HONOLULU (Island News) – The U.S. Army is welcoming new soldiers to Hawaii by integrating them into local culture and lifestyle.Throughout the year hundreds, thousands of military personnel enter Hawaii to serve our country at a duty station. For many, this may be their first ever visit to the Aloha State, and now they find themselves living here for the next few years.“So the booklet has information on the local community, beaches, hikes, historical sites, Hawaiian language pronunciation and commonly used words, th...
HONOLULU (Island News) – The U.S. Army is welcoming new soldiers to Hawaii by integrating them into local culture and lifestyle.
Throughout the year hundreds, thousands of military personnel enter Hawaii to serve our country at a duty station. For many, this may be their first ever visit to the Aloha State, and now they find themselves living here for the next few years.
“So the booklet has information on the local community, beaches, hikes, historical sites, Hawaiian language pronunciation and commonly used words, things that are important to help people settle in,” said Krissy Kalili, who leads the Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program.
Kalili’s role is to help soldiers adjust to their new environment with resources that highlight the Aloha Spirit.
The Community Readiness Expo is held weekly to prepare soldiers stationed at Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Tripler, and Fort Shafter for life in Hawaii.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been to Hawaii. I’ve hardly been outside of Tennessee throughout my life,” said 2nd Lt. Willie Reynolds.
Reynolds also received advice from his church community about local customs, such as removing shows before entering a home.
Specialist Nate Newman highlighted a perk for military personnel. “The military gives you a free national park pass. So you get to go to all the national parks for free with your dependents for the whole year,” said Newman.
“You’re really immersed into a whole different culture, with the Hawaiian people, the kamaaina, as they call it. It’s a great experience. You learn to respect the culture as well as how to support the U.S. Army,” said Captain Avery Smith.
Kalili acknowledged that island living is a unique experience for many. “It is because they’ve never lived on an island, and island living is different for everybody. And so to have the opportunity to get some cultural awareness, to have some tips on Hawaiian language,” Kalili said.
The program serves as a Hawaiian history introduction for new arrivals to the islands.