From Paradise to the Desert - When Native Hawaiians Move to Las Vegas
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- So I came across this article the other day, entitled, “Native Hawaiians Flock to Las Vegas for affordable living”. And while Vegas is considered by many in Hawaii to be the “Ninth Island”, this article had little to do with visiting the casinos and more to do about the realities of why local families, particularly Native Hawaiian families, are leaving for the Mainland. From cost of living to housing to quality of life improvements, the article mentioned a lot of reasons why locals in Hawaii would find Las Vegas a better place to live. But is it? I guess that depends. So I wanted to go over the article and share some of my thoughts as a local in Hawaii.
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I know a lot of locals are looking to Las Vegas as an affordable alternative to Hawaii. I think this story from the Associated Press does a pretty good job at explaining the predicament that many locals find themselves in. Most national stories about Hawaii tend to be tourist- or volcano-related, so I'm glad that this story is out there to explain why it's a tough decision to move away from Hawaii.
But where are people going after LAKE MEAD GOES DRY?
I'm a visitor from Alaska. While we are here on O’ahu, we noticed (this time) how many golf courses there are here. Since that land is already cleared, it would be great to build a community of houses/apartments in that space- specifically for livable places for locals - people who were born here to live. Even if it's just one course. There are plenty of others for people can play a game. People can stay in their homeland. Keep their culture going. Keep Hawai’i - Hawai’i.
hawaii is land of the rich....they dont poor ppl
@@sammatsusaka823 that’s the misconception. Vegas has years worth of reserve. They will cut off arizona and California before Nevada so water is not of concern. We’re taking about decades still.
@@islandsnow People tend to forget that Nevada has the Colorado river cutting through it.
Born and raised on Oahu, but just moved to Vegas by myself at 19 years old in 2021. I personally don’t miss anything about home other than friends and family, but Vegas has given me everything that Hawaii couldn’t. Being here has given me a great start to my adult life that I know Hawaii wouldn’t have given me. It’s been a huge blessing and hope that more local kids would try because at the end of the day Hawaii will always be there to visit when needed.
Chris, you eventually get over "the hurt" or sadness of leaving Hawaii. The shocking realization of the improvement of quality of life for you and your family when you're now thriving and not just surviving makes the transition overwhelmingly enjoyable more than you expect. With technology, staying connected with family and friends in Hawaii is much easier. And with the money you are now saving having moved off the `aina, you could always fly back. Having been 18 years here in Ohio, I definitely do not miss the struggles of my parents and my family growing up in Hawaii...its a distant afterthought.
Yes, I can imagine that as much as you miss home, you don't miss the stress that comes from struggling to survive.
I had the exact opposite reaction. I moved to Vegas and stayed 2 years. Never got over the home sickness. Took the first job I could find back here in Hawaii and moved back. Been back here 5 years again and glad I came home. Vegas was ok, no complaints other then the locals who grew there seemed snobby. Always complaining about the strip and transplants etc… found the California transplants to be much more friendly. All in all I’m glad to be back home, but I know it’s not permanent.
Dang.. Hawaii to Ohio, that’s a move.. I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life, I’m so tired of being here. I don’t mind the summer, in fact that’s what I love most. But man do I hate the winter. Im so tired of the cold, the rain, the snow , and the overwhelming gloominess. I get so depressed once winter rolls around and I’m so sick of feeling this way. 26 years of Ohio life has really gotten to me. However I can’t leave because this is where family is, and that’s what matters most.
Ohio😂 seriously?
I'd love to hear more on your perspective. I grew up in Ohio and anybody who grows up their has the general understanding, it's your own little slice of hell. What do you enjoy aside from the easier time with money?
Have you been to Sacramento? I considered moving to Sac a few years ago. The location speaks for itself close to lots of natural wonders, National Parks, San Fran, Napa, still within driving distance to the ocean (important to many islanders) When I was looking Sac it was still affordable.
As native Mauiins. We moved to Eugene Oregon. 45 minutes to the beach.
45 minutes to the Cascade lakes hwy. Eugene has an Aloha Friday monthly. About 300 gather...We still have 4 kids in Kihei. They are coming to Oregon also.
Make sense about 20 members of the family moved to Henderson. After all, in Honolulu as elsewhere, the reality of people's daily activities is within a few miles from their homes. If people don't take advantage of what the city and state have to offer, and if their main activities revolves the family and food, then relocating to Henderson would be no big deal. Talking about "Home", it's where you can get a job, get promotions or better jobs, or to better yourself. That's the reality of today, mobility. Another thing, I remained at where I am and passed up promotions because I have to take care of family. Yeah, it is what it is. Sometimes you can make choices but other times circumstances make the choices for you.
I just moved here. Love it so far
If people struggle month to month; there is no saving for kids college, no saving for retirement, no ability to help your parents. The reality is, Hawaii is for people with money.
living broke is no fun
Born and raised in Hawaii moved to Las Vegas in 2001 and have thrived a lot more affordable.
We never wanted to leave our home but we also didn’t want to live with mom and dad.
We now have our own home and can make ends meet . We miss Hawaii a lot but we have to sacrifice for our kids and give them opportunities that Hawaii could not. Believe me it wasn’t easy being away from Ohana and the ocean (which is where We spent most of our time) but we wanted better chances for,our children to succeed.
