"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 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.

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.

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.

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

Eddie and Shannon Underwood of our Keauhou office recently listed a home in East Hawaii, not far from Pahoa, that could make adopting an off-grid Hawaii lifestyle a much easier transition for the right buyer.

MLS 236554 Puua-Kapoho Road

NEW OFF-GRID LISTING:
Puua-Kapoho Rd - $279,500

This permitted home is situated on 10.18 acres and is completely off the grid.

Here, water is provided by a catchment system (the tank and liner are new) and power is solar with propane (the batteries for the solar system are new). A new on-demand hot water system has also been installed.

Recent upgrades include new cabinets and flooring in the kitchen as well as interior and exterior paint.

View Property Detail for MLS 236554 | View Bing Map

Living in Harmony with the Land

Sustainability requires a dedication to living in harmony with the land. Learning to grow food that is suited to the micro-climate where you are located can be a significant challenge for off-grid living and self-sufficiency. This property offers a giant leap in the right direction for anyone seeking to make the shift toward a sustainable lifestyle. With approximately 300 macadamia nut trees and an acre of white pineapple, plus banana, tangerine, lemon and lime trees already established, the new owner of this property will have a head start in producing their own food.  And, there is plenty of room for animals.

Request a showing for this property by completing this form, or please contact us directly at 808.329.5255, ext 5259.

Additional Resources

Download the Guidelines on Rainwater Catchment Systems for Hawaii – PDF, a publication of University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

It’s an old but relevant adage–and when you are deciding which Big Island brokerage you will trust with your business, we know that you have options. Determining which company is most capable of helping you meet your real estate goals is a process, and since a key part of our job is to provide timely information to assist our clients in making the best possible decisions in today’s market, we invite you to take a look at where Clark Realty Corporation stands at the midpoint of 2010.

Sales as of June 30th

So far this year, we have represented just over 300 transaction sides on the Big Island of Hawaii. The maps below show where our agents are active–when we say “island-wide” we really mean it!

We Make the Big Island Home

As a local, independent brokerage, we strive to set the highest standards of service for our clients. At the end of the day, we are all part of a ‘very small Big Island’ community and it is not uncommon for our clients to also be (or to become) our neighbors and friends.

If you have questions about listing with us, we would appreciate the opportunity to “talk story” with you, either over a casual cup of coffee or in a formal listing presentation.

Or, if you are thinking of buying on the Big Island, whether your objective is purchasing a large-acreage Hamakua coast property or an acre of vacant land in the Puna district, a Kohala coast condo with an ocean view or a classic Hilo plantation style home, we have agents who are ready to go the extra mile to be sure your questions are answered and your transaction goes as smoothly as possible.

We also offer developer services for larger projects and we have an experienced commercial team ready to provide information about commercial real estate opportunities around the Big Island.

Inspect what you expect–and we will be working hard to ensure your expectations are exceeded.

Contact us:  Hilo | Kailua-Kona | Keauhou | Waimea | Kohala Coast-Mauna Lani

*REsearch Maps Copyright (C) 2010 MLS Hawaii, Inc

Ranchers must supplement food for cattle during drought

With D4 Exceptional Drought conditions already declared for the Kohala coast and potentially in Kau, the Hawaii Fire Department has issued a request for anyone planning to use fireworks on the 4th of July to use extreme caution.

More specifically, the Fire Department is asking Big Island residents to opt for attending a scheduled public display and avoiding consumer fireworks altogether.

The risk of brush fires is especially high in South Kohala. Unnecessary fires put property at risk and result in high costs to taxpayers.

Three public events are scheduled around the Big Island for Sunday, July 4th

Hilo Bay Blast – Activities begin with the “Hot Rides Expo” at 10 am. The Hawaii County Band will perform its 4th of July concert in the Bandstand at 7 pm. The concert is performed in synchronized coordination with the Lehua Jaycees Fireworks Exhibition, which begins at about 8 pm.

Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade and Fireworks - Parade begins at 5:30 pm, Grand Marshal is Senator Daniel K. Inouye. There are 65 entries in the parade, including Mayor Billy Kenoi, community groups and military and veterans units.  Fireworks, provided by Hawaii Pyrotechnics and Explosives, will begin around 8:30 pm over Kailua Bay.

4th of July Extravaganza at Waikoloa Bowl/Queens’ MarketPlace – The Waikoloa events begin at 10 am with a Keiki Zoo Choo Train Ride. Other events include face-painting and the 19th Annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race “Boot Scootin & Boogie” at the King’s Shops.  Jimmy Mac & the Kool Kats play at the Waikoloa Bowl at 6 pm and the fireworks begin at 8 pm, set to music by the band.

Our Clark Realty ohana wishes everyone a safe and Happy July 4th!

MLS 233842 Turn-key 2-Story Unit

Fairway Villas at Waikoloa Beach Resort #A4

Welcome to luxurious tropical living with stunning views extending over the 1st fairway of the renowned Waikoloa Beach Golf Course!

This well-maintained two-story unit has both fairway and Kohala mountain views and is in walking distance to Waikoloa Resort amenities as well as outdoor recreation opportunities.

View Property Detail for MLS 233824

Resort Living on the Kohala Coast

Cathedral Windows Showcase Views

Golf, shopping, world-class restaurants and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  The Kohala coast of Hawaii offers all this and so much more for residents and visitors.

A few ways to enjoy an afternoon or evening without going far from home:

• Spend the day or watch a sunset at beautiful and historic Anaehoomalu Bay (“A-Bay”).
• Catch “Movies Under the Stars” at Queens’ Market Place – July schedule (pdf)
• Attend a Waikoloa Nights concert at the Waikoloa Bowl – the Big Island’s best outdoor venue.
• And, of course, there’s golf…at the Beach Course or at the King’s Course.

Request a showing for Unit #A4 or please contact our relocation/referral coordinator, Mary Murphy, at 888 272-5662 for more information about this or other South Kohala condo listings.

North East Pacific

The Eastern Pacific hurricane season officially began on May 15, but earlier this evening, the first hurricane of the 2010 Pacific season formed approximately 365 miles south of Acapulco, Mexico, according to a bulletin from the National Hurricane Center.

Currently a Category 1 hurricane, Celia poses no threat to land and is expected to continue to move to the West at about 7 mph for the next few days.

Hurricane Monitoring

Central North Pacific

The National Hurricane Center (in Miami) monitors and names storms that form in the North East Pacific basin east of 140°W longitude.

Responsibility for monitoring the area from 140°W longitude to 180° longitude belongs to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center located in Honolulu.

If a storm that forms in the Eastern Pacific moves into the Central Pacific Ocean, the National Hurricane Center turns over monitoring of the system to CPHC.

Emergency Preparedness

In addition to high winds, hurricanes also bring heavy rains that can cause flash flooding. High waves and storm surge are other hazards that can cause damage to property and loss of life.

For a complete emergency preparedness checklist, please visit CPHC’s Actions to Take When a Hurricane Nears Hawaii and view the “Be Red Cross Ready” Hurricane Checklist (pdf) from the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Although NOAA has predicted a below-normal 2010 hurricane season for the Eastern and Central Pacific, officials remind us that “it only takes one hurricane (or even a tropical storm) to cause a disaster.”  The time to prepare is now.

For a list of emergency shelters in Hawaii (including those designated for individuals with special needs and pet-friendly shelters), please view this Public Emergency Shelters brochure (pdf).

“Hurricane Watch” means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 48 hours

“Hurricane Warning” means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 36 hours.