HAWAII STORIES
“Las Vegas Lure”
I Really Hesitate… to once more mention Las Vegas and its lure for Hawaii residents, but let’s admit this reality – you do hear the stories almost every day…
- Sally Farias (and hubby)—
“We just returned from an all-comp Royal Caribbean Cruise courtesy of Treasure Island Casino. What a fun time!! Sure, we spent a lot of money shopping and dining (as well as in the on-board gambling casino) but let’s face it, the trip itself was comp and worth more than what we actually spent on ourselves. ‘We be jammin’, Mon!’”
“I can’t wait to receive the next promotion offering.”
And Sally definitely worked for that comp cruise … She hit a couple of big jackpots playing Kenomachines at Treasure Island last time out—
But Cruises Aren’t for Everybody
There are many who just love Las Vegas golf courses (as well as the ready access to casino gambling!!) …
- David Oshiro (recently retired CPA) –
“I’m a Legacy Member of Honolulu Country Club, and now that I’m retired – I mean, fully retired!!— I play golf there three (3) times a week. Great fun at HCC with my other retired golf buddies; however, I just love the different course layouts in Las Vegas, and honestly, I’m a nut for those hosted Vegas Golf Tournaments put on by Boyd Hotel &Casino properties – California Hotel Casino; Freemont; and The Orleans!!”
“I probably play 5/6 Casino tournaments each year. Hey, that’s like every other month!! Heck, I should be like my pal, Eddie Ornellas, and just relocate to Vegas like he did. Eddie called last week and told me he is just now closing on a fantastic property for he and his wife — 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath home; 2,600 sq. ft. under roof on 9,100 sq. ft. lot; and for $317,000, fee simple.”
“And with 30-yr. VA home mortgage rates being as low as it presently is, his monthly home mortgage payment probably will be in the $1,300-$1,400 range… You know, I just realized that my Hawaiian Airlines roundtrip air fare to Vegas to play those golf tournaments is like $1,500 per trip (yes, my wife escorts me). That’s like Eddie’s monthly mortgage payment!!”
A Dream Retirement
Las Vegas Golf Junkets during the Summer early mornings and Spring/Fall afternoons are fantastic. Forget Winter – too cold; instead, just go Vegas on comp casino stays, and play, play, play (face it, you would have wagered an equal amount of cash for casino gambling when participating in those Special Golf Tournament Packages the Casino offers).
Actually, I get caught up in this ‘Las Vegas Lure’ when I do “senior retirement years” planning, and recall what best pal Randall Lee had once shared with me …
- Randy’s Ultimate Plan –
“My wife and I own two pieces of real-estate – the house we presently live in (close to Honolulu Country Club where we regularly golf); and a two-bedroom condominium (rental income property in Makiki.). Mortgage-free for both.”
“Here’s our plan!! When the time comes for both of us to realize, we should actually begin our long-term retirement lives and sell our home here in Moanalua Gardens, and get a ‘Senior Rentals’ condo-apartment in Las Vegas near the Strip. Also, we continue renting out our Makiki Condo for that extra income we will need to pay for our In-Home assisted care in our then Las Vegas permanent home location — and, to cover the expenses for our return vacations to Hawaii when we visit the Family!!”
Well Thought-Out
The part of Randy’s plan I like most… “With this strategy (Randy advised), my wife and I will have all the necessary in-home assisted care we would need right there in our own residence; PLUS, a home-care assistant readily available to drive and escort us to a casino in the area, anytime – we desire.”
All I Can Add is – “Great Plan, Randy!!” … VIVA LAS VEGAS
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STORY SUBMITTED BY:
E. Tiwanak
IMAGES PROVIDED BY:
Shellz/Seattle Steve/Internet
Heroes 5-0 
November 15, 2021 at 2:36 am
During my first 3 years in retirement, I got a LOT done. Home improvements and my projects and hobbies too. My place is paid for and I rent the upper 1/2 for income. Add SS and a little pension and I’m good.