This Hawaiian Paradise Park home has over 2,000 sq ft of living space and a large covered deck

View MLS 246728 Property Detail page for additional photos and map

Few homes currently on the market in Puna’s Hawaiian Paradise Park show the pride of ownership and attention to detail in design and construction as does this new listing, MLS 246728, located just a short drive from Hwy 130 on 27th Ave. For the discriminating buyer looking for a spacious, well-appointed living area, a beautifully landscaped (yet easy to maintain) yard and plenty of room for outdoor living, this home is certainly going to stand out from others available in the $300-350K price range.

Ronald Alan Rigg, R

From the grand covered entry to the open-beam ceilings in the main living area to the covered deck outside, care has been taken to create a gracious, yet cozy atmosphere. There is even a wood burning fireplace in the living room. The owner is a builder and designed the home with custom touches that give it that extra measure of sophistication and comfort.

The adjacent lot, which has some improvements already in place, is also available. For more information, to arrange a tour of the property, or for a full list of homes for sale in HPP, please contact me.

Read More: Hawaii Land Use Regulatory System (PDF)

Currently listed for sale, MLS 243693 is an East Hawaii residence built on Conservation zoned land

View Property Detail page, map and additional photos for MLS 243693

What is Conservation District Zoning?

In the Hawaiian Islands, land is a precious resource. Conservation Districts have been established to protect environmentally sensitive areas by placing certain restrictions on how Conservation zoned land can be used. There are several categories within the Conservation zoning that allow for different types of land use.

Can I Build a Home on Conservation Zoned Land?

As a Big Island Realtor, one major question that I often hear asked by landowners or potential buyers of Conservation lands is: “Can I build a home on land in a Conservation District?” The answer, usually, is: “Let’s do some research.” Depending on the property, there are many cases where the answer is: “Yes, if you have the patience to work through the approval process.”

Obtaining Approval for Building a Home on Conservation Zoned Land

About 16 years ago, I went through the process of obtaining permits to build my personal residence on a parcel of land on the Hamakua Coast that is part Agricultural land, part Conservation and part Special Management Area (not uncommon for oceanfront land in Hawaii). I have also assisted many buyers and sellers in the purchase or sale of land with Conservation zoning or that is in a Special Management Area.

Based on those experiences, this is a suggested outline of the steps to take if you are investigating the possibility of building a residence on a parcel that falls under the Conservation guidelines:

1. Contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in Honolulu to find out which “subzone” the property is in.
2. Before obtaining a building permit from Hawaii County you must complete a Conservation District Use Application (CDUA) from the DLNR. As part of the application process, you may be required to demonstrate compliance with regulations governing Special Management Areas (SMA) or to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS).
3. Each island has a DLNR representative who sits on the panel that approves the CDU applications. Contact them in advance and ask if they would respond favorably to your plan. Establishing  a good working relationship with your local representative will make things easier as the process unfolds.
4. If navigating the application process sounds like more than what you are up for, you can contact a professional planner who specializes in CDUA permitting.

I found that having an architect’s stamp on my plans helped, along with actually showing up for the hearing in Honolulu when my application was scheduled for approval. Although at times the process seemed like a long, drawn out escrow, I was able to get approval to proceed without using a planner.

Understanding going in that the approval process may be lengthy will be helpful in keeping your expectations realistic (it could take up to a year or possibly longer, depending on the property). But, it can be done. I have been enjoying my Laupahoehoe home for almost two decades now and know many other island residents who have homes on beautiful properties as a result of their patience with the administrative requirements for permitting.

Ronald Alan Rigg, R

If you are considering purchasing or selling a Big Island property in a Conservation District or Special Management Area and would like to discuss the ins and outs of the requirements for obtaining a permit to build a residence on the land, please contact me for additional resources or to discuss available listings.

Other Resources:

Department of Land and Natural Resources – Conservation District FAQs

Department of Land and Natural Resources – CDUA Instructions (PDF)

Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands – Conservation Lands

Near the 16th green at Volcano Golf Course

Yesterday, 11 lots at the Volcano Fairways Estates subdivision at Volcano Golf and Country Club were reduced in price by the developer, making these properties a truly outstanding deal.

These lots, which are all 15,000 sq ft. or larger, are adjacent to the Volcano Golf and Country Club golf course overlooking the 14th, 15th, and 16th fairways. They are also located at the highest elevation within the subdivision, affording expansive views of the summits of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Mauna Loa’s Kulani Cone.

