ALOHA THROUGH THE SHAKA
Hawai’i Bill HB2736 aims to recognize the «Shaka» as the state’s official gesture, attesting to its origin in Hawai’i and cultural significance. The bill highlights the Shaka’s role in preserving heritage, boosting the economy, and promoting the Aloha spirit. Public support is crucial as the bill progresses through hearings and committees before potentially reaching Governor Josh Green for approval.
What is the difference between Fee Simple (FS) and Leasehold (LH)?
Here are some terms that you may need to know while considering buying a property.
Leasehold (LH) A way of holding title to property. The lessor holds the Fee Simple (FS) interest and the lessee hold the leasehold interest. The leasehold interest is determined by the lease itself. It is important to know the following facts about a lease before you consider purchasing:
Term or time left on the lease. The longer the term, the more desireable.
Lease Rent: What you pay to the lessor monthly, semi-annually or annually.
Lease Period: A fixed period of determined lease rent.
Surrender Clause. Some leases are not renewable and have a surrender clause.
Fee Simple (FS) This is the way most of America owns property. You have a deed proving that you are a vested land owner. Here in Hawaii, most of the land is owned by huge estates which are remnants of the old Hawaiian monarchy. The Kingdom of Hawaii owned all of the land. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate, is the largest of these land owners. They own 341,546 acres or approximately 23% of all of the land
1888 Kalakaua Avenue Unit 1404, Honolulu — Waikiki Landmark
List Price$729,000 Days on Market11 MLS#202401280 StatusACTIVE TypeCondo BuildingWaikiki Landmark Bedrooms1 Full Baths1 Living Area811 Sq Ft Total887 Land TenureFS — Fee Simple NeighborhoodWaikiki
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Property Description
Welcome to your own piece of paradise in the heart of Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii! This recently remodeled 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers a den that can be used as an office or guest space, providing you with the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Outside, you’ll find a private patio/deck area, perfect for enjoying a relaxing dinner or simply soaking up the tropical sunshine. The building amenities include a BBQ area, pool, and whirlpool, offering you resort-style living right at your fingertips. With a resident manager and security guard on-site, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is well-maintained and secure. The Waikiki Landmark is situated in the vibrant Waikiki scene, this condo is just a stone’s throw away from local eateries, trendy shops, and the famous beaches of Waikiki. Whether you’re looking to indulge in the local cuisine or explore the bustling entertainment options, everything you desire is within reach. Schedule your tour today!
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IslandOahuMonthly Maint Fee$1017Stories Type21+Condo Parking Unit596CUnit FeaturesCentral AC, Even# UnitViewCityParking Total1Elementary SchoolAla WaiMiddle SchoolWashingtonHigh SchoolKaimukiConstruction MaterialsConcrete, Double WallMls Area MajorMetroNeighborhoodWaikikiFurnishedPartial Year Built1992Year Remodeled2021Tax Amount$172Building NameWaikiki LandmarkInclusionsAC Central, Disposal, RefrigeratorMaintenance Expense$1017Parking FeaturesAssignedUnit1404AmenitiesBBQ, Car Wash, Community Association Pool, Doorman, Exercise Room, Fire Sprinkler, Heated Pool, Meeting Room, Patio/Deck, Resident Manager, Security Guard, Trash Chute, WhirlpoolStyleCluster Development, High-Rise 7+ StoriesAssessed Total599700Assessed Improvement562800Assessed Land36900ZoningX6 — Resort Mixed Use Precinct
201 Ohua Avenue Unit 1504, Honolulu, HI 96815
$715,000 1 BD 1 BA 557 SqFt
Property Description
Rare legal short term vacation rental possible condominium with 1 parking space!! Your perfect retreat in Paradise ! The view from Lanai is the ocean to the mountain. Maintenance fee is reasonable included everything .Completely fee simple unit no sandwich lease .Residents of Waikiki Banyan enjoy excessive to range of amenities including pool, Jacuzzi , BBQ , Kids playground , Tennis court ,e.t.c. The complex is conveniently located just steps away from world famous Waikiki beach , shopping boutiques, and exquisite dining options. Please do not miss it .
