Moving in one month, just a few small questions (Hilo: for sale, rent)

[hotzcatz]

A lot of times whether the price of vegetables is less expensive at the regular groceries or the farmer's market will depend on which farmer's market you're at. The one at Hilo bay front is usually less expensive than the usual grocery stores. The Filipino stores have really good prices on vegetables, too, for when the farmer's market isn't open.

As OpenD mentioned, the KTA grocery has local produce. It's their "Mountain Apple" brand which is the local stuff. We like KTA and Foodland for grocery stores. As well as Malama Market. But once you get into the community, the a lot of things will be sourced outside of the grocery stores.

No squirrels here, so no worries about eating them.

[smarino]

I would inquire further about health care services for yourselves, as when I last lived in Hilo this was an issue. Many of the doctors, as you stated, do not take new patients, and many have stopped taking Medicare. I ended up going to the Bay Clinic in Hilo, which was less than satisfactory. On most days there was no doctor, only a nurse practitioner, which is fine for some things and not for others.

It's smart to get a good physical before you go. On this issue I'm a real Negative Nancy, as this is what has prevented us from moving back to Hilo. There is a doctor shortage in the state, and the worst areas are Hilo, Puna and other areas of the Big Island. The message boards here are very good for most info, but I suggest you call around to some of the listed doctors and ask them directly what is going on. Also, it's important to know that if something serious does happen, you will need to be going over to O'ahu for treatment, as the Hilo hospital does not have facilities for many health conditions. This one I know from first hand exp[experience.

The last time I checked on the new patient issue I talked to someone at the Red Cross in Hilo, and they said that their doctor had moved and she hadn't been able to get another regular physician after one year of being on waiting lists. You may find the link below useful even though it's from 2 years ago. My wife just got back from a 3 week stay in Hilo and said that nothing had changed regarding health care availability.

http://www.hawaii247.com/2011/12/21/...alth-services/

[TZel1051]

He he. Funny comment about the squirrels. They are epidemic here.

[TZel1051]

Originally Posted by smarino

I would inquire further about health care services for yourselves, as when I last lived in Hilo this was an issue. Many of the doctors, as you stated, do not take new patients, and many have stopped taking Medicare. I ended up going to the Bay Clinic in Hilo, which was less than satisfactory. On most days there was no doctor, only a nurse practitioner, which is fine for some things and not for others.

It's smart to get a good physical before you go. On this issue I'm a real Negative Nancy, as this is what has prevented us from moving back to Hilo. There is a doctor shortage in the state, and the worst areas are Hilo, Puna and other areas of the Big Island. The message boards here are very good for most info, but I suggest you call around to some of the listed doctors and ask them directly what is going on. Also, it's important to know that if something serious does happen, you will need to be going over to O'ahu for treatment, as the Hilo hospital does not have facilities for many health conditions. This one I know from first hand exp[experience.

The last time I checked on the new patient issue I talked to someone at the Red Cross in Hilo, and they said that their doctor had moved and she hadn't been able to get another regular physician after one year of being on waiting lists. You may find the link below useful even though it's from 2 years ago. My wife just got back from a 3 week stay in Hilo and said that nothing had changed regarding health care availability.

Critical action needed to address health services | Hawaii 24/7 | Hawaii247.com | Hawaii's News Now – News, Weather, Sports from the Big Island

Thank you for this reality check. I hope to call around on Monday.

[TZel1051]

According to staff of one pediatrician's office, there is only one pediatric endocrinologist on the island, Kona side, but they do not recommend that one for reasons not specified. They do recommend one in Honolulu, a doctor Greg Uramoto. For whatever reason, they like him. And he has good patient reviews online. At least it gives me one thumbs-up to keep in mind when we arrive and start setting things up.
Thanks for everyone's help!

[Joe_D]

Originally Posted by TZel1051

Hello!
Either way, I figure that we will spend double for groceries in Hilo than what we spend in Michigan. Here it's about $60-100 a week, so that means $120-200. Does that sound right?


One other question: doctors are in short supply and often not accepting new patients, right? So we are all having our physicals before we go.

Did you inadvertently leave out a zero or will the 3 of you be dieting on the vast pastures of Big Island?
(There was a time when $1000.00 was the down-payment on a car; now it's the sales tax)

The doctors got fed up of treating Big Islanders - its always the same malady - brokedom
(The biggest upwardly trending market aka bullmarket in America currently is FOODSTAMPS)


46.5 million Americans are on food stamps.

[3ToGo]

I was @ the Hilo Farmers Market yesterday & loaded up a cooler for $10. Enough stuff for a week of dinner salads, breakfast fruit & some dinner veggies for 2.

I do see what has been said about the more commercial vendors & I did buy from the smaller vendors which actually had better looking stuff.

Puka Puka for lunch is always a bonus!

There is no substitute for conversations with local shop keepers, street vendors & the people you stand in line with. If you laugh a little & let them know you mean no harm they are some of the nicest people. Never be afraid to strike up a conversation.

I am only here visiting but try to live as a local as possible when I am here.

Just my .02 :-)

[hotzcatz]

Community is community where ever you find it. It's also hard to have community with a corporation.

It's gotta be a better vegetable if it is grown by someone who will be chatting with the customer who buys it. More connectedness more care and concern. It's better all around. Plus the veggies usually taste better, too!

Have you noticed how they no longer talk about the flavor of things? They tell you how many anti-oxidants it has or how many yadayadas of whatever is in it, but nobody says it tastes good anymore. What's with that?

[davephan]

Originally Posted by TZel1051

Hello!
My family and I are moving to the Hilo area in about a month.

It's been over a month now. How about a status update? Are you close to moving now? Or, did you have a change of plans?

[TZel1051]

Hello all,
Been crazy busy trying to get everything taken care of over here. We will arrive in Hilo in less than a week. We have set up a place to stay temporarily and a possible more permanent place too.
I appreciate your positive comments regarding veggies and the market- I can't wait to visit it!
We met a person this week who was raised on the Big Island. He and his family were kind enough to give us some more great pointers and info.
We are planning on buying a vehicle once we arrive, something with 4 wheel drive. We have a rental to use in the meantime.
That's it for now. Many other things we will have to arrange when we arrive. I'm sure that it will all be quite an experience!