View all Volcano Fairways Estates listings, additional photos and a video tour

Prices for five of the lots just off the fairway now start at $54,000. On the 14th fairway, prices start at $76,500. Advantages to owning in Volcano Fairways Estates include:

• Underground utilities, ensuring unobstructed views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea
• Reasonable CC&Rs and architect review process to help protect property values
• County standard dedicated roads
• Living in an invigorating climate with nights of comfortable coolness and lush surroundings
• Easy access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the most popular destination on Hawaii’s Big Island
• Easy access to Volcano Village in Hawaii’s beautiful upper elevation rainforest
• An opportunity to invest in a well-planned development at prices below market value

Nene behind the Volcano Golf Course

About Volcano Fairways Estates

Volcano Fairways Estates was developed by Volcano Fairways Development Corporation. VFDC’s parent company is Realty Investments, which has been involved in real estate development on the Big Island since 1926. Sunrise Estates, Pacific Heights and Ainako Terrace in Hilo are three other upscale East Hawaii subdivisions that this company developed in the past.

Homeowners in Volcano Fairways Estates enjoy easy access to the Kilauea Military Camp, which is just across Hwy 11. At KMC, there is a U.S. Post Office, the Crater Rim Cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Java Lounge (now serving Starbucks coffee) and the Lava Lounge, for drinks and occasional live music. The Kilauea Theatre, where the Volcano Art Center presents dance and theatre performances, is also part of KMC.

The designated fire station for the Volcano area is at KMC, so emergency services, including paramedics, are nearby.

World-Class Golf at 4,000′

Ronald Alan Rigg, R

As you approach the home sites that are available at Volcano Fairways Estates, you first drive by the Volcano Golf Course clubhouse located on Piimauna Drive (pii = ascend / mauna = mountain). The course, located at 4000′ above sea level, is the Big Island’s oldest golf course. (Learn more about the course on the Volcano Golf Shop website where you can also view the restaurant’s menu.)

Volcano Fairways Estates is a unique Big Island subdivision, due in part to its underground utilities but mostly because of it’s location. This is really a remarkable part of our island. Please contact me for more information or for maps and price lists or to arrange a personal tour.

A Phase I home at KaMilo at Mauna Lani Resort

KaMilo at Mauna Lani is a private community that offers the best of Kohala Coast living on the Big Island of Hawaii. In KaMilo, prospective home buyers will find both single-family and paired homes, currently ranging in price from $699,000 to $1,330,000. These homes are architecturally designed to blend into the South Kohala landscape while providing all the amenities of resort living.

KaMilo at Mauna Lani

KaMilo Phase II

At a recent Broker’s Open, A & B Properties Inc. (a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin) and Brookfield Homes Hawaii introduced the launch of their second phase of construction to the local real estate community.

Walking along the streets of the existing homes, it is apparent that the density level in this resort development is more generous than in some of the neighboring developments, resulting in nice curb appeal as well as more privacy to the home owners. The fact that the project is surrounded by the Mauna Lani’s North Golf Course makes it even more appealing.

A quick check of the MLS today shows that there are currently three active KaMilo listings, MLS 235991* (priced at $699,000–this is one of the last developer built units of Phase I), MLS 225634 (priced at $1,250,000–this is a Short Sale on the golf course) and MLS 241420. This last listing on Kaniku Drive is currently under construction, so there are opportunities for the new owner to customize the home to their own tastes.

Ronald Alan Rigg, R

KaMilo is just a short distance from Clark Realty’s office at the Shops at Mauna Lani. I’m usually in the office there on the weekends, so if you are interested in arranging a tour of the available units or learning more about the homes that will soon be available in Phase II, please contact me or stop by our office on Mauna Lani Drive for more information.

*UPDATE 3/31/2011 – MLS 235991 sold in February for $699,000. Current listings are MLS 225634, 228361, 241420, 242401.

View of the ocean from Paauhau Park - MLS 241106 on Hoolokahi Street is just a cross the street

One of the highlights of my work week is going out on property tours with Clark Realty agents from the Waimea office after our weekly Tuesday morning sales meetings.

When clients call or email to ask about homes or land we have listed, there is no substitute for having already walked the property and having had a chance to ask the important questions of the listing agent.

Last week, our tour focused on properties that have recently been listed for sale on the Hamakua Coast. We visited two homes in Pa’auhau and two in Kalopa Homesteads.

Pa’auhau

MLS 241575 | 44-155 Pa'auhau St

Pa’auhau is an former plantation community that is now in transition.

Around Pa’auhau Park, there are a number of  plantation style homes on smaller lots. Farther away from the park, there are larger acreage properties with new construction homes that take advantage of sweeping ocean views.

The property pictured to the right, MLS 241575, is one of the newer construction homes. This is a 3,840 square foot home on 2.5 acres and is currently listed at $1,095,000.

Just up the hill from the Pa’auhau Street listing is a home on Hoolokahi Street that was built in 1930 and is priced at only $189,000. This plantation style home, MLS 241106, is a 1,066 sq foot home that was renovated in the 1990′s. The property is located across the street from the park pictured above so there’s easy access to open space for relaxation.