You have a real knack for talking about the tragedies Hawai'i natives as well as Kanaka deal with to hold on to what we have left to us. Your tone and compassion comes through, I appreciate you. ALL peoples born on different states and countries have a "link" an "attachment" to the place...that land. The fact that Hawai'i born people and pick out other Hawai'i born in a crowd, just by a feeling or the sound in their voice or even the way they walk, speaks volumes to how we are all linked to one another and our home. Thank you for sharing this topic! Mahalo Nui
I'm currently looking for rentals on the west side and I can't find any 3br 2ba house/townhouses for under $3,000 it's wild.
Clark County is huge. Lots of jobs. Yes I see a lot of Hawaiians. I live north near St. George Utah. My Doctor is Hawaiian. He said it is very expensive and a lot of homeless and crime in Hawaii. He is happy in St. George Utah.
Kupuna born and raised on Maui. When I left in 1986 I told myself that I'd be back. After 13 years in the Northeast we had finally saved enough money for a down payment on a Hawaiian house. But after 7 years back in the islands we realized that we couldn't afford to raise our two children in Hawai'i. So we moved to Texas. I spent 5 years of flying back and forth every time my parents had a medical issue. My dad passed in 2017. I moved back to Maui in 2020. My mom passed in 2021. My biggest regret is missing most of my parents' last years.
What about CA? Seems like the transition from the island to the desert is a bit more drastic than the island to the coast. There are many many neighborhoods and regions in CA, and depending on where you live, the cost of housing is also high. However, the difference is there are more job opportunitues and options that potentially make the housing / income ratio more pallatable. Parts of CA also have great public schools, which would be something to consider.
That said, I think you will likely miss home (it's a short flight away though) if you made the move. But, at least it could be a short term goal to build more of a savings / nest egg before moving back to Hawaii in a few years.
I’ve just spent 15yrs living in Henderson (Las Vegas). I’ll just say everything is new and clean even the roads. There’s a huge reason why I think that this is the best place to live. The mountains and trails are amazing. The weather is wonderful, yes it can be hot at times, making the night life all the more amazing.
We (wife and 2 small girls) left in '89 on purpose to California for my job with the federal govt and allow my two girls to get a proper education.. The girls grew up in Cali, and my wife and I worked and retired in cali. Our goal was to work, retire, and return. We did all of that. Our life in cali was great, we left many friends in cali. However, our hearts were always in Hawaii while we were away. Hawaii is our homeland and we returned. No regrets on our move the girls are grown and well educated and financially well off in their lives and with their family. I completely empathize with those who leave. Thank you for sharing your heart and your thoughts.
In WA state, for some ho'ike, the openning ceremony is done by the local native American tribe.
If the cost of housing is so expensive in Hawaii then that means the demand is exceeding the supply. So why isn't supply catching up? Why isn't more housing being built? Hawaii is still largely undeveloped, it's not like the islands are just completely packed and there is no more space to build housing.
Not Hawaiian, however my family immigrated to Hawaii in the eighteen hundreds and mostly lived on Kauai. After statehood my family received US passports. Over the years they began to move away because of cost of living and lack of work. They moved to Las Vegas where I grew up, would visit my grandparents and uncle’s and aunt’s over the years. Now none live in Hawaii it’s sad that Hawaiians can’t afford their own homeland. But know many who live in Vegas.
I may be wrong but I think that too many outsiders caused all this. There are a couple of very important people that I don't respect. Everything is messing up the real Hawaiians. I disagree about Hawaii without no Hawaiians. Please give me a break.
I left Oahu in 1990; no regrets I had the same concerns for my own longevity in Hawaii. Las Vegas gave me my education, family, job & most of all my life. I’ve met long time friends here & met my late husband. In short, Vegas has given me everything & more. Don’t knock it until you try it!! Yes prices are on the rise but I have everything that I need here in LV…would I move back? Idk but something has got to give for all yall.. ❤
Hey Chris, love your content and have been a long time follower of your channel. I have a question for you. You live in a 1 bedroom condo with your wife and two young sons. What’s your plan when your boys become teenagers and need their space? Do you think selling your condo in the future will allow you to buy a bigger home in HI? Looking forward to seeing how you navigate living in HI and raising your family.
Crazzzzyy. My wife and I decided yesterday it’s time to leave Hawaii and move to Vegas. We just can’t survive here and it sucks. I been following you for awhile. Love the great content about our Home. First thing I see today is this post. You’re on it 🤙🏼 Haven’t watched yet but im sure it’s on point as usual. Aloha.
Vegas is overrated. Texas, Oklahoma,Kansas, Idaho, Utah worth checking out.
@@bigkanak797 Shoot Bradda mahalos for the suggestions. I would try if I was young but I already lived in Vegas before and know my ways around and can get work easily. It wasn’t bad for me at all and im ready to go back.
@@SNR_Hawaii rajah dat. Been 15 years since I moved. Thanks to the donkeys that run Hawaii now, I’m glad to be where I am. Good luck to you Hawaiian. Hawaii is wherever you are.
@@bigkanak797 mahalos my Bradda. Gonna be tough leaving parents behind but if I set it up right I can have them move up with us eventually. Good looking out and mahalos 🤙🏼🤙🏼
Good luck on the move. And can always come back to visit. 🤙
nice UH hat, where you get em?
I lived in Hawaii for 4 year’s. First time I experienced reverse discrimination. I had a good time but it was inspite of the locals not because of them. Saw so many just existing and feeling they were victims. Hawaii is a beautiful place. I really enjoyed the food, weather and tropical beaches but never felt that aloha spirit. All my friends were transplants from others places.
