finding the RIGHT job: I am a property manager that manages 120 units here in Alaska, all by myself. I really enjoy it and learned that I will need to get a realtor's lisence to be able to do it on the BI. If I do that, I might as well then SELL houses to make a little more money.
I do have one question: I need to ship my boat from Anchorage, AK to the BI and the cheapest quote I got so far is $10,998! I really do not want to sell the boat, we have put a lot into it since buying it. My truck will only cost $2298 to ship...
I have yet to read your book, but will be sending my DH out to find it and mail it to me!
Aloha, Aksam!
All that negativity is coming from people not living in Hawaii, right? Well, I can’t do any better at dispelling it than you’ve already done in your posting. Just tell all those nay-sayers that they are absolutely right. Hawaii would not work – for them.
Yes, you’ll have to get your RE license to be a property manager here. I’m sure that with your husband’s success and your positive attitude, you will find the right opportunity here. My suggestion is to just be here for a while and FEEL it. The right opportunity will present itself at the right time.
My wife does a small amount of property management here on the Hilo side and people are always asking her to take on more vacation rentals. I’m sure the need for vacation-rental management is the same over on the Kona side. And it’s always about your integrity and competence. If you have them in abundance, your reputation will get around fast. That’s just the way it works here.
About shipping your boat, that’s a new one for me! I’ve never had any cause to even research shipping a boat to Hawaii. I do know of several people who have sailed their boats here from the mainland, but that’s probably not an option for you? Sounds scary to me!
As a boat owner, you’re probably in a good position to find people who have some experience in boat shipping. And then there’s always good old Google.
You don’t have to wait for your DH to find a copy of Affordable Paradise here and mail it to you! You can order your very own copy right from affordablehawaiiliving.com or from Amazon and even get it at a discount!
Congrats on your new adventure, and I wish you all the best!
Skip
My girlfriend and I just spent a week in the Waikoloa area on the Big Island and loved, loved, loved the laid back atmosphere. We have both commented since getting back how hard it has been to jump back into our work.
We talked while there about moving and have continued discussing it since returning to Dallas. Currently I am a Personal Chef and am curious if you are familiar with the concept and if you think it could be successful on the Island of Hawaii. I know of several successful Personal Chefs on Oahu or really in Honolulu, but think Honolulu would be to much like the congestion etc that we have in Dallas.
I would appreciate any thoughts or feedback that you have on this subject.
Aloha, Scotth!
Wow. Now that's a creative question! I can only guess what a personal chef is . . . and I'm guessing you would be available to prepare meals at your clients' homes, perhaps for special occasions? On a regular basis for a client who is seriously into pampering him/herself?
My suggestion to you is to do some research based on the knowledge you already have regarding this business. Place an ad in the newspaper "services offered" section. If you place an ad in the Hilo Tribune-Herald or Kona's West Hawaii Today, it will run in both papers.
If your business is actually one in which you serve a single client on a continuing basis, you would certainly have more options on Oahu that on the Big Island, although there are definitely some very well-to-do folks here, too. It's a numbers thing, though, and there are many times more people living just in the little city of Honolulu as on the entire Big Island.
Another thing to consider is that Oahu does have some beautiful areas that are not as crowded and congested as Honolulu. You might consider not excluding Oahu from your list of possibilities. You could try an ad there, too, and see what comes up.
Study the demographics of the kinds of people who seek a personal chef, and target them with ads. For example, are they likely to be golfers? Executives? Medical professionals? Place an ad where your audience reads.
Sorry I can't be of much help in this area, but remember, Affordable Paradise is all about living an affordable lifestyle in Hawaii, and that pretty much precludes having a personal chef!
Best of luck you your search!
Skip
Thanks for your response, Skip!
I have told some of my tenants here that I am leaving the first week of June and some of them have already given me notice to move out at the end of May ): It makes me really sad to have to say goodbye to 120 families I now consider family...
We have found a house - my husband is signing the rental agreement on Friday (it is going to be weird being a tenant again!) and the property manager and I have spoken on the phone: she is willing to show me the ropes and help me get a realtor's license when I get there.
