I understand that my lawyer and I failed to prove my case.
Which is why the purpose of this OP was to gain insight into how to present the information to the judge.
I don't think I'm the one losing sight of the point of my post.
I really didn't want to rehash everything about my case here, just talk about how to go pro se for this next round. I need to make my case about what is going to become of the kids based on his temporary orders.
Is Dad exercising his time with the kids?
What you'll have to prove to the court is...
1) That you have made every reasonable effort to obtain employment. You need to be able to show that you've sent out X number of resumes, that there is NOTHING available in your industry in HI, and in fact nothing available to you on the island on which you live.
2) That Dad is NOT currently providing adequate care for the children.
3) That the ONLY way the children's needs can be met is by relocating to CA (or wherever).
The problem you're going to have is that if the kids stay in HI and you are forced to relocate in order to survive, you, your ex and probably the judge, know that Grandma will continue to funnel money to the ex. And so he WILL be able to financially support them even if he never gets a job.
Honestly? I think your chances of success pro se, given what's currently happening, are slim. The judge doesn't think it's in the kids' best interests for them to leave, and he apparently has issues with your credibility regarding the financial situation - I don't know why, none of us do.