There is no "reverse discrimination". You are either discriminating or you aren't.
I felt the discrimination too. Id call to ask about a rental posting and when the person heard I didn't have the Hawaiian accent they would just hang up. many other situations too. The thing is you cannot change Hawaii or the people. You have to adapt or it won't work. Personally I understand that but I just did not like being broke all the time so I moved back to the main land to make money and buy a house.
Sacramento County is a great place you're close to San Francisco Berkeley the mountains are right behind you you can travel lots of places from there the work situations pretty decent and there's plenty of things to do in Sacramento as well plus there's two major rivers running through it the Sacramento and the American River so you can play in the water during the summer. I wonder why people want to move to Las Vegas you're way out in the middle of nowhere with really hot Dusty Summers don't understand the draw.
Excellent reporting
It’s with much sadness to hear the reality of the local people here in the state. My son had to move to Oahu from Kauai with his 7 kids and are now living in a 4bedroom house bringing it to a total of 16 people in the house. Education is a priority for his family and the ages of the kids range from 15 to 3. The ohana is strong in the faith and they are making it work. We hope that they never have to choose the option of leaving our island but the reality that you have shared makes me tremble to hear of the alternatives left to the Hawaiian people. Mahalo for your insight
I’m leaving next month back to Vegas. Not because of cost of living. I own a home outright. Have a good job and lots of free time. I just can’t stand living in a state that tries to emulate California’s style of government and policies. First and last with mandates, a rail that’ll never get finished, politicians get arrested for corruption every month. It’s just not worth the price for anything anymore. Dining out at whatever surviving restaurant sucks. Kamaaina rates for hotels costs more than a suite on the strip! The people here keep voting for the same problems! It’s literally the definition of insanity! Native Hawaiians don’t even have the majority in the islands and it’ll only get worse because Hawaiian issues are just a money grab for new non-profits. I don’t even island hop to Oahu or Maui because I get more value in Nevada or Florida. If I was a visitor that dropped grands to come to Hawaii, I would be sickened by the cost of subpar products and services. Things change. Hawaii isn’t nice anymore. I have over 100 videos of beaches and parks in Hawaii. In the last 2 years of filming different spots, access to places are becoming more limited. Beach closures for over a year or declaring an area as protected environmentally keeps us out while mansions are built on the shores. Someone told me once that the roads tell the story of the town. They’re totally correct.
California Hotel where "Aloha Spoken Here" really caters to Hawaiians...introduced many to Vegas...and the lower cost of living leads so many there permanently.
I dread that this day might happen to me too. As a Native Hawaiian even if i bought a condo here theres going to be day that i can't doing anymore and have to move on so that my family has more opportunity in the future.
Presently, 2024, 3 bedroom house in the burbs of Portland, OR is $2,700 a month. Winter price for electric is $315. A month. Water and sewage is $140 a month. Garbage $52 for 1 small can a month. Buying a 3 bedroom house in a middle class blue collar neighborhood is 1/2 a million$. We do pay big property and income taxes even on retirement $. I did come from Hawaii to the mainland. Summertime in the islands, I worked summer fun, swim teaching and lifeguarding
.
My sister and brother in law went back to Hawaii after their mainland education. They work hard and complain that a beach trip is rare.
Hawaii people check out Lancaster California, Can.
Aloha Nephew, Thank you for continuing this conversation. This is a dysfunctional economic situation. You are documenting a process that is well-underway. Also, Hawai'i without Hawaiian culture and community makes this simply a resort island. This is a sad loss.
A living wage in Hawaii is more like $40-$50 an hour not $12 or $18 so you can't justify that as a reason to raise the minimum wage. The minimum wage isn't designed to be a living wage... that's why it's the minimum wage.
I would love to move to Hawaii but I am doing a lot of the math to see if it is possible to live there. I am one person with a monthly salary of a teacher renting an apartment, and I would ship my car from Texas to there. I wonder if it would be enough? I would teach in Texas for about 6-8 years then move so I have a savings and teaching experience.
The struggle is REAL in hawaii lol
🤙
I sounds like everyone is searching for “Happiness “ in Hawaii.
Don’t you think people on the Mainland are doing the same searching.
I know a couple that live in Waikaloa, on the Big Island, and they are from Sacramento, Ca.
I’m a “transplant’ from San Francisco.
I left the congestion, and busy life style for a farm in Kona.
Where is your happiness ?
I have a decent one bedroom apartment through Hawaii public housing near Waikiki rent is 273 a month with water and electric paid
Relatable in many ways.. moved to LV in 2019 and in 2020 the pandemic happened. Fell it was better being out here. In Nov 2021 flew to the big isle for a few weeks to pack up my mom and relocate her to LV with us. She was diagnosed with Alzhiemers. Found that it was easier and cheaper to relocate her than we move back.
Chris…..when you move off island……you do get some sand, ocean……..but then SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST HAWAIIAN BEACHES!!!! Hawaii is for the rich tourist!!!
Lived in wisconsin and DC for total 20 yrs and now in hawaii for 30yrs. I said I would NOT die in my long johns and minus 20 weather lol !! Hawaii is now my second home n Bali is my next one... a matter of whats important for elderly healthcare and going back to your birthplace... but i can say that Hawaii is paradise for me. Got to be race blind and be flexible, not rigid and be creative to live here . Be an international minded person and find the gold nuggets in your surroundings . Am enjoying multi cultural cuisine, friends n perfect weather. Stay humble and count your blessings. Keep the Aloha spirit alive.
