This is "GRCH Lynroc Paint The Sky Akirene" taking a Group 2 at last year's show

The Orchid Island Dog Fancier Club Inc. (OIDFC) will be celebrating their 100th anniversary of hosting an American Kennel Club sanctioned All Breed Dog Show here on the Big Island. This momentous occasion will take place at the Edith Kanaka’ole Multi Purpose Stadium in Hilo on February 18, 19, and 20, 2012. The event is one of two AKC cluster shows held on the Big Island each year. The second cluster is held in October. OIDFC was founded in 1973 and is a non-profit organization that promotes the sport of purebred dogs and responsible pet ownership through various activities and training classes offered throughout the year. In recent years, approximately 150 dogs representing 50 breeds have entered at this event with several entries traveling from outer islands–all competing for the coveted “Best In Show” title.

This year the Saturday event will mark the club’s 100th AKC all-breed dog show. A special “Parade of Titleholders” for any dog holding an AKC Title that has competed at these events over past years will be added, as well as additional entries for the “Best Puppy” in show.

Lisa M. Parker, R(S)

The American Kennel Club (AKC) sanctions all breed dog shows throughout the year on the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu. Island shows held at centralized venues offer dog owners enough points per win to allow most owners to complete their dog’s AKC championship without having to fly to the mainland. Show hours are from 9am to 3pm. Admission is free, so please come join in the fun and cheer for your favorite breed!

Designed to capture Kona Coast sunsets and coastline views, this lanai is ideal for entertaining

The newest addition to Clark Realty Corporation’s Luxury Portfolio International^TM collection of distinctive Big Island listings, this North Kona home is designed for gracious island-style indoor/outdoor living.

The open floor plan, high ceilings and large rooms create a welcoming ambiance. The master suite and two guest suites (each with a walk-in closet) offer views of the Kona-Kohala Coast as well as privacy. The large covered lanai and pool make enjoying Hawaii’s tropical climate a pleasure.

Many additional custom finishes and features, such as a teak-trimmed cupola and teak doorways and baseboards, make this home a truly distinctive residence. Learn more about MLS 251183 here or view a photo slide show here. If you would like to arrange a tour of the property, please contact Georgia “Gae” Callaway, R, Broker-in-Charge of our Keauhou office.

An under-the-sea adventure on the Atlantis Adventures submarine in Kailua Kona

Hawaii Adventures in Our Own Back Yard

One of the best parts of having friends and family come to visit us in Kailua-Kona is that it prompts us to get out to enjoy activities we as kama’aina sometimes “forget” to find the time to do. As part of the agenda during a recent family visit, we planned to do the submarine tour with Kona’s Atlantis Adventures. Since I hadn’t been on the submarine tour before, I was excited to hear that this was something our guests were very much looking forward to and that we were going to be able to join them!

We checked in at the Kailua-Kona pier, where we boarded the Atlantis transport boat. Within minutes were off to climb aboard the submarine, where (with the Indiana Jones theme playing in the background) a sense of adventure took over!

It was awesome to be able to look out the portholes, at first seeing the sun shining above as we made our way deep underwater. There was a full tour (nearly all of the sub’s 48 seats were in use), but each person still had a GREAT look-out window and the cool air-conditioned comfort was the perfect setting for our family outing.

Exploring the Coral Reef Ecosystem

The tour itself was a little over 35 minutes, with the sub descending over 100 feet below the surface. We toured two shipwrecks and an amazing 25-acre, 18,000-year-old coral reef bursting with activity. We also canvassed the sea bottom in search of activity. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any hammerhead sharks (which I had been hoping to see), humpback whales or creepy eels that day, but all-in-all, it was a TON of fun and we did see a tremendous amount of ocean life! I definitely recommend this adventure to friends and family!

(Atlantis also offers a great kama’aina discount to local residents that also applies to members in their party, so be sure to mention that when making your reservation!)

Please contact Marco A Silva, R for information about the West Hawaii real estate market or about relocation to the Big Island of Hawaii.

Jewel Victorino

Clark Realty Corporation is pleased to announce that Jewel Victorino has joined our Hilo office staff as our new Administrative Assistant. Jewel is well-known in the real estate community in East Hawaii–she has worked in the real estate industry for nearly 7 years in a similar position with a Hawaii brokerage. Originally from California, Jewel has lived on the Big Island for over 10 years. She is the mother of twins who will be turning 2 soon and is fluent in Tagalog.

Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with her know Jewel to be a positive, encouraging, motivated and knowledgeable professional who has a special talent for maintaining grace and composure on even the most busy and challenging days at the office.

Welcome Jewel! We are very excited to have you as part of our team!

Approaching perfection - this Villas at Keauhou Estates home is fully furnished with island-style decor

View map, additional photos and property details for MLS 251004

Cindy Whittemore, R(S)

This Villas at Keauhou Estates unit is simply exquisite–the owners have done everything possible to make it as perfect as it can be, in a tasteful style with utmost quality. See it for yourself on Sunday afternoon at our Open House, part of Clark Realty’s Islandwide Sell-abration event!

For directions to this property or for more information about MLS 251004, please contact me.

