STATE OF HAWAII

On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States of America. An island state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean 2,400 miles west of California (about 5 hours by commercial jet). Its resident population estimates by geographical areas are:

• Oahu, including  Honolulu1,000,000
• Big Island of Hawaii 200,000
• Maui 125,000
• Kauai 60,000

HONOLULU

The capitol city, Honolulu, is situated on the Island of Oahu and is the hub of activity for government, commerce and industry in the islands. It is a bustling, clean, modern American community of 900,000 people (1994).

Waikiki, the initial destination for most of Hawaii's visitors, is located nine miles from Honolulu International Airport.  Pearl Harbor, site of the combined military commands of the Pacific and Far East, and all of the major military installations are also located on the island of Oahu.

WEATHER

One of Hawaii's chief assets is it's mild climate, relatively free of uncomfortable extremes. Tropical storms are rare. The highest official temperature ever recorded in Honolulu was 94 degrees, and the lowest temperature was 52 degrees. Annual average is about 77 degrees, though lower temperatures are found in higher elevations. September is the hottest month. Lightweight clothing is worn all year round. The annual average rain fall for Honolulu is 23.47 inches, with November through March the wettest months.

TRANSPORTATION

Any travel agent or airline carriers offices can supply information on travel to Hawaii.  The most common Airlines offering direct service to/from Hawaii are: American, Continental, Delta, Hawaiian, Northwest, TWA, United, Japan Airlines, Korean Airlines, Air Canada, Canada 3000, KLM and several others.  There are three scheduled air carriers (Aloha, Hawaiian and Mahalo) and a few air taxis providing service to the Neighbor Islands.

IMMIGRATION

No passport of inoculation (except for military personnel and their dependents) is required for travel between Hawaii and other parts of the union. U.S. Immigration, public health, and customs regulations do apply to persons entering the U.S. from foreign areas in Honolulu.

PET QUARANTINE

The islands are free of rabies, and to maintain this condition, the Department of Agriculture requires that all cats and dogs entering Hawaii (except those from Australia, New Zealand and Guam), be quarantined at the state-operated quarantine station for 120 days (this rule is being re-considered as of March'97).

Inquiries concerning animal boarding fees and restrictions on importation of plants and animals should be directed to the Animal Quarantine Station, Department of Agriculture, State of Hawaii, 99-770 Moanalua Road, Aiea, Hawaii, 96701, (808) 483-7151.

EMPLOYMENT

Oahu is classified as a tight labor market. This situation exists because of the lack of diversified industries and the relative immobility of the work force. Therefore, employment service officials advise that the chance of getting a job in Honolulu in most occupations are slim, and by mail they are next to impossible. Private employers hesitate to employ personnel who are not readily available for an interview. Mainland students or other young people seeking "summer jobs" are cautioned that most seasonal jobs are filled by local residents.

There is a residential requirement for state government employment but not for federal. Civil service employment is normally confined to those already established in the islands.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii cautions anyone coming to the islands in search of employment to have sufficient funds for return transportation in the events they are unsuccessful in locating suitable work.

State licenses are required for certain professional and vocational occupations. These include: abstract makers, acupuncturists, architects, barbers, cemetery, mortuary, pre-need funeral authorities and sales persons, CPA's, chiropractors, collectors, contractors, cosmeticians, dental hygienists, dentists, detectives, guards, electricians, elevator mechanics, employment agents, engineers, motor agents, landscape architects, land surveyors, masseurs, motor vehicle dealers, mechanic sales persons, naturopaths, nurses, nursing home administrators, opticians, optometrists, osteopaths, pest control, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, plumbers, psychologists, real estate brokers and salespersons, rental agencies, speech pathologists and audiologists, veterinarians, travel agents and sales representatives.

Specific information concerning the qualifications and other requirements for obtaining licenses for the foregoing professions and vocations may be obtained from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaii, P.O. Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96801.

