What are employment opportunities like out there? I was just given some not so good news by my significant other yesterday, so now I explore my options. I have all kinds of work history and it is different tasks. From being a machinist to office manager and warehouse supervisor to customer service/warranty/tech support.

I am not island specific really, just pretty much where I may have a chance at landing work. I have been unemployed since November and there isn't anything state side. And if i move, I'm gonna move. Also housing, with out being in the worst of worst, can it be affordable? Everyone tells me how expensive Oahu and Maui are, but just being there, the prices are about the same with exceptions of course.

I have a quote to get my car there, which is about $1200 port to port.

Also, I am a gun owner and tried reading the gun laws there. Yes, I am allowed to have them, but it states nothing about bringing them over, just purchasing there.

Sorry for the jumping around here, just trying to cover all bases with a scattered thought process I am sure more questions will come up, so please bear with me

 

With regards to gun laws I really doubt it can get worse than where you live already. California is THE worst state for gun ownership, sorry that I had to put it in a blunt way. The economy as you know by now is slowly going downhill, the bandaids Obama and congress have been applying will soon come undone. And when it does the effects will be felt worldwide. The only advice I can give is to try and find a job in the government sector, one that will label you "essential" personel. I know my advice may seem contradicting but the government sector "guarentees" your pay for the year, so long as you are essential. Good luck

 

No harm in saying Cali is the worst, I know it first hand

 

You seem to have a wide range of experience which might benefit you for getting a job. The economy is still slow but there are a handful of jobs available, it might a little tough though.

As for housing, it is pretty pricey here but it seems like people here are making enough money as a couple to have a home. I don't really know too much since I'm still in college.

Moving here would be a good chapter for your life. Really laid back atmosphere and nice people. I know someone who lived in NY for more than a decade and ended up living here instead of if being just a vacation.

How was your stay in Hawaii btw?

 

Not to discourage you, but cost of living here is high. Almost all consumables need to be shipped across the Pacific. If you buy a lot of stuff over the internet, shipping to Hawaii is expensive, especially if the item is bulky or you need it right away.

Median prices for housing on Oahu is around $550,000 and $300,000 for a condo. Outer islands will probably be lower, but job opportunities may be fewer.

Other things to consider:
If you are bringing over a pet, it will be quarantined for 3 months or more.

Monthly parking fees in downtown Oahu are some of the highest in the nation. I want to say the average per month is something like $250 IIRC.

Not sure about bringing in registered firearms from out of state, but if you are licensed for concealed carry, DO NOT expect to get a license here. While Hawaii technically does not prohibit concealed carry for civilians, it has issued only one license ever IIRC.

If your car has a modified suspension and you are planning on living on Oahu, you are required to get a Reconstruction Permit, or 'recon' as it is more commonly referred to. Changes to your headlights (i.e. HID kit) or blacked out tailights will not pass the Safety Check you are required to get on an annual basis.

Again, not to discourage you, but these are some topics that come up when talking to people who have moved here from the mainland.

 

thank for the info, dels. i know the prices are high out there, but here in california...not much different. Renting a one bedroom apartment where I live (45 minutes from the beach) will run you $1000-1200. Food importation to Hawaii does tack on a lot of taxes which dont help with the pricing either.

Not saying this is 100% for me, just an option I am willing to explore.

 

I think key is getting a good job. Tough in our economy which is linked heavily with the rest of the country since we are largely tourist dependent.

Assuming you find some work, cost of living is very tough and comparable with many large urban areas on the west coast.

Some sample apartment prices (not inclusive of all but you get the idea):

Ewa Beach area 2 and 3 bedroom apts


Mililani 2 bedroom apts


Honolulu Apts


Other expensive things-
Gas
Food
Energy- especially electricity
Taxes
Cost of going anywhere out of state- usually plane trips.

For Guns-
There might be some limits on which guns are legal in Hawaii to own. Assault pistols and automatic firearms are not legal.
http://www.honolulupd.org/info/gun134-8.htm
You can check with Forumshawaii.com and ask the question about moving guns from CA to HI.
Hawaii Gun Forum - Hawaii's #1 Forums
You can bring guns into HI but will need to register them within 72 hours.
http://www.honolulupd.org/info/gun134-2.htm

Also you have to deal with the traffic- very congested if you leave in the suburbs and drive into Honolulu. And there are very limited places you can drive to depending on which island you are on. Maui is very limited for cruising.

Oahu does not have a track or dragstrip for cars. Just sand drags for now.
Maui has a small track. There are many car and gun enthusiasts in Hawaii.

Good luck.