Growing up in the Bay Area of California, I did see that big melting pot of cultures here and even have met a few Native Hawaiians that moved here. My 5th grade teacher was from Hawaii and I remembered she brought and implemented the aloha spirit and culture within her classroom and even founded the hula club at my school. Although she has admitted to missing her homeland, she was content with where she was now and stays true to her roots with pride. Mahalo to her for bringing the aloha. 🤙
Mahalo for sharing 🤙
Once born and somewhat raised in Hawaii and than coming to the mainland Hawaii never leaves your heart. My family is from the Portuguese & Puerto Rican migration over to Hawaii few hundred years ago and are very settled into the Hawaiian culture and for me it was just very hard having to leave Hawaii as a kid and coming here to the mainland having to take speech classes to break the pigeon talk I feel robbed of what I knew and what I called home. I only dream of moving back but the prices is what scares me the most I guess is why I haven’t.
I can imagine that as much as it hurts to leave home, there's probably massive relief that comes from being able to actually live and not just struggle to exist. Stress takes a major toll on not just mental health, but physical health and if moving away to somewhere where you can afford to have a better quality of life and alleviate that stress allows you to flourish, then it's no contest. The struggle to survive in a place that's so expensive is unrelenting and having that massive weight reduced or removed can be life changing. I would think that for some struggling locals, they might even come to resent Hawaii. I wonder what happens if Hawaii becomes even more expensive? Does it become a destination for only the wealthy with any remaining locals working in service of the wealthy and living in cramped dorm style high rises similiar to factory workers in China? It sounds dystopian and exaggerated, but could become reality of things are allowed to continue unchecked.
I just don’t have the right words! I get so angry that our Aina is being sold to rich outsiders that have no connection! So sad! I believe without Kanaka Maoli there is no Hawai’i!!
I’m a native but I have a question, do you think it’s “selfish” to keep the land all to locals only and wouldn’t you say the economy is what it is because of the visitors? Job opportunities have over quadrupled since the start of tourism and that’s the same with many small towns in the mainland. I think a healthy balance is the key to a thriving community and if the locals keep pushing away “outsiders” then I don’t know how Ohana Hawaii truly is.
@@Greenliight my reply has nothing to do with tourists or small businesses. It refers to large land and those who purchase condos and homes that they use for profit most don’t live here! Kanaka Maoli would not call themselves native!
@@carolyninman3269 well my apologies it sounded like anyone who wasn’t born and raised here isn’t as welcomed. Sorry
Appreciate the points you brought up 🤙
Its quite evident what “the plan” truly is. They will have pushed all of you out to have the jewel all for themselves. Its as clear as daylight. Whawhai e hoa mā. Kaua e tuku i ou pupuri! Its your birthright. E tū e te iwi “kanaka māoli”. Get your land back.
Would be cool if you can make a trip to Vegas and do a video on your impression of the Aloha spirit there.
A lot of islanders and Hawaiians here in Utah where I live. It's very safe and family friendly here vs Vegas, in my experience. 🤫
I moved to San Francisco from Maui in '97. I was surprised how many Hawaiians were in the Bay Area. I now live in Vegas because San Francisco became too expensive. I was able to purchase my home here for what the down payment was on my home in the Bay Area. Maui was so very expensive and traveling for a weekend away was crazy. If you have family or friends you're lucky. Even with our discounts outer island travel was so very expensive. Here we can drive short distances and see so much. Welcome to Vegas. Aloha!
I'm not disagreeing with your premise, but its the same problem in New York, San Francisco, Boston, London, Singapore, etc... Just because you're born in a place, doesn't mean you are entitled to live there forever at some comfort level you personally think is reasonable...homes in Hilo are half the price of those in Honolulu..
I moved in 2013 with a car and some clothes and got a job at a casino. Best decision I ever made. I could never find a job that would allow me to earn enough to buy a house or enjoy life back in Honolulu. Now I do and I can’t ever imagine moving back to Oahu. The world really does open up when you move out from Hawaii.
Mahalo for sharing. Great to hear that you've been able to buy a house.
Wow! You only went to the beach once a year growing up! I guess we are lucky on north shore where we can walk to the beach any time and go often.
Yeah, I was a townie, even though I grew up in Kaneohe.
I was sad for us to move away from our aina in Waipio to the Bay Area for economic reason.. primarily, employment and a home to called our own. simply put, I would not be able to own a 3,000 Sq. ft. home and gainfully employed. I know the sacrifices., we have put up with not having our brothers, sisters, cousins, parents, grandparents and friends around during birthdays & holidays, we especially missed the 70-80’s warmth year round in Hawaii. So, it’s a trade off. We loved to be back home, but for now…. We have to just put up and enjoy an annual home visit and hope someday that we will be back home during our golden years. Aloha for now..!
With the cost of real estate in the Bay Area, you could easily sell and move back to Hawaii. You would probably have to downsize tho, 3000 sq ft for 1500 sq ft 2 baths vs 4. We are in WA where prices are ridiculous compared to when we moved here in 1978 and consider it at times. Retired now. We like to travel and aren’t done with our bucket list yet. With the exception of the Orient, It’s easier to get places when you don’t have to also go across the Pacific Ocean. Quality of life is good for us. Thankfully my children all got homes before the real estate market went nuts! One of my kids is in the Bay Area as well and wants to get out to move back up North to be near us. That kind of puts a damper on thoughts of returning to Hawaii. One son has fiancée on the Big Island and is thinking of going there. If he sells his home he could buy that ranch he wants in Hawi. Trying to get us to go too but that’s probably not going to happen. At our age we need to be near good medical facilities. Honolulu I would consider but I still have daughter and grandchildren here and the oldest wants to move here too. The best we could do is get a condo and live there part time like all the other reviled out of town buyers.
