I lived in HI for about 13 years but not all in one go. First time in `1969 or 70. Different world then. Lived on Kauai and Maui but not for a very long time, mostly on Oahu and Big Island.
my first trip to hawaii was as a tour guide for a japanese group in 1973. i visit maui for fun fairly frequently now. politically, japanese americans now seem in control... i was staying in hilo on the beach when the missile scare happened... the clintons were also visiting, but on the other side of the island... interesting times...