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IslandOahuMonthly Maint Fee$722Stories Type15-20Condo Parking UnitN/AUnit FeaturesEven# Unit, Single LevelViewCity, OceanParking Total1Elementary SchoolJeffersonMiddle SchoolWashingtonHigh SchoolKaimukiLot Size99,796Construction MaterialsConcreteMls Area MajorMetroNeighborhoodWaikikiFrontageOther FurnishedFullYear Built1977Tax Amount$152Building NameWaikiki BanyanInclusionsAC Window Unit, Disposal, Kitchenware, Linens, Range/OvenMaintenance Expense$721Parking FeaturesCovered — 1, Guest, UnassignedUnit1504AmenitiesBBQ, Condo Association Pool, Fire Sprinkler, Recreation Area, Resident Manager, Security Guard, Tennis Court, Trash Chute, WhirlpoolStyleHigh-Rise 7+ StoriesAssessed Total580300Assessed Improvement471300Assessed Land109000ZoningX2 — Apartment Precinct
223 Saratoga Road Unit 1009, Honolulu, HI 96815
$750,000 1 BA 555 SqFt
List Price$750,000 Days on Market26 MLS#202400334 StatusACTIVE TypeCondo BuildingTrump Tower Waikiki Full Baths1 Living Area555 Sq Ft Total632 Land TenureFS — Fee Simple NeighborhoodWaikiki
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Property Description
Enjoy luxury living at 5 Star Trump Tower Waikiki Hotel/Condo! This Studio unit comes fully furnished with all linens & Kitchenware and Ocean and Mountain View! Top notch amenities include infinity pool, concierge, valet parking and a full service spa. Including in purchase are upscale appliances, granite counter tops and travertine tile flooring. Steps away from Waikiki’s famous white sand beaches, Trump International Hotel Waikiki offers vibrant entertainment, world-class restaurants and a luxurious infinity pool deck that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Trump Waikiki Hotel is the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel on the island of Oahu!!! Amidst the best of Honolulu luxury hotels, Trump Waikiki also boasts a Hawaiian style spa and state-of-the-art health club. Featuring five-star amenities, unparalleled service, and exquisite residences.
Additional Information
IslandOahuMonthly Maint Fee$1982Tax Exemption Owner OccupancyNAStories Type21+Condo Parking UnitNAUnit FeaturesCentral AC, Even# UnitViewOcean, SunsetConstruction MaterialsConcreteMls Area MajorMetroNeighborhoodWaikikiFurnishedFullYear Built2009 Tax Amount$762Building NameTrump Tower WaikikiInclusionsAC Central, Cable TV, Drapes, Dryer, Kitchenware, Linens, Microwave, Range Hood, Range/Oven, Refrigerator, Smoke DetectorMaintenance Expense$987Parking FeaturesOtherUnit1009AmenitiesConcierge, Exercise Room, Heated Pool, Meeting Room, Patio/Deck, Pool on Property, Resident Manager, Restaurant, Trash Chute, Valet, WhirlpoolStyleCondotel, High-Rise 7+ StoriesAssessed Total743400Assessed Improvement430800Assessed Land312600ZoningX6 — Resort Mixed Use Precinct
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HSO – 23/24 FILMS – LOST
Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra presents an evening with Michael Giacchino conducting his music from the made-in-Hawai’i television show LOST. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic TV series LOST – consistently ranked as one of the top television series of all time and described by Alex Ross of The New Yorker as “a phenomenon” with Giacchino’s contribution being “crucial to the show’s cult success” – Giacchino conducts an evening of music and storytelling, featuring the Emmy® Award-winning score, video clips on big screen and special guests. Presented in association with Little Jacket Industries and ABC Studios.
1886 Law of the Sea Hinders Tourism Development in Hawaii
#Hawaii, #Laws, www.Hawaii.Bio, #Transport, #Tourism
The US maritime law, passed just days before air travel, exports American tourism dollars to countries such as Canada, Mexico and Aruba.
The Passenger Ship Act of 1886 does this by prohibiting ships flying a foreign flag or built under a foreign flag from carrying passengers between U.S. ports unless they stop in another country.
For example, cruises on foreign ships can sail from San Diego to Hawaii, but only if they add Ensenada, Mexico to the itinerary. Cruises from Seattle to Alaska usually stop in Vancouver or elsewhere in Canada, and cruises from Florida to New York usually include a detour in Aruba.
Foreign cruise ships departing from Hawaii have been known to divert 1,000 miles south to Fanning Island, which is part of the Republic of Kiribati.
These legal exceptions enrich foreign destinations at the expense of U.S. tourism hotspots. The original intent of the law was to “protect” US passenger airliners from foreign competition. But those days are long gone, and PVSA is now like a duck to water. The US simply no longer has a large ocean liner industry to protect. As of the end of 2022, there is only one major U.S.-flagged cruise ship authorized to operate under the PVSA. Ironically named «The Pride of America», it was built primarily in Germany and operates with an exception that limits its service to Hawaii.
In terms of shipbuilding, no major cruise ships have been built in the United States since 1958; most large cruise ships these days are built in Europe and Asia.
Even if US shipyards could build large cruise ships, they would simply cost too much. Container ships and tankers, for example, typically cost three to four times more in the United States than overseas.