Hi Skip. I sent an earlier comment but it seemed to have disappeared so sorry if this is a repeat. Anyway. . . thanks for your book and blog. It's really helped make the idea of moving a lot easier. My husband and I were planning to move in the middle of May but I have a job interview in Hilo so we need to go earlier (in one or two weeks). We're looking for a short or long-term rental for 2 humans and 2 cats in a good area. Any suggestions on where not to go or other places to look besides the papers? My husband is a painter/decorator/wallpaper hanger and photographer so we think he'll be able to find work anywhere. I'm a writer and teacher. We like the idea of Hilo or Honokaa. What about areas outside of Hilo? We need something quick just to start then can spend more time looking later. So excited. Can't wait to get to know the island, the people, the life, the food . . . and so on. Thanks again!!! Amy
Hi Amy!
This really is weird. I remember your earlier comment and I replied at length. So where did they go? Well, let’s try it again, shall we?
I think the most direct way to find a rental that will accept your kitties is to google “pet friendly hilo rentals.” I tried that for somebody a few weeks ago and was surprised by how many came up. That’s just a lot quicker than sifting through dozens of ads asking if they’ll take pets.
If you’re willing to go as far out as Honoka’a, replace “hilo” with “big island.” You’ll then have to weed out the rentals in places other than where you want to be, but at least it will find all of them on the Island.
One other resource you could try for Hilo-side rentals is PunaWeb.org. You can see what’s on there and/or ask some questions yourself. Still another resource is VRBO.com, but those are vacation rentals and in most cases pretty pricey.
And with your collective skills, you will surely never have a problem keeping busy here. There is always a demand for anyone who can do anything well . . . and who will actually show up for work!
Best of luck to you, and let me know how it works out!
Aloha Nui!
Skip
Hello Skip!
Thank you for all of your helpful information!!! It's amazing to know that it's still affordable and possible to live in Hawaii!! The beauty, spirit of Aloha and warm weather year-round sounds wonderful.
I am seriously considering a move to the Hilo area, but I'm very alarmed by the idea of huge cockroaches and centipedes. Unfortunately for me, I have a phobia about cockroaches. We get big (1-2"), flying ones in Dallas, TX, as well, but my yard is full of house geckos that literally keep them completely away, giving me a wonderful, roach-free environment in which to live. hehe Also, it's extremely rare that I ever come across them anywhere else. Do you think house geckos might work the same in Hawaii... or are the roaches just too big there? Even if my house were roach-free in Hawaii, would I really be enountering them everywhere outside as people post on the web? Are the centipedes also as common to find inside as people say?
Sorry to be mentioning a negative... I'd just really love to know the real scoop on this, as I know I wouldn't deal well with big roaches. :(
Would love your thoughts! :)
Skip,
Just curious if the housing market has been hit as it has here on the mainland. I am looking to move to the Hilo area late this year or early next year and was hoping to spend no more than about $300,000 for a single-famliy home. I've spent a lot of time looking at real estate on the web; but know that that probably doesn't always offer the best perspective. I will be in Hilo in October and hope to connect with a real estate agent at that time; so I'm hoping to get a more complete picture at that time.
Aloha Skip - et al - I bought the book and read it. Lots of helpful information. Much was expected. I'm attracted to Hilo because of the old-school feel and lack of condos and resorts. Hilo's charm is it's asset. I'm sure there are those who would like to change that. I nearly moved to the islands thirty years ago, but my career required my attention at the time.
The time in my life has arrived when I can make the choice and make the move. Hilo excites me! My conundrum is employment - for the last 15 years I have owned and operated a very successful special event production company - the business is oriented to the meeting and incentive travel markets. I realize that that industry is in Kona / Kohala on BI and at the moment, it's lifestyle over job choice for me. I want to try to transfer my skills and experience to the Hilo tourism market. Frankly, I could probably be happy driving a tour bus to the orchid farm - Ha Ha - but I'd like to use my experience to create even more Aloha.
I see that Hilo is a cruise ship destination, so I assume that there must be a good land-side tour industry to support the day trips. I also see there are many local events, festivals and arts associations, which I can assume need administrators and paid staff from time to time. I do plan to contact the Big Island Tourism agency as well as the State Tourism offices when I get a little closer to having my move date.
In other words, I think there are lots of opportunites, I am having trouble finding them. So I am for some local advice as to whom I might contact or where to search for more information on working in the tourism sector. Any thoughts, Kahuna? Mahalo - Big Dog
Hi Skip. Amy again from earlier. Thanks for your response. We got a rental sorted out for a month so we can spend time looking for long term. Originally, we thought about shipping our old Blazer but now it sounds like a bit too much. We're renting a car for a week or two but would like to buy something either a good, used run around or maybe newer. I've looked in the newspaper. Any ideas on that? Know anyone who wants to sell a good not-so-expensive car? Thanks again. Amy
Hi Amy!
