March 5th, 2010 Cynthia Hoskins, R(S)
Last week, two Clark Realty Corporation agents traveled to Honolulu to attend Legislative Day at Hawaii’s State Capitol. Each year, agents who are involved in leadership positions in their respective Boards of Realtors are invited to meet with state leaders to discuss the progress of real estate and consumer protection-related legislation.
Arabel Camblor R, ABR, GRI, pictured far left, and Karen Gremp R, ABR, GRI, far right, are Clark Realty agents who are active in both our local and state Realtor associations. Karen is President of the Hawaii Island Board of Realtors and Arabel is Treasurer-Elect of the Hawaii Association of Realtors. In addition to meeting with legislators, both were able to tour the Capitol building and had an opportunity to talk with Lt. Governor Duke Aiona in his office.
Mahalo, Arabel and Karen, for your service and dedication and for representing the Big Island on Oahu!
Posted in Agent Spotlight | Comments »
February 28th, 2010 Cynthia Hoskins, R(S)
“We shouldn’t rest because…tsunami threat in Hawaii, from a Civil Defense point of view, is a 24/7, 365 day potential.” State Civil Defense Vice Director Ed Teixeira
The Island of Hawaii breathed a sigh of relief yesterday after the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center canceled the Tsunami Warning that had been in effect for the Hawaii for several hours after the 8.8 earthquake that struck Chile Friday night (Hawaii time).
Events like this serve as reminders of the realities that come with life on an island in the Pacific. Reminders to double-check our emergency preparedness kits and to be sure our families understand what to do when the sirens sound in coastal areas.
But science and history teach us that we cannot rely solely on sirens or Civil Defense warnings. Understanding the two types of tsunamis that can impact our state is important for anyone who spends time on Hawaii’s shores.
Tsunamis generated from a distant seismic event, usually from Alaska’s Aleutian Island chain or from the west coast of South America, allow time for tsunami warnings to be communicated to residents and visitors. In these events, if a tsunami wave is generated, the emergency sirens tell residents to tune in to local news or radio broadcasts for updates from Hawaii Civil Defense to determine whether an evacuation is necessary.
Locally-generated tsunamis, however, can happen in a matter of minutes after an earthquake and there may be no time for warnings to be broadcast. The warning signs to look for in these events are 1) the ground shakes and 2) the ocean recedes in an unusual way. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center website says this:
Because Hawaiʻi is seismically active, a shallow undersea earthquake can reach sufficient size to generate a local tsunami. While destructive local tsunamis are less frequent, there is little time to react to such an event.
Waves from the tsunami caused by the 1975 Kalapana earthquake killed two campers in the Halape area about a minute after they experienced the strong shaking. Therefore, if you feel strong shaking and are near the water, you should immediately move to higher ground.
For example, a tsunami generated from the southeast coast of the Big Island will only take 5-10 minutes to reach Hilo or Kona, so you should act fast. Residents of Maui have about 15-20 minutes, and Oʻahu has about 30-40 minutes warning.
Preparation is the key. This list of resources have information that can help you and your family be as prepared as possible in the event of a tsunami, earthquake or other natural disaster:
Hawaii State Civil Defense
(Use the Tsunami Evacuation Zone Mapping Tool to see if your location is in an evacuation zone.)
Hawaii County Civil Defense
American Red Cross Emergency Kit Checklist (PDF)
(Note: The Red Cross recommends a 5-7 day kit for Hawaii.)
Sign up for Hawaii County Civil Defense Text Messages
Posted in Big Island Climate | Comments »
February 25th, 2010 Cynthia Hoskins, R(S)
Puako, peacefully nestled between two of the most renowned Kohala coast resort hotel properties, is a former fishing village that is now recognized as the Big Island’s most quintessential beach community.
A turn onto Puako Beach Drive, between mile markers 70 and 71 on Queen Kaahamanu Highway, leads residents and visitors down a winding road toward the coast and into this relaxed tropical haven that gracefully retains a distinct sense of Old Hawaii.
As you enter Puako, you will pass the Puako Small Boat Ramp and then the Hokuloa Church on the right. After two years of construction, this historic church was dedicated on March 21, 1860. Still home to an active congregation, the church was renovated in 1990 and represents the residents’ commitment to preserving a history of the local community.
Down the road just a bit is the M’s Puako General Store, which opened in 1987. Owned by Narand and Urmila Patel, the General Store is a low-key gathering place where residents and guests of Puako’s vacation rentals are able to pick up a variety of supplies, relax with an ice cream after a walk to the beach, or borrow a book from the exchange shelf on the lanai.
Click here to view all Puako Beach Lots listings.
Beyond the General Store, Puako Beach Drive leads past many architecturally significant modern homes, several cottages and even a few remaining classic plantation-style homes, reminders of Puako’s varied history. Once accessible only by boat, the area surrounding Puako has been home to a sugar plantation, as well as “a charcoal making-operation, a honey-bee operation where bees were being shipped to Sweden, a hog farm, and a salt operation with salt sold to whalers and for meat.” (Mary Morrision, North Hawaii News, Nov. 30, 2000)
Known for family-friendly tide pools and beautiful views of Maui (across the Alenuihaha Channel to Haleakala), and of the Kohala mountains and Mauna Kea sunrises, Puako is also located near some of the Kohala coast’s most treasured natural and historic attractions.