As a result, there are no major American-built cruise ships serving the US cruise market other than Pride of America, and foreign ports, especially in Canada and Mexico, are the main beneficiaries.
Tourist dollars are going to other countries
British Columbia, Canada, home to Vancouver and Victoria, generates more than $2 billion in revenue annually from American-origin cruise ships, according to one estimate.
Now Panama wants in on the action. A few months ago, the country announced it would pay $100,000 to Washington lobbying firm Potomac Partners to help change Panama’s status under the PVSA from a «nearby foreign port» to a «distant foreign port.»
This seemingly minor change could be a game changer for Panama, as most ports in North and Central America, including Panama, are considered nearby foreign ports.
Under the PVSA, U.S. cruises visiting nearby foreign ports must begin and end at the same U.S. port. In other words, a cruise to Hawaii that starts in San Diego and stops in Ensenada must end in San Diego because Ensenada is considered a nearby foreign port.
Cruises starting in the United States and stopping at a distant foreign port such as Oranjestad, Aruba or Yokohama, Japan, or anywhere outside North and Central America, may disembark passengers at ports other than the one from which they departed.
If Panama were to gain «long-haul» foreign port status, it could attract more cruise tourism because cruises that originate in the U.S. would no longer have to return to ports of origin to disembark passengers. For example, passengers traveling from Los Angeles to Miami with a short visit to Panama will not have to return to Los Angeles aboard the same ship.
In its filing with the U.S. Department of Justice, Potomac Partners said the remote port designation would “assist the economic development of Panama.” Twenty years ago, when Panama asked U.S. Customs and Border Protection to administratively change its status, it predicted that «the number of American passengers visiting Panama would increase tenfold.»
Customs denied that earlier request. This time Panama is pushing for legislative changes. Potomac Partners hopes to be able to “take the necessary actions to ensure expeditious passage of this PVSA amendment in Congress,” the statement said.
But Panama’s attempt to gain long-distance foreign port status ignores a fundamental question: Why maintain PVSA in its current form at all?
There are a few US river cruise lines that are «protected» by the law, but why not waive the PVSA as it applies to large ocean ships?
A world without PVSA
Without PVSA, cruises from Florida to Maine would be possible without calling at Aruba. Instead, U.S. port cities such as Savannah, Georgia, and Atlantic City could reap those previously exported tourism dollars.
Cruises up and down the California coast could thrive without the required night in Ensenada. People could board a cruise ship from Oahu to Maui without the cruise line being fined $798 for violating the PVSA.
Many cruise lines may still want to include stops abroad in their itineraries, but those stops will be determined by market demand rather than an arbitrary, outdated law.
Recognizing the harm of the PVSA, Senators Mike Lee of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska amended the law. Lee proposes exempting large cruise ships from the law or repealing the law entirely; Murkowski’s legislation would only exempt large ocean liners heading to Alaska if there are no similar U.S.-built ships that can meet the demand.
Either way, US states and port communities will benefit as tourism dollars stop flowing overseas.
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What is the reason for the slow and expensive process of building houses in Hawaii?
There is something very telling in the fact that it’s taken almost half a year to see anything come from the governor’s emergency proclamation aimed at speeding up homebuilding in Hawaii.
The governor’s order, announced in July 2023, established a 36-member Beyond Barriers Working Group to guide the hastening of housing construction, but it wasn’t until late December that it was able to approve its first application.
This highlights the challenges faced by the governor’s attempt to remove government barriers to housing construction and the severity of the problem.
The first application to be approved by the working group was a request to waive the state-mandated school impact fee for a project in downtown Honolulu involving the conversion of an office building into 52 affordable rental apartments.
The request was submitted by the project builder about two weeks before the working group’s Dec. 20 meeting, and had the support of the state Department of Education.
But the seemingly minor request actually has called attention to a major issue.
According to Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporter Andrew Gomes: “A couple members of the working group, which had difficulty establishing a quorum for the recent meeting, expressed frustration over spending what ended up being nearly 30 minutes assessing the school fee waiver request instead of five or 10 minutes.”
Sterling Higa, executive director of Housing Hawaii’s Future and a member of the Beyond Barriers Working Group, told Gomes there is no good reason to charge downtown projects a school impact fee at all.
“The schools in this area have shrinking student populations,” he said, “so whatever impact fee would be paid by the residents of this building isn’t actually going to help them get new schools in the area.”
To make matters worse, the state Office of the Auditor has sharply criticized the DOE’s administration of impact fees, even questioning whether they violate Hawaii’s constitutional requirement that there be a “nexus” between the proposed new units and the need for more classroom capacity.
Not surprisingly, some housing advocates say the Legislature should abolish or reform school impact fees, since they have not proven to be particularly useful in addressing education needs.