Yeah, forget shipping the Blazer. What some folks do and it seems to work very well is to rent a car for a few days, long enough to buy one from a private part ad once you’re here. It doesn’t really matter how much you spend on the car, as long as it’s a good deal because you’ll get it back (or most of it anyway) when you sell it. When you sell, do so with the understanding that you will get to use the car until your departure date and the happy new owner gets to drive you to the airport.
If that sounds strange to you, it’s because you are not yet familiar with how people do business here! It’s done all the time and it works well.
Check the online ads in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald for car ads to give you and idea of what’s available. There are always lots of cars for sale, even if you need to drive to Kona to get one. And even if you sell the car for $1-200 less than you paid for it, it’s still a lot cheaper than renting one for the duration. I’ve actually known a few people who scored good enough deals on cars when they got here that they made enough profit on the car when they left to pay for all their gas while here. Now THAT is an economy car!
Aloha!
Skip
Hey TexasGal!
Did you know that the State Bird of Hawaii is the cockroach? Just kidding. There are cockroaches here. My Lovely Bride refers to them as “flying surfboards,” if that gives you any idea of their size. She HATES them, and as with most homes here, we keep strategically placed rubber slippers handy with which to smack them.
Seriously, here’s the deal: Keep your house clean and you will seldom see a cockroach. Leave crumbs around and you’ll see lots of them. And then it depends on where you are living, too. When we lived in Kapoho, we saw them a lot more than here in Hilo. We’ve probably had a dozen in our home here in the last two-plus years. But they are a fact of life, and no matter how meticulously you keep house, you will see one on occasion.
Geckos do keep them under control. We used to have lots of huge, beautiful, green geckos living in our home in Kapoho and they did their job. Here in Hilo, we had a few geckos here and there, but as soon as they figured out we shared our home with two cats, they split.
Centipedes, we’ve seen them from time to time, but never enough to be alarmed or threatened. I think I’ve only seen on inside my house in the 14 years I’ve been here. Mostly you’ll come across them if you do something like pick up some damp rocks or old lumber laying in the shade.
As I keep telling people, come stay a month before you make any decisions about moving here. FEEL Hawaii, talk to the people who might someday be your neighbors, and don’t believe everything you hear, especially on online forums!
Aloha!
Skip
Aloha, rr0723!
Instead of my going into a bunch of detail on this topic on this blog, please go to my “Update Page” on the Affordable Paradise Web site and you’ll get the latest on the housing market situation. http://www.affordablehawaiiliving.com/update.html. I have not done an update since February, but the situation is essentially unchanged and still valid.
If you don’t find the answers to your questions there, get back to me!
Aloha!
Skip
Yo, Big Dog!
Well, this is a bit out of my area. I’d just google “big island event” and every other related search you can think of and see what comes up. If you have a nice detailed synopsis of your experience, credentials and credits, send it to every applicable venue you can find.
Seem to me we could use an events coordinator here since it never fails that the best ones all seem to happen on the same date as another good one. That should never happen in a place as small as our Island.
The deal is, once you’re here and settled into this energy, you will be amazed at the connections you make and the opportunities that will present themselves. Especially if you’re into “creating even more aloha” with your energy, you will do well here.
Google cruise-ship companies as well (after googling “hawaii cruise ship arrivals” to find out which ones come here. See if you can click your way to whomever is responsible for their customers’ shore-side activities. I’d bet their always looking for more and better ones.
And yes, there’s a lot more going on over on the Kona side. That’s why you are attracted to the Hilo side as a place to live! I don’t know how your business would work, but no doubt lots of it can be done from an office not right in the middle of the activity, and it isn’t that big a deal to drive over to the other side when you need to.
I wish you the best, and let me know how it works for you.
Aloha!
Skip
All good stuff Skipper - Thanks for the advice, there are some ideas there that I hadn't considered. I will keepp searching the web.
I am coming for a recon mission in September and hope to be settled before the winter sets in. We are selling the business this year and hopefully that will be quick and profitable.
I see you are a Bay Area boy? - ditto here - although I haven't lived there since 1980 (I do get back to visit)
Perhaps our paths will cross in time. Thanks for your helpful book. I will continue to monitor this blog and the updates on your website. Best to you. Mahalo.
