Things that happen while they are on deployment:

[Carol Dols]

My son is stationed in Hawaii and has been on deployment since Jan. I am sad to say he's not going to have a good time when he returns. It seems sometime in May while he was on his submarine in the WESPAC his condo was robbed and ransacked and his car was stolen. It turns out the Hawaii police will not start the investigation until he gets home. We only found out this happened because his buddy was going to stay in the condo for 2 weeks until my son returned. I am shocked that the police won't do anything until he returns and I'm sad that he's defending our country and he has to come home to this. The car will be a total loss as he had only liability insurance. Has anyone else had a sad experience like this?

[Pat]

Carol, I am so sorry that this has happened to your son. What a disgrace that the police won't do anything. Is it possible that the Navy could intercede on his behalf?

[Carol Dols]

we won't know as he's submerged but will take care of business as soon as he's back to port. I'm and just so taken back by the unjustice I see out there.

[Pat]

Oh I definitely agree w/ you! Ashley lives in that same area & it seems so nice but I guess it could happen anywhere.

[marthab]

My son has been told to not drive in certain parts of the island, many islanders dislike the Navy and "Key" the cars, steal things, take baseball bats to them and are in general plain rude and mean to the Sailors. When he got his car off the boat, he got a ticket as he was driving away. the local police told him he had 3 days to remove the tinting or pay an $1800 fine. That is more than his whole month's take home pay! - if it wasn't done in 3 days the fine would increase. I asked- are they bluffing 'cause you are new here? He said, no, one Sailor friend fought it and the fine was doubled when he went to the court. Apparently it is very normal. He gets pulled over and harassed regularly for having out of state plates, too. The other services reimburse airmen and soldiers for getting HI plates, the Navy does not.There are some beaches and neighborhoods they are told not to rent apartments in or travel to.. Son bought a used surfboard from someone being stationed elsewhere, and it was stolen right off his car.. The police won't do a thing about it.

[Marla]

As far as the cost of HI plates goes, he should be able to get a letter of non-residency from his command to get his HI plates for $25. My husband got this for both of our vehicles.