They also can add up to be quite costly. The downtown area has a school impact fee of $3,864 per unit, which would have amounted to $200,928 for the 52-unit project that sought the exemption.
My hope is that the 2024 Legislature will take a hard look at school impact fees and align them with our modern realities.
More important, we must remember that the slow, expensive process of constructing homes in Hawaii isn’t caused by just one regulation or fee — it’s due to an endless web of regulations, mandates, fees, approvals and permitting delays that we have been forced to endure for many decades.
Further proving my point: Gomes reported that this downtown conversion project has been proceeding under a 2019 city law intended to create 500 affordable rental units a year through financial incentives and regulation and fee waivers. Yet, as of November 2023, only two projects have been completed under the program.
But don’t let that get you down. Resolving Hawaii’s housing crisis is possible, and there are numerous simple fixes available to lawmakers now that could make a big difference at no cost to taxpayers.
You can learn about many of those possible fixes in a new report from the Grassroot Institute Hawaii titled “How to facilitate more homebuilding in Hawaii,” which you can read or download for free at the Grassroot website.
Reforming school impact fees would remove one brick from the wall that stands between us and more affordable housing. Our goal must be to remove many more so we can resolve Hawaii’s housing crisis once and for all.
E hana kākou! (Let’s work together!)
Keli’i Akina, Ph.D.
President / CEO
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
The publication was taken from the official newsletter Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Existing short-term Hawaii rentals may remain in operation, judge rules
The ordinance that made levies heavy fines on short-term rentals in Honolulu remains in effect, however, for any new rentals beginning operations after the ordinance was put in place.
by Candace Cheung, Court House News, December 21, 2023
HONOLULU — Despite a 2022 ordinance that made short-term rentals illegal, a federal judge ruled Thursday that members of a group of property owners running these rentals can continue renting as they have done for years.
U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson sided with a group of short-term rental owners in his ruling, granting summary judgment to them and allowing existing short-term rentals to continue operations and advertisement.
The Hawaii Legal Short-term Rental Alliance first contested the April 2022 passing of Ordinance 22-7 as it would redefine “short-term” from a minimum of 30 days to 90 days for residential properties — a change that meant any rental period from 30 to 89 days would be prohibited and subject to thousands of dollars in fines.
Watson had granted the group a temporary injunction allowing for them to operate under the 30 day minimum just before the ordinance was set to go into effect on October 2022, but his new ruling grants them a permanent injunction, though it doesn’t apply to any short-term rentals that didn’t exist before the ordinance was put in place.
The alliance — made up of existing property owners and managers, some of whom had been operating these short-term rentals since the establishment of the city’s first rental restrictions in the 1980s — said in their June 2022 complaint that this new ordinance would violate their grandfathered rights. They also said it would result in significant financial losses and that eliminating their rentals meant eliminating necessary visitors like traveling contractors and health care workers.
The alliance had argued that the ordinance violates a state zoning law restricting counties from passing zoning ordinances that conflict with usages prior to the ordinance.
Watson emphasized that the law is “plain and unambiguous” as to new ordinances.
“There is nothing to suggest that HRS § 46-4(a) does not mean exactly what it says — that a county is barred from passing any law that would eliminate existing lawful residential uses,” he wrote.
Though the city had argued that the ordinance should be considered a rent control regulation rather than a zoning regulation, Watson dismisses the idea, writing that “the city drafted and passed Ordinance 22-7 as part of the Land Use Ordinance of the City and County of Honolulu. Though the placement of the ordinance is not, by itself, determinative, its location and characterization belie the city’s current attempts to call it something it is not and never was—even according to the city.”
Watson did refuse, however, to do away with the ordinance completely, keeping it in place for short-term rentals outside of the scope of the alliance.
Honolulu City Council originally passed the ordinance to address the proliferation of these short-term rentals— often owned and operated by out-of-state landlords — that detractors say drive up housing costs for already struggling residents and disrupt local way of life.
Short-term rentals have received renewed attention as thousands displaced by the Maui wildfires face possible housing insecurity again as the short-term market has refused to become long-term housing, prompting Governor Josh Green to threaten the “nuclear option” on short-term rentals, the Honolulu Civil Beat reported.
Nuclear war. Hawaii might be target number one?
#Firearms #Guns, #Honolulu #Kauai, #Maui, #Molokai, #Niihau, #Oahu #RealEstate #Safety, #Hawaii
For Americans, war is usually something that happens “out there”—in other countries, far from their shores. They watch it like a show on television and the Internet while eating burgers and popcorn. They should start thinking of it as something that can be experienced “here.” The next enemy may bring conflict to the United States of America.
