It cost more to build in Hawaii.  All materials for housing, cars, and even for the clothes we wear are shipped from somewhere else in the world.  We can't sell a pound of tomatoes cheaper here than Mexico can, even with shipping costs.  We are locked into selling our islands to the rich and famous, snowbird travelers, and those seeking to own a piece of Hawaii as a second home.  Our people still trying to get their first home.  We sell sunshine, rainbows, and trade winds, and a perpetual summer surf.  Even the Kolea vacation here.  We keep grabbing for the golden ring on this merry-go-round and stand here at the altar, with no golden wedding ring and worse yet, no groom.  The suitors we host are investors from foreign countries, and we sell the only treasure worth more than life itself...our land.  We need to talk seriously...very soon!