The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District is nearby, as well as Hapuna Beach State Park and miles of dive and snorkeling spots. Green sea turtles, a protected species, make themselves comfortable on Puako shores and humpback whales make their way from Alaska through the channel each year to breed in Hawaii’s warm waters.
With all this beauty and natural diversity comes responsibility to promote conservation efforts, so the Puako community has organized the Makai (Sea) Watch Program. Near beach access points, signs from the State of Hawaii provide reminders of the protected status of much of the wildlife found in this delicate ecosystem. The area is part of the Puako Bay and Puako Reef Marine Fisheries Management Area managed by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The rich history and natural beauty of Puako set this small Kohala coast neighborhood apart and make it one of the Big Island’s most sought-after oceanfront communities.
Whether you are searching for a contemporary luxury permanent residence, are interested in a property where fractional ownership may be an option, or want to be alerted when there is a listing available in the Puako Beach Apartments condominium project, we value the opportunity to answer your questions about the real estate market in Puako.
Listed below are a few of our agents who have assisted buyers or sellers in Puako. (You can contact an agent directly, or, if you prefer, please contact our relocation coordinator, Mary Murphy, R(S), at 808.329.5255 ext 5259 for an agent referral.)
Christine Makaweo, R
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Linda West, R, GRI |
Derinda Thatcher, R, ABR, CRS |
Joy Johnson, R(S), ABR |
Juanita Montgomery, R, CRS, ePRO, GRI |
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Posted in Community Spotlight | 2 Comments »
February 24th, 2010 Clark Realty Corporation
AN OPEN HOUSE EVENT!
Clark Realty is conducting a Sell-abration with several open houses being held on Sunday, February 28 – from 12noon to 3pm. First-time homebuyers will find this weekend marks the final days for taking advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit. The official deadline for an accepted offer is April 30th, 2010. The escrow can be completed shortly after that time.
First-time buyers who have been virtually locked out of homeownership opportunities for more than 5 years now have the added advantage of historically low interest rates and prices that have been dramatically reduced over this past year. Agents have already noted a brisk uptick in the market and expect this improved climate to continue as the national economy continues to stabilize.
A preview of listings and associated location maps are available now at http://www.clarkhawaii.com/sellabration.
Posted in Condo Listings, Economy/Market, First Time Home Buyer Credit, Mortgages, Real Estate, Residential Listings, Sales | Comments »
February 19th, 2010 Cynthia Hoskins, R(S)
Waterfalls, seasonal streams, deep soil and panoramic ocean views.
When this is what a client wants, one of the first communities that comes to mind is Ninole on the Hamakua Coast in the North Hilo district of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Because of the abundant rainfall Ninole receives each year, this is one of the most lush sections of the Hamakua Coast. The location makes it even more desirable–living here means you get the serenity and privacy of country life, but with easy access to town. Only about 20 miles from Hilo, Ninole is also home to one of the smallest Post Offices in the US and to Waikaumalo Park.
Search all North Hilo listings, Ninole and surrounding areas.
Many residents of this area are exploring off-grid living, solar technology and sustainable lifestyle alternatives. Property descriptions here often include established orchards of lychee, durian, rambutan and longan trees. Grazing cattle and sheep are common sights as are seasonal spottings of whales and dolphins playing in the ocean.
Considering a real estate purchase in Ninole requires an understanding of Agricultural zoning and land use regulations. Some properties are also in Hawaii’s Special Management Area or are zoned as Conservation land.
View Big Island District Map (PDF) or Rainfall Map
We asked a few of our agents who have represented buyers or sellers in past Ninole transactions to share their thoughts about this special community. Here is what they have to say:
Christine Makaweo, R and Linda West R, GRI: “The Ninole area maintains strong appeal because it offers all the desirable features of the Hamakua coast, the verdant greens of the pastures and valleys and fabulous blues of the ocean and coastline views, together with a great location between the towns of Hilo and Waimea.”
Lora Ayers, R(S), ABR: “To me, Ninole is to the Hamakua Coast what Volcano is to the Puna district: unique, lush and beautiful. The differences between the higher elevation and the lower elevation must be experienced to fully appreciate, but both have their advantages. The coastline views are simply stunning.”
Ron Rigg, R, CRS: “The Post Office in Ninole tells the story. This is a small, but quaint, community with an interesting history.”
Cynthia Harrison, R: “Ninole is a peaceful haven in the Pacific. With it’s gently rolling hills, spectacular ocean views, and desirable location, Ninole is a pleasant surprise for those who venture there. Living here is ideal for those who want to capture the essence of country life without being too far from the amenities of a larger town. Plus, the drive to Hilo is gorgeous!”
Oceanfront Ninole photo above courtesy of Christine Makaweo
Posted in Community Spotlight | Comments »
