I wrote a blog on the economics of Maui which led my Hawaiian corespondent to send the following report. Remember, tourists get the word about a dangerous place very fast and Maui is in direct competition with Kawai.
Our greatest fear is that, after living here for 8 years, we see that the Hawaiian Islands are just on the brink of anarchy. When the "protesters" blockaded the Kauai port to prevent the Superferry from arriving, that was anarchy. The Coast Guard just gave up, and all arrested protesters have been let go. So much for securing our ports from enemies foreign and domestic. Other people have commented that the Islands are at a "tipping point", but they don't mean the chaos one.
Anyway, the veneer of order and civilization is very thin here, and the police are not interested in protecting white people (and the rest should not be so sure about their protection, either). When things start to degenerate because of terrible decisions by the leadership, there could easily be an economic collapse (see letter to the editor mentioned below), and lawlessness will reign. I have predicted similar if the Akaka Bill ever passes, since all land title would be nullified (in spite of what Akaka claims).
You know, you have written it before, but lots of people say "it can't happen here". History demonstrates that such a statement is just wrong.
Hope you can use some of the opinions I have provided. As I noted, the Maui News is an amazing source. The letters alone show that there are people who are truly living in the 1960's (and possibly on a different planet from the rest of humanity).
Regards,
Bob (My name is secret to keep my house from being burned down.)
PS: oh yes, add to the stupid decisions from leadership, we have an attempted ban on "big box" stores. These islands were ruled not so long ago by "mom & pop" stores that severely limited the choices of locals, and the prices were terrible. We pay a lot now, but they were much higher then.