WAGES

The latest survey (August 1992) of pay rates in Hawaii by the Hawaii Employers Council reveals the following monthly full wage range and median wage for all industry:

Full Range Median

• Senior Typist $ 1,000-2,783 $1,650
• Clerk Stenographer $1,230-3,002 $1,672
• Secretary $950-3,417 $1,833
• Staff Nurse $2,224-3,951 $3,519
• Medical Technologist $1,818-3,940 $2,967
• Bookkeeper, Full Charge $1,525-3,575 $2,119
• Laborer, Heavy (per hour) $7.63-16.95 $8.22

TAXES

All Federal taxes are applicable in Hawaii. The state personal income tax generally follows the national pattern. Personal net income tax rates graduate from  2% on the first $1,000. to 10% on income in excess of $ 20,500.

The state levies a 4% general excise tax on retail goods and services, there are taxes on gasoline, liquor, tobacco, insurance premiums, public utilities, financial corporations, corporate income and estate taxes. The end-user is normally asked to pay 4.17% tax to compensate for the fact that the excise tax is charged on the purchase price and the tax itself.

Detailed information regarding taxes may be obtained from the Hawaii State Tax Office, Taxpayers Service Branch, P.O. Box 259, Honolulu, HI, 86809.

COST OF LIVING

Hawaii's cost of living, while generally following trends similar to mainland indexes, is higher. There are no heating fuel costs or seasonal clothing requirements, but other factors increase the cost of many items. The general cost of living here in Hawaii is roughly 35-40% higher than most U.S. cities, but lower than cities such as Tokyo or Vancouver for example.

Utility company rates (gas, water, electric, cable television and telephone) are also slightly higher here in Hawaii.

HOUSING

For those planning to establish new homes in Hawaii, housing authorities warn that newcomers should be prepared to pay higher rental & long term rates. In the better residential areas of Honolulu, furnished studio apartments rent from $700 per month and up, while a one bedroom furnished apartment will command $800 per month or more. The purchase of an unfurnished three bedroom home, starts at $260,000 and goes up. The median price for a single family home on Oahu for 1992 was $349,000. There are no mobile home or trailer court sites in Hawaii.

Because of the higher land values and more outdoor living, the average family moving to Hawaii lives in a smaller house or apartment than they are accustomed to on the mainland. Major appliances are customarily furnished.

Active military personnel and US Citizen DOD employees wishing to locate accommodations on Oahu are advised to contact the Community Home Finding Relocation and Referral Services Office, Building 4, Catlin Park, Hawaii, 96818.

The Hawaii Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 8527, Honolulu, HI 96815, publishes the Hawaii Hotel Guide, which lists their member hotels and describes their accommodations.

MOTOR VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSES

All American manufactured cars and most foreign-made automobiles and repair parts are available.

Persons 18 years of age with a valid driver's license from other states or provinces of Canada may drive in Hawaii until their license expires or is otherwise declared invalid.

There is a test to check the competency of drivers of vehicles heavier than the normal automobile such as trucks, buses, etc., even if the driver possesses an out-of-state license.

For specific details on drivers licensing write to the Honolulu Police Department, 801 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hi 96813.

SCHOOLS

Inquires about Hawaii public, private schools and universities and colleges, should be directed to the Department of Education, State of Hawaii, P.O. Box 2360, Honolulu, HI 96804. A complete listing is available on this site.

CHURCHES

Practically all religions are represented in Hawaii. For more information concerning religious groups, activities, and events write the Hawaii Council of Churches, 1300 Kailua Road-Suite 1B, Kailua, Hawaii, 96734.  A complete listing is available on this site.

NEWSPAPERS

The two leading newspapers are The Honolulu Advertiser (morning) and the Honolulu-Star Bulletin (evening). Write either paper c/o P.O. Box 3350, Honolulu, Hi 96801. For subscription (808) 538-6397.

MORE useful information, especially if moving to Hawaii

Getting married in Hawaii | Relocating - Real Estate Services | Employment Agencies
Financial Institutions | Churches & Temples | Hospitals & Medical Facilities
Universities & Colleges | Utility Providers