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BigDog, yeah. Berkeley. Born in SF, raised in Berkeley and I was there through the crazy and wonderful 60's. From 1971, I spent most of my time for 3 yrs in Hawaii and then moved to the hills of Oregon when I thought I could no longer afford Hawaii. (I never did check real estate prices on the Big Island of I would have never left Hawaii.) I moved back for good in '93.
Give me a shout when you get here so we can talk story!
Skip
for sure I will give you a shout when I visit in September. We are from the same turf and clearly of simialr vintage. Your advice has been very helpful in planning this move. I'll be in touch. Mahalo - Big Dog
OK Skip - here is another question for you. Last night I reread the chapters on moving. You have now convinced me to divest and bring less stuff. Thank you. I owe you big for that idea.
I had previously gotten estimates on a 20 foot container from Matson, but now I wouldn't need half that space. I have seen these huge plywood moving containers which load into larger shipping containers. One or two of those would be sweet.
My question is who supplies those crates? Is it Matson or the landside moving companies? I've sent an enquiry to Matson, but if you have any experience with folks using this method, I'd appreciate any advice.
Mahalo - Big Dog
Wondering if anyone knows where i can get info. on apartment or home rentals on the big island, preferably in the Kona side or north near Waikoloa?
Big Dog, I kinda dropped the ball on the shipping question. I have pretty limited experience with that, so asked a few people who had shipped less-than-container loads and they all said DHX or DHL do this sort of thing. My son shipped a bunch of stuff over last year and used DHL. He took it to their place and they strapped everything down to two large pallets. The pallets with everything on them were securely wrapped with that thin plastic wrap, probably 20 layers of it, so the entire thing was very secure and totally weatherproof.
I used DHX to ship over a huge Gym station a few years back and they were great. Again, it came on two pallets and I picked them up in my truck so there were no local delivery charges. The do ship door-to-door, too.
Hope that helps . . .
Aloha!
Skip
Aloha, Kalena!
Try googling “kona rentals” and waikoloa rentals.” Another good source is the West Hawaii Today online classifieds. (This blog won't accept URLS, so just add the .com at the end of West Hawaii Today.) Right now there are more rentals available than I’ve seen for ages. You can also post a “wanted” item on KonaWeb (again, with the .com). If none of those resources work for you, try googling “kona waikoloa real estate” and then check the individual Web sites you come up with for rentals. Quite a few Realtors are also rental agents and if they are they’ll say so on their Web sites.
Good Luck!
Skip
Hi Skip,
My family and i are planning on persuing a dream and leaving New England for the Big Island. We have four children (10. 8, 6, 1). I am leaving behind a local arts magazine I've run for 8 years, and my husband is a high end cabinet/furniture maker.
I'd love to discover a resource to learn more about the best areas for families. What I want to know is if affordable living is truly obtainable for a large family who love the arts, thrive on a sense of community, and just wish to live in harmony with our environment. Ok, that sounds hokey, but its true.
Where can I go to find out where on the Big Island families are finding happiness? I want honest feedback from families about best schools, best community/neighborhoods, opportunties for learning and diversity. Is this possible? Any place to get in touch with a family (ies) to learn where we should center our search?
Thanks for your help,
Doreen
skip 33 year old guy here soon to be 34, thinking of moving to hawaii, been to maui(not impressed except for hana), been to lanai loved it thinking of going there. hope to make it over near the end of 2007 and explore the other islands.
I can live very cheaply with roomates or whatever but eventually want to buy a house somewhere.
have experience as a computer technician and as a software engineer.
any suggestions or reccomendations for places to check out, jobs, other ideas?
I love the ocean, hiking in the forests/jungles/mountains, playing guitar.
Aloha, Doreen!
The best way for you to achieve what you are trying to do is to come here and FEEL it for yourself. You can get on a forum like Konaweb.com or Punweb.com. You’ll read highest praises of Island Life and how Hawaii truly is paradise and how everyone is so spiritually connected and full of love and aloha. You’ll read about how Hawaii really sucks and is overrated and how all the people here are ignorant and the business environment is there to stifle you every effort at earning a living. You’ll read about how there are income opportunities like nowhere else on the planet. You’ll read stories for those who are packing to go back to the mainland because there is absolutely no work here.
My point? My point is that we each create our own reality. The conflicting stories on these and other forums, the conflicting stories you’ll hear from people who even live here, and our itinerant population certainly support this notion, too.
We hear from youngish (25-40) people from time to time about how they just can’t make it here and are going back to the mainland. Then