July 26th, 2010
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Back in mid-May we wrote about the Luala’i at Parker Ranch Phase 3 Grand Opening. A few days ago, just before “Aloha Friday pau hana time,” I headed over to the Luala’i sales office to visit with Jennifer Richardson (R) of our Clark Realty-Waimea office, planning to ask a few questions and gather some first-hand information about sales activity in the new phase of the subdivision. As it turns out, I was a bit late, sidetracked on my way over by the beautiful rainbow in the fields behind the new homes being built.
"Where I live...there are rainbows" - Luala'i at Parker Ranch in upcountry Waimea
I spent longer taking pictures that I had planned and had just a few minutes to talk with Jennifer. So, since a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll let the photos do a little speaking for themselves! If you have questions about the current listings in Luala’i or about the available floor plans, please give Jennifer or DR Horton’s Carol Doty a call at 808-887-1246, or stop by the sales office to visit them there.
At a cooler 2600 ft elevation and with approx 30 inches of rain per year, rainbows are not uncommon here.
Working in Waimea means getting used to late afternoon showers! (Thanks, Jennifer - for staying to talk!)
From the back of the subdivision - beautiful views, especially when Mauna Kea is visible too.
There are currently three Phase 3 homes in escrow. For information about buyer incentives from DR Horton, please visit their website or call us at Clark Realty – Waimea: 808-887-0887.
July 22nd, 2010
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NOW (Kalapana, July 2010):
July 17, 2010 - Photo credit: CSAV's Darcy Bevens
…and then:
Kalapana, 1990 - Photo credit: USGS HVO
Rey Mishina of our Hilo office forwarded the top photo to the Web Services office a few days ago after receiving it via email from Darcy Bevens, the Educational Specialist at the University of Hawaii- Hilo’s Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes. Used here with permission. Mahalo Rey and Darcy. These are great shots separately, but together they are priceless!
To learn more about Big Island volcanoes, visit the Multimedia Presentations page on the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website where you will find several USGS videos, including Lava Flows and Lava Tubes on Kilauea.
July 21st, 2010
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Recently, the Big Island representative of the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Office of Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response (HEER) gave HIBR members an update on a few new resources available online.
Last week’s presentation addressed potential arsenic contamination and soil testing at properties that were once part of Hawaii’s sugar cane lands. Some former plantation mill sites have been studied, but HEER notes that there are many areas yet to be tested.
What Should Hawaii Homeowners Know About Arsenic?
The HEER office recently released two informative fact sheets that will answer most questions about arsenic in soil and in canec ceilings and wallboard. These fact sheets are available here in PDF format:
Arsenic in Hawaiian Soils: Questions and Answers on Health Concerns (502KB)
This fact sheet describes the areas of Hawaii where arsenic in soil is most likely to be found (including former sugar cane fields, former pesticide storage areas and wood-treatment plants) and describes the human health concerns related to arsenic exposure as well as how to prevent exposure to possibly contaminated soil. Also available is a Homeowners Guide to Soil Testing for Arsenic (PDF).
Arsenic in Canec Ceilings and Wallboard in Hawaii (420KB) – This sheet gives a brief history of canec production and describes precautions to take if canec materials need to be removed from a property.
Canec, made from sugar cane bagasse–the fiber that remains after the juice has been extracted from sugar cane stalks–was produced at a manufacturing plant in Hilo from the early 1930s until about 1960. Canec ceilings are common in plantation-era homes and are generally considered safe as long as they remain in good condition. The fact sheet above describes how to remove and dispose of canec from residential properties where the fiberboard is deteriorating, is “powdering” or has been damaged.
For more information, please visit the Department of Health/HEER website or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
July 20th, 2010
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As of July 1, there is now a process by which homeowners who have built a home or improved a property with an owner-builder permit can list the home for sale or lease within the first year after completion.
To qualify for the hardship exemption, the owner-builder must file an application with the Contractors License Board certifying that the structure was not intended for sale or lease at the time the permit was obtained. The Board must notify the owner-builder in writing of its determination within 90 days of receipt of the complete application.
Application for Hardship Exemption from Chapter 444 HRS (PDF)
Previously, the law prohibited the sale or lease of a home built with an owner-builder permit within the first year after completion. The revision to the law also clarifies the definition of completion as the date of final inspection approval by the county.
Why HIBR and HAR Fought for the Hardship Amendment
2010′s Act 44, the legislation creating these amendments, was passed in large part due to the efforts of the Government Affairs Committees of the Hawaii Island Board of Realtors and the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Until this law took effect, licensed agents faced discipline by the DCCA if they listed a property improved under an owner-builder permit within the first year. In many cases, agents were unable to assist sellers who faced a legitimate hardship that forced them into a position where they needed to sell such a property. The amendments to HRS 444 (PDF) make it possible for Hawaii agents to meet the needs of clients who obtain an exemption without fear of penalties or license revocation.
Additional Resources
Got Owner Builder Permit? (PDF): This brochure is from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. In addition to providing information about the hardship exemption, it also outlines two other cases in which owner-builders can be exempt from the one-year rule: 1) if they are selling a residence to an employee or 2) if the work done under the permit is estimated at less than $10,000.
DCCA Press Release (PDF): 2010 Legislate Update: Changes to HRS 444, including a recap of Act 44.
July 16th, 2010
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HIBR Membership Meeting
Yesterday, members of the Hawaii Island Board of Realtors (HIBR) met for our July General Membership Meeting at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.
'Imiloa Astronomy Center was a great venue for the HIBR General Membership Meeting
Theme of the Day: Politics
Our first two guest speakers were Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, both of whom are running for the Office of Governor in Hawaii this year. Candidate for Lt. Governor Lyla Berg, State Representative from the 18th District and Vice-Chair of the House Education Committee, also attended the meeting.
 Neil Abercrombie with Michelle Pokipala of First American Title |
 Lt. Governor Duke Aiona with Vicki Toews of HIBR |
A common theme for both gubernatorial candidates yesterday was clean energy and sustainability for Hawaii. Questions from the audience ranged from “how can you guarantee your administration will not be Oahu-centric” to civil unions to possible tax implications of rail transit for neighbor islands.
Of special interest to local agents was hearing the candidates address 2007′s Act 245, which allows the Department of Education to collect fees from “school impact districts.” Although the West Hawaii school impact fee was recently postponed, it is still a concern for the Big Island community.
 18th District Representative Lyla Berg (center) |
 Clark Realty Sr VP Frank Goodale addresses impact fees |
Mahalo ‘Imiloa and Government Affairs Committee
We want to extend a special thank you to the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, to the hard-working HIBR staff and to the Government Affairs Committee. The ‘Imiloa staff did an exceptional job–HIBR will be using the conference room for more events throughout the year. Our Government Affairs Committee once again provided local agents with timely and very useful updates on the recent legislative session, which helps us all provide better service to our real estate clients.
Mahalo to everyone who helped organize yesterday’s event!
Additional Resources
