1. The housing situation is about as stated in the VW-1 information folder, with the waiting period remaining about the same plus or minus two weeks perhaps. There are Quonsets and Semi-Quonsets on the base, all fully furnished, (all housing on the base is considered Public Quarters and BAQ is forteited), and "Title VIII Housing", outside the West Gate, which is a "unit type" housing project, substantial, and not expensive, (3 bedroom unit - $112.00 for LCDR, $88.00 for LT and below, 2 bedroom unit - $82.50, 1 bedroom unit - $77.00) and inclusive of stove, refrigerator, all utilities and garbage disposal
2. To bring your family with you is a bit difficult, but possible. I suggest you write to COM 12, Dependent Transportation Office, and obtain a list of necessary items required for your dependents clearance to Hawaii, which will, at this time, probably include certain shots (these should be obtained before you leave your present duty station as there is generally a waiting period required between them, if more than one is needed, and it would be quite difficult to obtain them all while in transit", area clearance (which I will explain further) and other papers, etc. by writing to the reservation manager of the Brookland Hotel and Apartments, 1314 Victoria, Honolulu, Hawaii, explaining the date of expected arrival and requesting a letter of confirmation of reservation which in the past they've been more than helpful in supplying. With this, plus the information COM 12 can give you on the current situation, you should be able to get your area clearance for dependents and get them on the waiting list for transportation. However, if you arrive in San Francisco, with family, and area clearance, and shots, etc., you will probably be able to leave on the same ship or plane, whichever is available.
3. NSO, Oakland can supply you with forms and information on shipping your car and here again the situation changes from month to month. The Automobile Transportation Office, NSC Oakland, California, should be able to supply the necessary information, the sooner you send in your forms, copy of orders, and reservation request, plus a date of automobile delivery to them, the sooner your chances of having it shipped. If early enough, it may even come across with you.
4. If you get Title VIII Housing, it is desirable to have your household effects with you, minus, of course, your stove and refrigerator. Therefore, your effects may as well be shipped out. This includes your winter uniforms, as future cold weather "detachments" are possible.
5. On Prices of hotel reservations, they should run about $110 a month plus meals for your family at the Brookland (whose reservation you never have to use). For what 2 or 3 bedroom housing you may find near the base or in Honolulu, it'll run from $100 to $125 average furnished or unfurnished, with very nice places as high as $150 to $175 (in Waikiki, or that area). Don't underestimate the statement on just plain door to door "digging"!! Housing at all times is rough, but not impossible.
6. In addition to your regular household effects, you may have a TV set and, if so, bring that along as there is one TV Staion in operation now with promise of another in the near future. Reception is very good in the Barber's Point Area, and for that matter, throughout the island of Oahu.
