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
- West Hawaii Today article – School Impact Fees Postponed: County Won’t Cooperate
- Read the DOE’s Press release School Impact Fees for West Hawaii Postponed
- DOE’s 2009 Analysis of the Proposed West Hawaii School Impact Fee District (PDF)
- Learn more about the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
