I only started brewing ~9 months ago (just before Thanksgiving 2010)... I did it NOT for 'cheap beer' but to get better beer than I could buy (locally)... I had become dissatisfied with the stuff I could find, that was supposed to be great beer. It was ok, when there was no other option. I yearned for something better. Something more in line with what I wanted to taste in a brew. Hence I started my journey down the home brewing path. My first batches were good, subsequent batches have become great. I've learned tons, and been refining my processes, and improving my hardware, all along. I'm about to get a keg converted into a mash tun with a RIMS setup. I've not decided, yet, if I'll go welded or weldless for the fittings. It really comes down to the cost of getting the welding done.
IF I ever visit HI, I'll be sure to pack some whole hops for you... Although you might be better off seeing if the HBS in your state, can place a bunch on one of their orders.
IF I was to move someplace where I couldn't get the ingredients I wanted either easily, or within a reasonable price range, I'd look to growing what I can, and make a yeast farm too. Get one packet of what you like, make some starters from it, slate them, freeze them, do whatever you need to maintain your supply of good yeast. I would probably have what holds them (fridge or freezer) on a generator, with battery backup, in case of a power failure. Even if the power has a 99.9% up-time rating, I'd be paranoid about a power failure killing them all. Growing grain and hops could prove more difficult. But, if you purchase a full pallet load at a time (or three) you should get better pricing.
That should work for the grain. Hops, well, all bets are off.
Can't you grow some hops over in HI?? With the climate over there, you might be able to stagger when you first plant the rhizomes so that you get crops at least twice a year. I'd at least look into it...
But back to the original post question... Boil up a packet per 5 gallon batch, and see how it comes out. You shouldn't have any off flavors from it, since it's dead before fermentation is even close to starting. Use some pure O2 in the batch to help make it even cleaner...
Oh, and about your Aussie converts, make them EARN the heavenly elixir...