If you look at those 2 points individually, neither is that big of a deal (as you pointed out). Combined though, it's a pretty major consideration.
He is basically being offered a head coach job, in his home area (and the #1 area he recruits). That's something he has to seriously consider
I'm sure the guy has aspirations to be a head coach someday. I doubt he goes from Utah DC to head coach at a big time program. So if he is going to become a head coach, it will probably be at a mid major. He can work his way to a gig at a big time program from there. But he will have to start at a mid major.
If he's going to a mid major anyway, is there a better job than Hawaii? Especially since he's from there and that is the primary area that he recruits?
I know he isn't being offered the head coach position, but I'd be shocked if Chow stayed more than a year or 2. And Sitake would have to be promised that he was the "coach in waiting" in order to get him to even consider going with Chow.
I'm not predicting Sitake will go with Chow. I'm just saying it is a real possibility. Even though Utah can outbid Hawaii, Hawaii can still pay him enough to live the same lifestyle. And they can promise him a head coaching gig within the next few years, in the area that he recruits, where all his family lives, and is considered to be the most beautiful area in the nation, with the best weather.
Money is important, but it isn't everything. He wouldn't exactly be in the poor house in Hawaii.