It is especially important to think about this during a real war of the Russian army on the territory of the sovereign state of Ukraine. In which fierce battles take place and thousands of civilians and soldiers on both sides of the conflict are killed. Russia behaves like a “gopnik”, thinking that everything is allowed to it and this state is ruled by the crazy King Putin. Who really went crazy, judging by his behavior and actions. Russia will suffer economic losses in this war of unprecedented scale, which will throw the state and its people back to the standard of living of the last century, without technology and modern development of society.
We should now think about future conflicts where American territory will not be a refuge. The United States is entering an era of homeland vulnerability in which technological advances enable geopolitical adversaries—not just terrorist groups—to wage war within America itself.
Yes, the US has been attacked before. The British burned Washington during the War of 1812. The Japanese attacked Hawaii, then a US territory, in 1941. The September 11 terrorist attacks led to massacres in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
But these episodes are so memorable because they are exceptions. For the most part, the combination of power and geography has given the United States greater internal security than almost any other major country. Since the Cold War, the United States has fought terrorist attacks, but the states it has targeted, especially Iraq and Serbia, have been unable to respond in kind. It is necessary to take into account the current situation regarding the war in Ukraine, where America fully supports the troops in Ukraine with sanctions, intelligence and military weapons. Russia has nuclear potential and this puts the whole world on the brink of a nuclear catastrophe.
This changes everything in many ways.
First, the number of rivals that could threaten the United States with nuclear weapons in a conflict is increasing. China, which has traditionally had a small and vulnerable nuclear arsenal, is rapidly expanding it. Beijing wants to make sure it can hit the US in a conflict over Taiwan or any other flashpoint. North Korea is on the verge of having, or may already have, nuclear-tipped missiles that can hit US targets. Moreover, North Korea has repeatedly threatened to launch a nuclear strike on the US territory of Hawaii.
In my opinion, Hawaii can be considered one of the most dangerous places on the planet right now, precisely because of the geographical location of the state of Hawaii, which is the most distant place from all continents on which there is a US military base. America, in Russia’s war with Ukraine, defends a tough policy of not interfering in a direct clash on the battlefield with Russian troops. Why? Let’s consider this option for the development of the war in Ukraine: the crisis of the war is intensifying and for some reason, perhaps provocations from Russia or China, and America and NATO troops are entering into direct conflict with Russia. The US Army and the NATO bloc are technologically clearly superior to Russia’s weapons. What can the Russian leadership do in such a situation! How do you think?
They may want to launch a preemptive strike on Western targets. What place in the world can they choose? New York, London, Paris, Berlin… I think definitely not. Otherwise, this will cause enormous casualties among the civilian population in the region, which will amount to millions of lives and will also cause direct damage to the Russian environment. And he will unleash a third world war in which there will be no winners!
Preventive war ( Latin praevenio — ahead, warn) is a war that is started in the belief that a future conflict is inevitable, and the main goal of which is to get ahead of aggressive actions on the part of the enemy. A preventive war is started to prevent the enemy from changing the balance of power in his favor.
And I believe that the Hawaiian Islands are one of the most obvious targets for a preemptive strike. Yes, there will be many victims. But precisely because of the remoteness of the Hawaiian Islands from the mainland, this will cause minimal damage and possibly stop a nuclear war in the world. I am also considering other possible targets for Western military bases that are based on islands in different regions of our planet.
America’s rivals would still have strong incentives not to carry out such nuclear attacks, not the least of which would be the threat of devastating US nuclear retaliation. But today, unlike during the Cold War, they can also strike the US homeland in a less apocalyptic and therefore more feasible way.
Both Russia and China have or are developing the ability to strike U.S. targets with conventional warheads mounted on long-range missiles—whether cruise missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, or perhaps intercontinental ballistic missiles. There is growing concern that China could use swarms of small drones launched from container ships to hit targets on the US West Coast or Hawaii.
These attacks will likely not cause catastrophic destruction. But they could disrupt U.S. logistics, communications and mobilization during a conflict—or simply give Moscow or Beijing a way to deter or retaliate for U.S. strikes on Chinese or Russian soil.
The most likely form of attack on the United States would not involve overt violence at all. Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure or financial systems can disrupt daily life and disrupt any response to aggression on the other side of the world. The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack that caused gas shortages on the East Coast last spring was a frightening experience for the world.
Why does the Colonial Pipeline cyber attack matter?
As shown in a map of the company’s operations, the outage of systems that support and manage pipeline operations and fuel distribution affected large areas of the United States.
At the time of the attack, concerns about supply shortages sent gasoline futures to their highest levels in three years. Demand is up, but drivers are being urged not to panic buy as it could impact prices, which were already up six cents a gallon due to the pipeline disruption last week.