@@melanieathwal4038 yes, we will sell for sure in the near future.. but for now, the real estate market is hampered by the current post pandemic economic uncertainty & the impact of fed interest hike. But yes, I will be selling within the next five year and return to Hawaii where we called home & thats where my heart will alway be..Aloha !
@@derekho6750 tried returning in 1985. Sadly the interest rates hampered that effort too. At that time, interest rates were somewhere between 15 and 17%. When they dropped to 9 we were tickled to death! 6% still not too bad. Unfortunately that has put a damper on folks that never experienced the interest rates of the 80s, Market value of homes have gone down with the rise in interest rates. It seems there’s never a “perfect” time to sell and move. If in the market to BUY nows a good time. Prices stabilizing and bidding wars have slowed. Buy now, refi later. All you got to worry about is a job. For retirees the time is ideal, if still in the job force, not so much. Hard to take a pay cut to live somewhere expensive IF you can find a comparable job. Good luck. I hope you can realize your hopes and dreams.
Part of the reason we moved the the PNW. There are so many Hawaii people in Vegas. A house like we got would have gone in Hawaii for at least $1.5-2M
We can afford to LIVE here and not just survive.
Yeah, so much cheaper. But even the PNW is getting expensive.
Politicians are the problem. We cannot own a home but some are able own 2-3 homes and one of those homes is in Hawaii. Pono?
I grew up that way, going to the beach, surfing, bodysurfing, also fishing, finding glass floats, all kinds of fun, picking shells, plus hiking .... it was everyday when I was a kid/teen.
Wow I'm left with mixed feelings after watching this video, didn't expect the Purdy ohana to return but shows that Hawaii is unique, you have to grow up here to understand why they did come back, good luck to the Purdys & anyone else going thru , as usual you hit the nail on the head, mahalo
Yeah, I wasn't expecting that either. Hope they continue to make it, like many of us are trying to do.
Anything is possible. It's simple economics so why is housing so expensive? Maybe government regulations? Residents want it this way, they are responsible for high costs by trying to regulate everything.
As a born and raised kamaaina local style Japanese 🍡 boy from the late 90s and early 2000s all the way to 2021 while I am depressed, and almost empty in my soul for our home state in it's current pathetic expensive situation of housing crisis
It's the native Hawaiians like this I feel the most powerful empathy towards.
All us other guys, Japanese, Haole, Black, Latinos, Filipinos etc even if born and raised Hawaii, it's sad enough as it is when we are forced to leave our paradise state due to housing but the Native Hawaiians is just pure cruelty.
It's their land.
Native Hawaiians should only ever leave Hawaii if it's their choice and they truly want to experience something different.
They should never be forced out their land.
No one should, not my mixed race family of kamaaina either but especially not the native Hawaiians since they are priority #1 in Hawaii.
At least.
They should be.
Aloha.
Keep the spirit of better days Hawaii wherever you are is all I can say for now because the worst thing to happen is have our culture get diluted and eventually
Extinct.
Mahalo for the comment. Great points. 🤙
Racism. Nice.
True. But are the aforementioned groups willing to Yellow Flight, White Flight, Black Flight for
Native Hawaiians? Many already have, but among them are the Native Hawaiians themselves.
@@alexcarter8807 my comment is racist? elaborate.
@@StyleshStorm racism, like the irony of a white person telling a Native American to go back to your country.
According to a recent Redfin survey, Sacramento is where Bay Area people and others across the country have been moving to for housing affordability. Sacramento is a medium sized city, not too big, not too small. It’s close to Lake Tahoe, Napa, and San Francisco. Also, demographically one of the most diverse cities in the US. Largest employer is the State of California, with great government pensions. Drawbacks are allergies living in a valley, and 30 days near 100 degrees during the summer.
Thank you 😊 💓
The native peoples of the Las Vegas are the Nuwuvi. There's the Las Vegas Indian colony (reservation), the had 111 members (as of 2021). 111 natives out of the 646,790 people that live in Vegas. While it's important to acknowledge the indigenous peoples of any place, how can 111 people carry the burden of maintaining the culture of a place when they're so dwarfed by foreign settlers? I think this is what Tommy Waters means when he says there's no Hawai'i without Hawaiians. Local culture owes so much to native hawaiian culture, and as more and more of our people leave and our ways are lost, we're not in Hawai'i anymore, we're just in another part of America
Mahalo for sharing. Good to know more about the native culture in Vegas.
@@HelloFromHawaii appreciate you Chris, keep doing your good work
The disproportion in disparity is eye-widening. The loss of quality of life is palpable. Sure, negotiating romantic/idealistic/nostalgic expectations of coming back "home" is a necessary reality check. Non-negotiables however to any "home": safety and potential for growth/thriving and freedom. How much does one bargain our emotional/spiritual ties and quality of life to trap ourselves/obligate ourselves to an environment and trends of further non-thriving? But how much unsustainability does one tolerate like a frog in slow boiling water? It is legitimately heartbreaking. It's time for a reframe of what gives us fulfillment and quality of life in the short term or long term. Mahalo for the chance to reflect.
