Help regarding Oahu neighborhoods (Honolulu, Kailua: relocation, apartments, work)

[cvr001]

Hi everyone. Great forum with tons of useful info. I'm moving from Philadelphia to Oahu for work a week from today, have temporary accomodations lined up for the first three weeks, but need to find long-term lodging and was hoping someone could answer a couple of questions to help me narrow (or broaden) my search. I'll be working at a hospital in the Ward area. Most days I'll be keeping fairly standard business hours (7A-5P). My new wife will be accompanying me and hopefully finding work in or around the city. We are both caucasian. My questions are as follows:
1. Is the Makiki area of Honolulu a safe place to live? Any major issues (drugs, street crime, etc)?
2. Is it reasonable to commute from Kailua to downtown at the times described above?
3. How long would the commute from Kailua to Ward Center be in the morning (7 AM)?
4. I have a moving company and a somewhat generous relocation allowance, is there anything that I should bring with me in bulk due to non-availability in Hawaii?
5. Are there any other great areas of Oahu or neighborhoods in Honolulu where I should be looking for apartments?
6. Any advice on activities to get out and meet people after we arrive in Hawaii?
7. Any good reference materials (websites, tour books, etc.) that could help me answer the above questions?
Thanks in advance for all your help. I have read most of the threads on this forum and hope that my questions aren't too repetitive.
-cvr001