Now look at what is happening right now in the USA and European countries with prices for gasoline, gas and other energy resources in connection with sanctions against Russia. Ordinary US residents already in March 2022 experienced a significant increase in gasoline prices, which will automatically entail an increase in prices in stores as this is related to the logistics of delivering groceries and food to stores (and so on). Of course, the Western world will cope with this situation, perhaps easing sanctions against Venezuela or Iran and their oil reserves will stabilize the situation, but this also takes time…
Imagine a repeat of cyber attacks, but on a much larger scale, in the midst of a major international crisis over Taiwan, Ukraine or the Baltics.
Such attacks would be of interest to Russian and Chinese planners. They can be clouded by ambiguity in a way that direct military strikes cannot. They can sow internal unrest without directly causing huge numbers of civilian deaths. They can slow down the US at the outset of a conflict, when Beijing or Moscow are rushing to achieve their military goals in Ukraine, Eastern Europe or the Western Pacific. And they could pose tough questions for American policymakers: Is Washington willing to use force to stop aggression in distant places if it could lead to painful vulnerabilities at home?
There is no perfect solution to this dilemma. Missile defense, for example, can help protect key targets, but it is too expensive and unreliable to provide any comprehensive protection. The best the United States can do is mitigate national security weaknesses through a combination of defense, offense, and resilience.
This will require larger and more systematic investments in what was once called “civil defense”—hardening critical infrastructure, logistics facilities, and communications networks against digital disruptions. Washington will need to do a better job of marketing its peacetime ability and willingness to retaliate against state-sponsored cyberattacks. This will force adversaries to consider how the United States might respond to larger attacks—whether physical or digital—in wartime.
However, there is no escaping the fact that absolute protection is an illusion. Accepting the higher likelihood of attacks on the United States and developing the economic and social resilience needed to fend them off may be the price of global influence in a world where geography provides no immunity.
This will be hard for Americans to hear. This could spark a heated debate about the costs and benefits of America’s global presence. But it is better to start this debate now than for Americans to recognize their new vulnerability only after the conflict has begun.
As for the state of Hawaii, we need not to panic but to be prepared for new possible realities of this world. We, in turn, prepare and develop projects for bomb shelters that can be built on the islands privately on our own plot of land or on municipal property. It is also necessary to consider tunnels in the mountain ranges on the islands as a future possibility of shelter from a possible military attack. We are looking for partners, investors and like-minded people in Hawaii, the USA and other countries of the world to implement our security projects.
Nika Vidi
Hawaii.bio contact@hawaii.bio
Here’s the Living Wage a Single Person Needs To Live Comfortably in Hawaii
Paradise doesn’t come cheap, as anyone who has ever lived in or visited Hawaii can tell you. While your senses might be overwhelmed by the state’s stunning views, clear blue waters, clean air and fresh seafood, your bank account will be overwhelmed by the cost.
Hawaii ranks among the most expensive states in the nation in just about any category you can name. The Aloha State’s cost of living is the highest in the U.S., according to the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a nonprofit policy research group with a libertarian bent. It cited a Tax Foundation analysis which found that the real value of $100 in Hawaii is worth less than $85.
As of 2020, Hawaii’s state budget per capita was the third highest in the nation at $12,896, the Grassroot Institute noted. That total included unfunded state liabilities of roughly $97 billion at the end of 2020.
The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Hawaii is $4.751 as of Oct. 30, 2023, according to AAA. That’s the second highest in the country behind California and over 25% above the national average of $3.494.
Given its high cost of living, it’s not surprising that it takes a very high income to live comfortably in Hawaii.
GOBankingRates recently surveyed annual living expenses for a single person in each of the 50 states. Researchers used 2021 Consumer Expenditure Survey data (the latest available) for a single person from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to calculate the annual cost of necessities based on data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center’s 2023 Q1 Cost of Living Data Series.
Using that data, researchers doubled the total yearly cost of necessities to determine a living wage that also factors in discretionary spending and savings.
In Hawaii, you need to earn $112,411 a year to make what’s considered a living wage, according to the GBR study. It’s the only state where a six-figure salary is required to live comfortably — and no other state even comes close. Massachusetts ranked second with an annual income of $87,909, followed by California ($80,013), New York ($73,226) and Alaska ($71,570).
In contrast, the state with the lowest required living wage is Mississippi, where you only need to earn $45,906 a year to live comfortably.
Make Your Money Work Better for You
Why is Hawaii so expensive? There are a few different reasons, according to experts. The biggest one is its location. Hawaii is comprised of islands stuck way out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, thousands of miles from the U.S. mainland. This means it costs a lot to ship goods to the state. And because Hawaii has a small land area and unique climate, it can’t produce a lot of agricultural or other goods, the Hawaii Star reported.
The small land area also means there is only so much room for housing, which pushes home prices higher. This problem is not helped by strict land use and zoning regulations. The median cost for a single-family home in Hawaii is more than $1 million, according to the Grassroot Institute, making it the most expensive state in the nation for housing.