Mahalo for the insight 🤙
Your right, there arn't enough people of any kind of people to make a majority, I like this, it's a humbling experience. I could never, understand why native Hawaiians left for Vegas or Miami, now I do.
I echo all of your points!
Many of my coworkers make a nice living, and try to save for retirement the best they can. Although for the most part, their retirement is going to be less than 66% of what they were making when gainfully employed.
Therefore a good percentage of them will live and work here, pay their mortgage, and raise their families the best they can afford. Although when it comes time to retire, they'll make whatever equity they can from their property and move on to Las Vegas. Due in large part in an attempt to live comfortably on the 33% reduction in income.
They don't really wish to leave our islands, although their plan was put into motion when they first landed their full-time employment, and started looking for a place to buy.
Reality is what it is.
30 YEARS AGO, WHILE LUVING IN OREGON, WENT TO A BEACH PARTY ON THE OREGON COAST WITH MY FELLOW HAWAIIANS. MANY LIVED ON THE OREGON COAST, HAD TO LIVE NEAR THE OCEAN. AT THE TIME, FOUND OUT THERE WERE MANY LOCALS WORKING AS PRISON GUARDS AT THE OREGON STATE PRISON!!
I chose NM. Same like HI but different host native culture. Very interesting place and underrated place for Hawaiians, but I do meet them occasionally. You see cultural mixes in CA and NM, different mixes, but interesting in seeing how other cultures govern.
Once HI sold to outsiders HI will never be the same. We lost our lifestyle for the sake of the almighty dollar
Not sure it will 100 percent be sold out, but things are getting tougher.
Aloha,
Interesting v log. Very intrigued by the story of a family which chose to move back to take care of their mother. Yes, it’s a huge struggle to stay in Hawaii, one can see the stress on the faces of the locals, but somehow the Aloha spirit always keeps them smiling and happy. Since we are dealing with an Island economy, with lots of limiting factors, it’s going to be difficult for the coming generations to stay on the Island, especially when the mainland offers better career and economic opportunities. That’s just the way it’s been, just as lots of immigrants who came to this promised land from distant countries for a better future, the same factors will compel the locals to move to the mainland.
Mahalo for another great v log.
🤙
Aloha 🌺 Yes there is some things about Hawaii that exist no where else. Lived in Australia for a year as a Nanny. Calls from home hurt your heart with one word 'Howzit'
🤙
I’ve lived in Hawaii all my life until two years ago. Grad High School on Maui in ‘74.
Went to UH, and also mainland college. Worked two jobs all my working life, bought a house in 1988, with my Hawaiian wife. My brother and I built a cottage in the back of the property.
A lot of people I know were living the life, out to eat in restaurants, buying fancy cars, using drugs, gambling, etc. but I just kept working to pay off the house. I turned over my house to my two children, both Kamehameha School grads. They are in the 30’s, regular type jobs, and would never to be able to buy a home in their own land. As for me, I’m traveling now. God willing, if I could just find a small lot to buy on Maui, I would just build a small house. Doesn’t look likely though.
I definitely wonder about one question you brought up. Do native Hawaiians learn about the other culture they’ve transplanted to…. I think it requires a lot of effort to do so and that’s why even when expats or digital nomads try to acclimate to a culture of another place, they end up in little communities of their own kind. It takes probably the effort of both parties too…
Appreciate the comment. I asked that because of how many locals in Hawaii feel that transplants who move here should learn about Hawaii's culture. Seems inconsistent if we expect others to learn about our culture if they move here, but we don't do the same when we move somewhere else.
Interesting how Vegas is called the "Ninth Island" by Hawaiians. It's no surprise because Vegas and Hawaii are worldwide tourist attractions, and their tourism sides are in a chronic 24-hour "party mode" more or less. Ever hear of a casino being closed? I'm in San Diego County which is a hardcore tourist attraction itself. Disneyland is in Anaheim in Orange County, but it's only an hour or so drive from where I live.
Being a SoCal native, I've heard my whole life people bitching about how expensive it supposedly is to live in California. As someone who's struggled through low-wage jobs my whole life, sooner or later you contemplate the thought of moving to another state which is supposedly cheaper to live, and will hopefully offer a better "quality of life" as a result. In recent years, I've even considered moving to Vegas myself. On the topic of Vegas, other desert furnaces like the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas of Arizona come up for consideration, too.
I know Hawaii has pricey real estate like a lot of California. Some places in Cali are more pricey than others, like Palo Alto, the Bay Area or Silicon Valley in general. Those places have been called the "home of the working-class millionaire." The real issue here is "opportunity and quantity of income." If you're in Hawaii working three or whatever low-wage jobs, how much more do you think your "quality of life" will improve if you move to a "cheaper" place to live working similar jobs, wages and hours? Will your quality of life be better working 60-80 hours a week at or near minimum wage in Vegas, Phoenix, or a midwest or southern state as opposed to Hawaii or coastal California? Will you be able to get better jobs or careers in the "cheaper" states?
You should also look into the "hidden costs" of living in such-and-such "cheaper" places. Rent and housing may be somewhat cheaper in Vegas or Phoenix than Hawaii or SoCal. But what about utilities, namely air conditioning and especially water in the desert furnaces? I've read of summer electric bills in Phoenix being as high as $400-$500 a month. I've heard of Arizona people paying for water by the HOUR. Harsh climates cause more wear and tear on things, living and non-living, than milder climates. Insurance, taxes and other expenses may be higher. The "cheaper" state to live in may not be nearly the bargain you thought.