Kalopa Homesteads

In Kalopa Homesteads, we visited MLS 239498 on Kalanaiai Road (take a look at the Property Detail page for a full description–this is a CPR property but it is a single family home) and we also toured MLS 241314 on Middle Road. The Middle Road home was a dance hall in the 1920′s but was rebuilt on this 5.43 acre property in the 1960′s and renovated in the 1990′s. There are a lot of possibilities for using the current structure as a home or building on another building site on the property.

This community is home to Kalopa State Recreation Area, a beautiful park with a nature trail that draws Big Islanders who enjoy hiking and learning about native plants, so it was nice to see the continued work being done on one of the older roads in Kalopa know as  the “freeway.” Avoiding the old “danger zone” road where rock slides were a concern will be a marked improvement for those who drive in the area regularly.

Ron Rigg prepares property tours in Waimea

The Hamakua Heritage Lifestyle

As a Laupahoehoe resident, I am very familiar with the Hamakua Coast and the rewards that are part of living along the Hamakua Heritage Corridor.

Please contact me if I can answer any questions about these or other Hamakua Coast listings for you.

Unlike any home in Volcano. All comforts have been addressed. It becomes apparent upon arrival that every detail of this spectacular home has been carefully thought out, designed and built to exacting specifications. The grounds are fully landscaped.

Stand-out features include:

• Flooring in the main area from Carlisle Wide Plank Flooring
• Vintage kitchen appliances from Elmira Stove Works of Canada
• Bosch dishwasher with custom “Elmira” front door to match appliances
• Guest bathroom sink and commode are restored original vintage 1940s
• Steam room by ThermaSol has a lifetime guarantee
• Ferrocement catchment w/lid, two pumps, two hot water heaters and U.V. filtration. Hot water is instant-on system
• Master bedroom and living room both have separate home TV/theater systems w/surround sound stereo complete w/wall hung flat screens included
• Blackout drapes in bedrooms
• Two fireplaces! Master bedroom and livingroom. Both fireplaces are gas w/lava rock chimneys. Livingroom fireplace burns wood as well
• In the unlikely event of a power failure there is a brand new generator wired on standby

Back to the master bathroom. I found myself not wanting to move off the heated tile floors. Fully programmable for on/off timing. Walk into the steam room/shower for yet more comfort! Continue out the Bamboo etched glass door, to the 6 person hot tub on the covered deck.

The 572 sq. ft. garage, connected by the 520 sq. ft. porte cochere, is a real bonus! Garage is a “Piliki” modified design package home. All Milgard “easy clean flip” double hung windows throughout the house and garage. Separate pump and hot water in garage. A gorgeous and lively enclave!

Visit our website to view photos and more detail now!

Volcano Fairway Estates - Statehood Sale

Developer Statehood Sale August 29th & 30th, values starting at $69,900. Does it get any better for a buyer?

Everyone wonders – how low can they go? With values getting better every day for the buyer now is the time to get the best deal at Volcano Fairways Estates. Gorgeous wide open views to Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, clear views with underground cables, pristine new streets, 15,000 sq. ft parcels and larger.

Blue Ka’u skies and sunsets over Mauna Loa are no longer a rare and dramatic view for the privileged few. This is a chance to select the home site of a lifetime!

Contact:

• Ronald A. Rigg, R, CRS – (808)936-1962

Meet us at the Volcano Golf Clubhouse beginning at 7:00am August 29th & 30th for refreshments & sales. Please call ASAP to preview!

Volcano Fairway Estates Map

“There was once a golf course in Volcano Village, which not many people remember. The old clubhouse still stands on Maile and Anuhea Circle. It had a pair of small rooms that golfers bunked in overnight. The location was between Kalani Honua Loop, Anuhea Circle and Maile Ave.”

In the 1920′s the present golf course began with three holes, one of which was inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The greens were fenced to keep the cows from the adjacent Keauhou Ranch from trampling the tended greens, but the fairways were cow pasture in those days. They had an event called the “Tomato Can Tournament”. The cups were made from tomato cans, hence the name.

Roy Blackshear of the Shipman family played an important part in organizing those early events. Later, the Keauhou Ranch moved the family home and barns to a new location next to the winery, to allow for the expansion that was to come. Soon, C. Brewer came along to build the existing clubhouse and expanded the golf course to the present eighteen holes.

In the 1940′s the home sites began developing on Volcano Links Road along the Number One Fairway. The early development was done on Bishop Estate on leasehold land. Ernest Kai, an Oahu attorney, developed L.H. homesites on the Mauka (mountain) side of the 11th fairway. Increments I and II went in back in the 1960′s. Then the 1970′s Richard Henderson purchased the land from Bishop Estate for increments III and IV. Henderson also picked up the unsold parcels from Ernest Kai.

Volcano Fairways Estates was approved for sales in April 2008. Without question the best parcels were saved for last, along the 14th, 15th & 16th Fairways. This was the site of the old ranch and barns. Several Tsuji Cedars still tower above the greens.

Reprinted Courtesy Homes of the Big Island
Volume 3, Issue 12, August 2008