Shipping to California is not a big expense. The knives are made in Nepal but they are shipped in bulk lots to Yangdu in Reno, Nevada. So you're only paying the shipping cost from Nevada to California. That's usually $15-$20, depending on the size/weight of the knife. Yangdu ships USPS Priority Mail, which usually arrives within two days.
As for usage of the khukuri, it depends on the model, length and weight. The Sirupati model is designed for light to moderate chopping, which matches the kind of trees/bushes most common in the region of Nepal where the model originated. It's not a heavy chopper like the Ang Khola family, the Bonecutter, Ganga Ram Special, M43 or other heavier models. However, in a pinch you can chop almost anything with a Sirupati; just don't expect to use it extensively for cutting trees or thick logs.
It also depends on the length and weight of the particular Sirupati. They come in a wide range of sizes (not just what you might find at the HI web store). Lengths from 15" up to 25" are sold from time to time on this forum. The longer blades also tend to be thicker and heavier, as the kamis try to preserve the proportions.
A 15" (overall length) Sirupati is at the low end of the range. It would be excellent for self defense, camping and hiking, and general utility, that sort of thing. Also a good choice for a smaller person. If you need something more heavy duty, any of the above models might be better. Lots of people swear by the M43 or WWII models, which are very robust knives but not quite as heavy as the AK and other heavy choppers.
Most people seem to end up with more than one, for the lighter and heavier types of usage. The prices are low enough that many people can afford more than one.
By the way, the same usage characteristics as the Sirupati are found in the Chitlangi and Gelbu Special models. The Chitlangi, which usually comes with two fuller on each side, is perhaps the most beautiful, and the Gelbu Special might be functionally the best of that weight class. You really can't do much better than an 18" Gelbu Special. It has the same edge geometry as the AK model, but is considerably lighter weight for a given length.
Here are two Gelbu Specials. The first one is 18" (overall length) and 20 oz. The second one is 21" (OAL) and 29 oz. The second photo provides a good view of the wide, deep fuller, typical of the GS model, which is hollow forged, not hollow ground.