Finally, costs in Hawaii are driven higher by the Jones Act, a federal law that regulates U.S. maritime commerce. As the Hawaii Star reported, the law requires that all goods transported between U.S. ports be carried on ships that are built, owned and operated by U.S. companies. It is intended to protect American jobs and promote national security, but it also creates higher shipping costs due to limited competition.
Strange winter in Hawaii: flood, drought, fewer rainbows in 2023
#Honolulu, #Kauai, #Maui, #Molokai, #Niihau, #Oahu #Safety, #Hawaii,
This year’s La Nina rainy season started off slow in Hawaii, but then the rain came with a vengeance—a so-called “Kona low” in early December brought as much as 14 inches in three days.
By New Year’s the weather was once again stormy. And then the faucet seemed to turn off.
Currently, nearly 80% of the Hawaiian Islands are experiencing some degree of drought, and the rest of the state is “abnormally dry.” As of January 18, no state was experiencing a drought. It was a dramatic turnaround from a winter that started with epic downpour and was forecast to be wetter than usual due to a climate phenomenon known as La Nina .
Although climate scientists have not yet had time to analyze the numbers and pinpoint the causes, the effects are already being felt, especially on the leeward sides of the islands, where almost all of the moisture occurs in winter. The next month or so is expected to be wetter than normal, but time is running out for leeward areas.
Parts of all major islands are in «severe drought», the second most severe of the four categories. But as the rainy season approaches, all islands could face the worst stage of «exceptional drought»
For many Hawaii residents, the lack of rain was not a big problem. In fact, sunny days with cooler winter temperatures may seem ideal. True, there were fewer ubiquitous winter rainbows.
But atmospheric conditions were more favorable for green flashes, when the edge of the sun briefly turns green as it sinks into the ocean, and fiery sunsets.
However, there is nothing pleasant about the lack of rain if you are a rancher. Dry weather can force ranchers to cull their herds and pay more for feed, and this dry streak comes on the heels of another last year.
“If this continues, we will likely be back in another drought emergency in 60 days,” James Robello, executive director of the USDA Maui District Farm Service Agency, said last week.
So what’s going on in the sky?
Typically, La Nina means wetter winters in Hawaii. La Niño, which alternates with El Niño and has many complex effects around the world, occurs when sea surface temperatures near the equator fall below normal.
This winter, however, the expected La Niña pattern was disrupted when the jet stream settled north of the islands and stalled there, Kodama said. Usually the jet stream is more like a spinning garden hose, but this winter it was surprisingly still. And Hawaii remained on the dry side of the jet stream, cutting it off from rain storms.
“What’s strange is how persistent it was.”
The clear connection between La Ninas and Hawaii’s wet winters may be broken, said Pao-Shin Chu, a professor in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and state climatologist.
“We have global warming in the background,” he said. “This process can impact existing relationships. Global warming could stir the pot.»
The problem when it comes to rainfall is that the rainy season will soon be coming to an end. This is due to an increase in subtropical high pressure north of Hawaii, which strengthens the trade winds , but also prevents storms in northern latitudes from falling as far south as Hawaii. The windward sides of the islands may still receive a lot of rain from the trade winds, but by the time the air passes over the mountains, most of the water has been squeezed out and there is virtually nothing left on the leeward sides.
Of course, tropical storms or hurricanes in the summer and fall of 2022 could bring moisture to any part of the islands. But even then, rain may only fall over a narrow swath, Kodama said, not to mention the danger of wind and flood damage.
The weather service is predicting April will be wetter than normal , with more rain falling on the islands over the past week.
But after a long drought, Maui ranchers were already considering action, Robello said. They may have to buy bales of grass to feed their livestock. Calves can weigh 100 pounds less when sold, bringing in less money. Ranchers may be culling their herds, and due to overall poor health, breeding rates drop, meaning there will be fewer calves in the future, Robello said.
On Maui, axis deer, which, unlike deer on the mainland, feed primarily on grass, compete with livestock for food. And they can jump fences, Robello said, so the green patch the rancher hoped to save until the stormy days in August can be eaten.
Meanwhile, he said, the December flood did more harm than good as most of the water flowed away. Drier parts of Maui lack the dam and dam infrastructure needed to capture runoff from severe storms. “Our systems are not designed for this,” Robello said.
Aerial photography in March of the ohia forest on Oahu showed tree canopies appearing less healthy than six months ago, when the canopy was lush and green, said Rob Hauff, state forester for the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The likely culprit, he said, is pests that find it easier to gain a foothold when trees are weakened by dry weather.
