By Dr. Tarcisius Kabutaulaka
Here are a couple of things to note while in Honolulu:
When you are thinking about the money you carry or using your credit card, note that US$1 = about SBD$8.00. So, a US$5 glass of beer (which is likely the most cheapest) is SBD40.00. Be careful with your budget.
Jaywalking is crossing at places without zebra crossing (ples for cross) or when light is red at crossing. NEVER DO THAT. It is illegal and potentially carries a fine of US$130.00. YOU MUST NEVER JAYWALK!
Hawai’i has a great public bus transport system (clean, air conditioned, usually not crowded). It costs US$3.00 to go anywhere on the island. However, note that (i) you must change money to exactly $3.00 (3 x $1 notes) and slot into the machine as you enter. The driver will show you. The drivers are public servants and mostly friendly. People are generally quiet on the bus. So good to be quiet. If you get a different bus, you must pay $3.00.
Rubbish is referred to as TRASH. Honolulu is relatively clean because people throw trash in bins that can be found everywhere. It is unusual for people to throw trash everywhere. You MUST THROW WASTES IN A TRASH BIN.
You will mostly eat at the dormitory dinning hall. If you want to eat out (restaurants, hotels, etc.) note that it is generally expensive in Honolulu/Hawai’i. You will be staying at UH Campus. You can go to Manoa Shopping Center or Parks Alley. For cheap food you can go to Times Supermarket or Don Quijote supermarket.
You will be staying at the University of Hawaii (UH) dormitories. UH campus is smoke-free, meaning you cannot/should not smoke anywhere on campus. There are fines for smoking on campus. The East-West Center side of the campus allows smoking zones. ONLY SMOKE IN THE EWC SMOKING ZONES.
If you are going to drink alcohol, it must only be in premises or areas allowed. Do not carry or drink alcohol on the street, in vehicles, or non-designated places. You could potentially be arrested.
There is only one bar on campus. It’s called Manoa Garden. However, because this is summer break, it opens at 10:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm. Ask for Manoa Garden or Bale.
You are expected to be quiet in the dorms, on campus, around the city. Please make sure you adhere to that. No unnecessary noise, which could attract complaints and the police. Ask when you are here if you need help. Dr. Tammy Tabe and I are helping organize things and part of the Hawaii delegation. We will be busy, bat sapos iufala garem question ask. Please be safe, look after each other, and represent our country with dignity and bring pride to Solomon Islands.
