Retirees (Honolulu, Hilo: rentals, income, income tax)

[jtur88]

When people in Hawaii reach 65 and retire on Social Security---how do they survive, if the cost of living is so high? Are they forced to relocate on the mainland, or go into abject poverty?

[hothulamaui]

yes

[cynmkolohe]

For people who have lived here for most of their lives, it is possible that they either purchased property when prices were much more reasonable and have made money by holding on to it over the years or that they have a large, extended ohana (family) providing some level of care. Shared housing is very common.

Other resources may be senior housing or retirement communities...

Here is an older article dealing with some of the state's plans. One of the projects mentioned was completed a year or so ago on Kinoole St in Hilo. We know someone living there and stop by every once in a while to visit. It's a nice facility. State cuts deal for low-cost rentals | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

[whynot?]

Let's face it, most people anywhere can't afford to retire only on Social Security anymore. People here have the same kinds of investments and pensions and assets as anywhere else. There is also a cultural tendency for elders to live with their adult children (or vice versa), so many households have two or three or even four generations living in them. Some people do move away, of course, but I'd be surprised if more older people move to the mainland to retire than younger people looking for jobs.

[HankDfrmSD]

And there is no state income tax on retirement income.

[Ellwood]

Originally Posted by HankDfrmSD

And there is no state income tax on retirement income.

Hank, are you referring to corporate pension plans also?

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by Ellwood

Hank, are you referring to corporate pension plans also?

In general, yes. Here's an article on the subject:

Hawaii Reporter: Hawaii Reporter (http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?5417f9d2-3552-47b7-a96d-af9f65f6e1f2 - broken link)

[Ellwood]

Originally Posted by HankDfrmSD

In general, yes. Here's an article on the subject:

Hawaii Reporter: Hawaii Reporter (http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?5417f9d2-3552-47b7-a96d-af9f65f6e1f2 - broken link)

Thanks for the info.

[hotzcatz]

Most of them don't retire at age 65, they keep working some sort of job. My neighbor has her mom living with her and they have a foster child so that is probably income as well. Some of my retired friends keep working part time and the other ones mow lawns for money. Another retired friend raises pedigreed dogs for side money. I don't know of anyone who is retired and living on social security without some other pension or some other employment.