How about home life? Family life? Culture? Crime? Recreation? Going back to Vegas, it's not exactly a family-oriented place. Nor is Vegas particularly known for having low crime. If you're able to work less, what will you do with your extra free time? It's so hot outside much of the time, you may not even want to go outside, except at night which is when all the riff-raff like to come out.
And thus the elephant in the Vegas room - where will you go for fun, day or night? One of the endless casinos where you can blow your paycheck over the weekend? Do you like gambling? Casino gambling is known to be highly addictive. With the exception of poker and perhaps blackjack and craps, most casino games are little more than legalized loaded shell games. Slots are the backbone of any casino, and those hotels were not built by winners. I'm not even mentioning the races or sports betting. If you were working multiple low-paying jobs before moving to Vegas, chances are you'll be working in a casino which will test your resolve whether or not to gamble on your free time with your paycheck you or your family depend on. I've heard of Arizona being called an economic "black hole" where people are drawn to the hype of the Sun Belt, only to be trapped by low-wage jobs and not-cheap expenses that prevent them from moving back home. Vegas seems like it could be very much the same and more.
I know the struggle is real because I've gone through it myself. I see a lot of remorse and homesickness in these other commenters who moved from Hawaii. I know Chris doesn't want to move so he should keep expanding his opportunity and quantity of income. I agree with Chris in why you'd want to go to Vegas on vacation. We have "card rooms" in SoCal where, sans craps, I can get the only gambling action I'd want - poker and maybe blackjack. But I can play poker and blackjack online, too. In any case, if and when I get enough money to take a reasonable vacation, I don't want to go to Vegas. Know where I'd rather go?
Hawaii.
I'd never move from California as a native Californian, but if anywhere else Hawaii would be my go to spot.
Vegas and all those desert spots are not sustainable.
there are mexicans in one house in san diego?
I grew up near LA, about a 40 minute drive from the beach with easy traffic. I regret not going to the beach more, but I totally relate in that I also don’t feel like I missed out on that much.
Yep. I have lots of family and friends who moved to Vegas many years ago because of more job opportunities, no state taxes, etc. If you like dessert living, you should have no problems.
I'm here in Hawaii working. My first visit was in 1998 and I've seen first hand how much the people are struggling.... Aloha seems to be hurting....
I think your family would be okay with you and your own family thriving. People are always a plane flight and Zoom call away. You realize how much you're saving doing the same job in Vegas as in Hawaii and...yeah you'll be okay.
I wonder if Vegas water prices are high?
I'm surprised more people don't notice Lake County California you can buy a three-bedroom house for under $250,000 bucks. You can get them even cheaper it's just how big of a house you want. I guess the job thing is what keeps most people out cuz you have to go to Santa Rosa or Napa to get a good paying job and that's about an hour commute. In the county you either have to work for the county casinos or the energy departments to make a decent wage
Right in my own community in Lake County there are several Hawaiian families who have lived here for years who say they enjoy it. The weather is not as hot as Sacramento we get Coastal fog five or six times a year which keeps it much cooler and we even get 2 inches of snow once in awhile. But back to Sacramento you've got a lot there where I live it's just beautiful country with not a lot of people but close to things less than 2 hours to San Francisco Sacramento the mountains are three and a half hours away the coast is an hour and a half away so Lake county is pretty well situated and still in expensive compared to the rest of California
The jobs in Las Vegas do not pay much. Also, the electric bill is sky high. You win some and lose some.
Electricity is still high even with hydroelectric? No solar?
Man this is from an outsiders perspective been to Hawaii once but if you’re hiking 12x a year and going to the beach once a year you might as well just live/work in Vegas and then fly to Hawaii once a year for vacation and you could hike/go to the beach the same number of times lol. You’ll also have way more money in the bank
Me and My Sister plus her family rented Town house apartment in Waipahu, and every Month the rent is $3,000 for 3 bedroom. Now I live in Las Vegas and it’s so much cheaper. 😮
I lived in Hawaii for 3 years and thought it was very strange that Natives went on vacation to Las Vegas and many moved to Vegas. The mainland has so much to offer besides Vegas. Never understood the connection.
Yeah, lots of locals in Vegas. And of course, there's the gambling.
Because Vegas was welcoming to us and our culture, made it an easy transition.
What is the definition of "local"? Do you need to have a certain percentage of Hawaiian to consider yourself local? Or how long do you have to live in Hawaii to be considered local? I live in Waipahu, my neighbor has three families living in a 4 bedroom house. But they all drive very nice cars and crowd the streets. Don't understand why they don't use the money they pay for the cars to buy a small place to live?
I made a video about "local" and what I'd consider when defining the term. People have different definitions, though. Yeah, I don't understand the car thing, but if you can get housing for free, it allows for other types of spending.
All the feelings and experiences are the same for us, the other way around. The conditions now here changes a lot but somehow similar to the mainland, cost of living wise. For retired seniors, adapting to the situations is the only way. Thanks for a great observations...
Not to change the subject, or make light of a very serious issue… but where you wen buy dat hat from? I like know!
LOL I don't understand the Las Vegas thing at all... I can't think of any vacation places I would want to go to less.
I think it's because it's cheaper to live there and plenty to do. Also, lots of Hawaii people visit.
@@HelloFromHawaii It's just so in the middle of nowhere and flashy. One of the things I really love about Hawaii is how public advertising is not a thing here. Driving through the mainland US and being bombarded by billboards and ads everywhere you go is unsightly.
