Native Hawaiians
Native Hawaiians
Remain in Hawaii
It is evidently accurate to see countless Native Hawaiians residing beyond the shores of Hawaii. Some may think it’s opportunities, others believe it’s wrong to leave the native land. This letter is responding to the article title “Mainland migration: Data show growing movement of Pacific peoples away from Hawaii.”
I have lived in Colorado for seven years to take on higher education, pursue in my educational endeavors and then my ultimate goal was to return to the islands and share the wealth of my knowledge to the people of Hawaii. Numerous Native Hawaiians have lived in California, Nevada, Arizona, etc., due to taking on college opportunities or better job offers.
There is, however, a .01 percent of Native Hawaiians residing in Colorado according to the U.S. Census Bureau of 2009.
The job market in Hawaii is minimal. Hence, residing in Kailua-Kona is like living in Beverly Hills. The average pay rate for most residents in Kona is $12.75 per hour and emphasizing on high cost of living, a 1987 three-bedroom home in the heart of Kailua-Kona is $1,400 a month, where places like Hilo is $670 a month or even $675 per month in Grand Junction, Colo., air conditioning and electricity included. The state continues to increase taxes.
It seems like our land value in Hawaii is higher than a desert area in the middle of Moab, Utah, and unfortunately, Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, Japanese and other locals born and raised in Hawaii are exploring better job markets than Hawaii because there isn’t any.
The goal for Native Hawaiians is to stay in Hawaii, depart to the U.S. soil or live or study abroad in Germany or other countries and then return to the islands to increase job opportunities or moreover be successful in what we do as Native Hawaiians here in Hawaii.
“I left because I wanted to experience life beyond the seas. People leave Hawaii because the cost of living is so high,” Tyson Valenzuela said, a Native Hawaiian who lives in Kona and lived in Colorado for seven years for college and work. “Hawaii has an over-priced market,” Valenzuela said.
“It is $4.99 for milk in Hawaii and U.S. mainland is $2.99,” complained another Kona resident. “The gas prices is horrible in Hawaii. I remember when gas was $1.49. Now, it’s $5 per gallon,” Allan Cool said, a resident of Kailua-Kona. “It’s like war,” he said.
“In a nutshell, Hawaii was its own country, now DOE is involved, the development, work, education, infrastructure in Hawaii are low,” Cool said. “Everyone has different goals. If you want to become a news reporter, like a Diane Sawyer, Hawaii is not the place. There is not enough jobs,” he said.
This is why Native Hawaiians need to remain here in the islands and prosper. Also, Native Hawaiians need to return to help revive and perpetuate the Hawaiian language and culture.
Is the state’s goal to kick off the natives from their homeland? This is why cost is too high. Why is the land value higher in Hawaii than Moab, Utah, or Grand Junction, Colo.?
As a Native Hawaiian, it is my goal to educate our youngsters to become future leaders, highly and motivated leaders — to be culturally inclined, resourceful and successful.
Kalani Pe‘a
Hawaii