Honolulu is a magnet for the Micronesians, the island ethnic groups between here and the Phillipines and New Guinea Island Groups. In 1971-73 Shirley, Jonathan and I lived in Truk-now called Chuuk; I was the pediatrician for about 3 million square miles of ocean and about 50 square miles of land. Micro--nesia means many small islands. Those were exciting days working with their local physicians and Peace Corp, sometimes traveling on steamers for hundreds of miles to see patients on small islands, the people living just like National Geographic pictures them. Shirley fit right in raising a blond 2 later 3 year old toe head. She was the perfect wife in a 3rd world tropical island. She accompanied me on several of the travels. She collected wonderful shell specimens and even snorkled, while I made about 50 some scuba dives on the ship wrecks from WW2.
Now I am seeing many of these folks here; the Chuukese respond very excitedly when I speak their language!! I have reconnected with a Chuukese doctor here who I worked with over 36 years ago, and made pictures recently with his extended family. I am putting a few of these on the blog.
What's the reason for the population shift? Their islands are becoming over populated and life is more difficult there. They are looking for the better life. Most are on subsidies and Medicaid, though I see many working, like my parking garage attendants. Actually along with the Hawaiians and the other rainbow spectrum of people here, they add even more color to Hawaii.
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