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Stink eye; comments from the Mainland


I've heard a few comments lately, from people concerned that Ron and I will settle in here, only to be ostracize. They fear that because we are white and a minority, we will not fit in and will be treated as unwelcome outsiders. They say they've known people who moved here and had that experience. Those people have since moved back, having acquired a bitter taste for Hawaii.
So far, we have experienced only limited "stink eye" as they say here. No more so than if we'd walked into the wrong bar in any city USA and found we did not match the typical clientele. In fact, with the exception of one cranky, overworked haoli waitress, everyone has been as friendly as can be. The neighbors we've met so far have all been welcoming and nice, more than willing to talk story for a while if you happen to pass by when they are out in their yards. I'm sure we won't become best friends with everyone we meet, but I also trust there will be plenty of people we encounter who we'll find we really like and who really like us. My personal belief is that if you are friendly with people and treat them with respect, they will more often than not, do the same in return. My theory is that those haolis that have moved from the mainland and had bad experiences were not as open as they might have been to people of different cultures and backgrounds than themselves. There are no doubt many who live in the islands who resent the invasion of their homeland from afar. That's no different from many mainlanders who dislike the wave of immigrants coming to their towns. The bottom line, in my mind anyway, is that if you choose to play nice with others, they will, in turn, play nice with you.
Today, we began our mini farm with an experience in herbs. I planted several of my favorites in small pots. We'll see how they grow. I also wacked a bunch of bananas from the tree today. They are a bit small. I'll wait longer before harvesting the next bunch.
There are some public hearings to discuss such riveting topics as community planning and solid waste management coming up in the next few weeks. I plan to attend to get a feel for the dynamics of such meetings here. Who knows. Maybe I'll even kick in my two cents worth of comments. I'll be sure to report on my impressions in this very

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