Custom features include:

• A professionally designed kitchen with custom Koa cabinetry by Wick Rice, a Black Beauty slab granite countertop with coordinating glass tile backsplash, a Koa eating and serving counter and Koa window trim, premium appliances (cabinet-front kitchen refrigerator and dishwasher, Dacor cook-top, wall oven, warming drawer), a lighted pantry and built-in wine cooler, and abundant lighting (under-cabinet, recessed and up-light)

Custom Koa cabinetry, Black Beauty granite and premium appliances make this kitchen stand out

Other custom features:

• Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring in living room and hall
• Custom window treatments
• Porcelain tile in kitchen, guest bath and laundry room
• Walk-in master bedroom closet with built-in safe
• Built-in book case and plentiful linen storage
• Carrier energy efficient zoned A/C system–new in 2011
• Home alarm system
• Utility room with washer/dryer, plus utility sink and storage cabinet
• Extended wrap-around and tiled lanai with retractable sunscreens
• Lanai wet bar with Dacor refrigerator, custom backsplash
• Vacuflo vacuum system with Hide-A-Hose–new in 2011
• Two-car garage with attic access for extra storage
• Custom landscaping in entry, lawn and surrounding gardens
• Villas at Keauhou is gated for security
• Amenities include: pool, spa, tennis courts, recreation area, on-site manager

From this Hamakua Coast home......

.......this is your Pacific Ocean view!

View additional photos, map and property details for MLS 243176

This Hamakua Coast home, separated from the ocean by a just small strip of state land, is ideally located for seasonal migratory bird and whale watching and for enjoying views of passing cruise ships as they make their way to and from Hilo Bay.

Many special touches included in the thoughtful design of this property contribute to a feeling of tropical serenity. On approach, the entrance is palm-lined and inviting. Inside, eucalyptus floors, open beam ceilings (ranging from 9 feet to 16 feet), a gourmet kitchen and a wine closet are just a few of the custom features.

Lora L. Ayers, R(S)

This home, which is part of our Luxury Portfolio collection of properties, will be open for tours on Sunday from noon to 4 pm as part of Clark Realty’s Islandwide Open House Sell-abration event.

Please contact me for directions or visit the MLS 243176 Property Detail page for more information and a map.

View a complete list of Big Island homes and condo open for tours here:  clarkhawaii.com/openhouse

This comfortable country home is located just minutes from historic Hawi in North Kohala

View property details, map and additional photos for MLS 250201

Situated on over one acre of lush landscaped land along the secluded Kaauhuhu Homestead Road, this North Kohala home is located at an ideal elevation and is only minutes from historic Hawi town. This is just the place for those seeking the peace and privacy of Big Island country living but who also want to enjoy views of the the ocean and Maui, which you can do from this property’s manicured lawn.

Regan K. Matsumura, R

The main house consists of 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with a spacious loft and a cedar sauna in the master bedroom. The guest house has 1 bedroom and 1 bath–perfect for hosting visitors.

This home will be open for tours on Sunday from noon to 4 pm as part of Clark Realty’s Islandwide Open House Sell-abration event. Contact me for directions or visit the MLS 250201 Property Detail page for more information and a map.

Tour this Kona Bay Estates property as part of Clark Realty's Islandwide Open House on Sunday

Clark Realty Corporation is hosting the first Islandwide “Sell-abration” Open House Event of 2012 on Sunday, January 29 from noon to 4 pm. Over 40 homes and condos will be open on Sunday afternoon in locations all around the Big Island.

Please visit our Open House page to view a list of the properties that will be open on Sunday and to get links to Property Detail pages with complete descriptions, maps and contact information for the agents who will be hosting tours at the properties. Or, for more information about real estate opportunities and market trends on the Big Island of Hawaii, please contact us.

Sell-abration Open House link:  clarkhawaii.com/openhouse

Source: Hawaii.gov Newsroom

‘The Rain Follows the Forest’

Produced by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, this 28-minute video was created as part of The Rain Follows the Forest: A Plan to Replenish Hawaii’s Source of Water, DLNR’s plan to implement key goals of Governor Neil Abercrombie’s A New Day in Hawaii, which calls for greater stewardship of Hawaii’s natural resources.

The video features Jason Scott Lee as he travels throughout Hawaii talking with leaders in the effort to restore and protect Hawaii’s watersheds.

Please take a few minutes to watch and share it.

Hawaii’s forests collect rain and fog to provide water for human use

Additional links:

The Rain Follows the Forest – Hawaii.gov Press Release

The Rain Follows the Forest: A Plan to Replenish Hawaii’s Source of Water

A New Day in Hawaii – Parts I and II

Hawaii Association of Watershed Partnerships

Kohala Watershed Partnership

Hilo Bay Watershed Advisory Group

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources

Lehua Blossom Photo Credit

Chris Brosius, West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership

Click image to view the full Hawai'i Association of REALTORS® Statewide Housing Data 2011 report

At the end of December, Linda West of our Waimea office provided us with a recap of North Hilo real estate sales for 2011. A few of our agents from around the island are working on similar updates for the Big Island markets where they live and work. As we wait for their reports to come in, those interested in a statewide perspective on Hawaii’s real estate market may find this report (published recently by the Hawai’i Association of REALTORS®) useful. The report includes statistics for Hawaii as well as a breakdown of single-family home and condo sales for Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui and Oahu. You can also view monthly data on the Title Guaranty website — click here to view December 2011 data.