BTW, I just stumbled across your channel somehow, and I'm loving it so far. I'm enjoying all the info about Hawaii as a haole, I'd really like to fit in better and be more aware of the culture and challenges and issues that local and native Hawaiians here challenge and face!
Stay in Hawaii ! If you left I can tell you would regret it! 🌺🌴🌞🌊
Totally. I moved to California to take care of a relative for a year and it is nowhere near the same aloha spirit. Was so glad to be back home.
I did leave, but came back. Glad I moved back.
its not a choice ...if your broke you go
Grew up on Kauai from age 2 to age 8. Moved here to Vegas in 78 due to my dads job. Been here ever since. For me, never been a fan of the culture here in the desert. Mainly the casinos and such. Would always have to travel to Cali to get my Ocean fix. Decent, but nothing like home.
Have Faith, future looks promising for all to go back to your desired homelands and prosper again, but remember one world one race, we are all one, no matter where you are from. Be Positive, it's coming.
But there’s no ocean in Nevada! It is income tax free tho! Whoo hoo!
The migration has been happening for years. First to California, then Washington and Oregon. Now that those areas are getting expensive, Nevada, Texas and Tennessee are the up and coming “new” places. Hawaiian clubs, food, halaus etc are beginning to proliferate in these areas. Sadly none of these places stay cheap forever. When your housing ends up costing as much as a house in Hawaii, then you can afford to move back. You might have to downsize tho. Go from 3000 sq ft to 1500 sq ft on a postage stamp size lot.
When we have a beach in our backyards, we take it for granted. It’s up to us to make conscious decisions to make the beautiful outdoors a part of our lives even when it’s hard and messy to do. A little sand or dirt never hurt anyone.
It is hard to leave your roots but sometimes it becomes necessary for survival and quality of life. It’s a conundrum.
Mahalo for the comment. Haven't heard of people moving to Tennessee, but interesting. I know people that moved to South Carolina, though.
Have to think about the future, no fresh water!!can't live without it.
We have large Pilinesian communities in Utah with their own churches, cultural centers, restaurants, etc. Mostly Tongans and Samoans.
Yes, I live here in UT, and was surprisingly delighted to see so many islanders and POC like myself here! It's a beautiful state!!
Good to know
Las Vegas seems like a natural place to go although shouldn’t Southern California be second place with our beaches, palm trees, and Asian population. Our housing costs are exorbitant though, but more inventory than Hawaii.
Las Vegas is a desert and the air is so dry. Hawaii has much more humidity. You’re practically indoors in the summer. At least the commonality is Elvis. Blue Hawaii and Viva Las Vegas.
I feel like the only way to keep local people in Hawaii is to have some kind of UBI similar to the oil dividend in Alaska. Especially because the argument from businesses is that they can’t pay workers a living wage…I mean if keeping local people here is even a priority.
Great idea. Not sure how to increase spending power for residents if the costs are going up.
Hawaii, along with Alaska, are the only states that have a nationality/race associated with it. The rest of the country are settlers from people from around the world. I know there are native Americans in the states, but even they can be considered settlers as well, due to tribal fighting, nomad movement, etc.(even the Hawaiians, technically. All humans for that matter.). The problem here is leaders of the past and present have never had a plan as far as the native Hawaiians are concerned. They basically need(ed) to fend for themselves among the confusing western tradition of land ownership. You buy it, it's yours. And colonizers everywhere have always had the upper hand of wealth, knowledge, & power. Natives everywhere are essentially pushed to the side. Especially for prime real estate like Hawaii. I have no solution: give the land back to natives, reparations, financial assistance, priority in real estate transactions... ? We can't go back in time. We can't blame the descendants of settlers and just repossess their lands (as much as some want to do). But what native people can do, is prepare for the future and not rest on the shoulders of blame. Too many have given up on their culture, pride, 21st century competitive world educational practices, and in essence, the future of their races. And now rely on emulating negative American ghetto qualities of life; bad language, sloppy attire, gangs, athlete worship, no family structure, lack of morals, drugs, violence, and the quick-sand of the lack of education, that all lead to a circle of poverty & blame down the road. I am also relocating from Hawaii due to the cost of living here. After 60 years, it's not worth it anymore.
Hawaii and Las Vegas have extremely close ties. I lived in Vegas for years and then got talked into moving to hawaii. But yea, Hawaii is expensive. But we all make it work.
37 grand a year is a couple grand more than I was ever able to make in "silicon valley" the whole idea of learning to "just learn to code" is ... a a pipe dream. You gotta be smoking batu to believe it. I've managed to slog through enough years living on the mainland that I can retire back home in HI in a couple of years. Hawaii's cheaper, you can see the doctor if you need to, you don't have to be married to owning a car, it's just better. I just wish I'd had common sense and never left.
Wish there was some government initiative to help Native Hawaiian people keep their land. It's not right for native people to lose their land.
As for me, I'm still able to survive and have no desire to go back home. Life in New York is more expensive with awful apartments, abrasive people, and nothing nice to see. There's no other state I'd choose to live in. It's either Hawaii or Singapore for me.
Long time no see Chris.......I know a lot of locals who moved to Vegas including a lot of my in-laws because housing is too expensive. In fact, it's the highest in the nation. I have a feeling home prices will never go down. It has to do with inflation & the de-valutation of the USD. Hope I'm wrong......Aloha from Japan.
hawaii not highest in nation
Yeah, many locals are moving there. Sad to see.