Although not surveyed by the state, nayo trees on the Big Island are also susceptible to pests during drought, Hauff said. The state typically plants endangered species during the rainy season, when they have the best chance of thriving, he said, and while it’s too early to tell, the dry weather probably hasn’t helped.
Earlier this month, the State Water Resources Management Commission advised Maui residents to reduce their water use .
“Streams that are normally full of water are barely flowing,” commission deputy Kaleo Manuel said in a news release, including some whose flows were approaching the lowest flows ever recorded.
Water suppliers, especially those that rely on surface water rather than aquifers, have also felt the pressure. On Maui, this means water customers in the northern part of the country, the central valley and west Maui. Residents were urged to stop watering their landscaping and washing their cars, as well as taking shorter showers and turning off the tap while brushing their teeth.
The commission also warned of the danger of forest fires.
Even Oahu, where the water comes from an aquifer, is affected by the lack of rain. The water board has asked residents to cut their water use by 10% after increasing chloride levels were found in some of its wells, indicating a strain on the water supply. This was partly due to BWS shutting in another well to avoid sucking up water contaminated by the Navy fuel storage facility at Red Hill, but it was also due to low rainfall.
The National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a ground-level overview of the season’s progress , and weather observers across the country report on local conditions.
“We’ve had to water our entire subtropical landscape this week except for the lawn and podocarpus grove, which manage to stay green due to the occasional downpour,” an observer from Honokaa on the Big Island reported March 19. it rarely rains from the clouds.”
But the last few days have given some hope.
“Last week there was heavy rain that rejuvenated the lawn, trees and shrubs,” the same observer noted on Saturday. “New plantings are growing quickly.” Still, the observer noted, «only a third of the amount of rain that fell last March.»
Less rain means fewer of Hawaii’s signature rainbows, which are especially abundant in the winter because of higher humidity and because the sun traces a lower arc in the sky, said Steven Basinger, a professor of atmospheric sciences at UH Manoa. The critical angle is 42 degrees above the horizon.
“In the winter, you have a lot more time when the sun is below that critical angle,” he said.
But despite the rainbow drought, the winter was marked by more than usual numbers of fiery red sunsets and flashes of green, he said, «providing the spiritual sustenance we all expect in Hawaii.»
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Aloha Crypto! Hawaii approves Regulatory Task Force
#Crypto, #Honolulu #Oahu #Hawaii, #Laws, #Investor, #News, www.Hawaii.Bio
Hawaii is now paying serious attention to cryptocurrency regulation.
Around the world, the push for cryptocurrency regulation continues to take shape as more governments look to create a regulatory framework for digital assets.
Hawaii may become the latest state to do so, as a Senate committee recommended forming a task force to regulate cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Two of the Hawaii State Legislature’s blockchain committees unanimously supported the creation of a task force to study and regulate the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystems: Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN) and Ways and Means (WAM).
Hawaii Law wants to explore how the government can regulate, monitor and potentially use blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies.
Hawaii Crypto Road Map
The task committee plans to study data from other jurisdictions and develop a roadmap for expanding the use of blockchain in both the private and public sectors, among other things.
Once passed, the Cryptography and Blockchain Working Group will be required to submit a report summarizing its findings and recommendations at least 20 days before the House of Representatives convenes in 2023.
The task force will consist of 11 people appointed by the governor, including representatives from a blockchain payment solutions firm, a cryptocurrency exchange and a cryptocurrency association.
Around the world, the emergence of cryptocurrencies continues to attract the attention of regulators. Countries such as the US, South Korea and Japan have adopted comprehensive blockchain regulations, establishing a clear framework for implementation.
Unsurprisingly, this trend has moved to developing countries, with India recently introducing a 30 percent tax on cryptocurrency trading. Additionally, the Asian country has required cryptocurrency exchanges to store user data for five years as part of legal regulations.
Other countries using cryptocurrency
At least 37 states, in addition to Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, are exploring cryptocurrency-related legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The Brazilian Senate passed its first cryptocurrency-related measure in plenary session on Wednesday, calling for the creation of a legal framework.
The bill must be approved by the Chamber of Deputies before President Jair Bolsonaro can sign it into law.
Despite these highly publicized initiatives, countries such as Nigeria have refused to enforce cryptocurrency laws.
As a result, despite having the region’s largest cryptocurrency market, the African nation maintains a complete ban on cryptocurrency.
Last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Eliminating Barriers to Innovation Act of 2021, co-sponsored by Reps. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Stephen Lynch (D-MA), to create a legislative mechanism to examine the potential impact of digital assets per nation.
Hawaii Luxury Market Report Steady Sales Growth
#Honolulu, #Kauai, #Maui, #Oahu #RealEstate #Rent, #Hawaii, #Laws, #Investor, #Taxes
Luxury Market at a Glance: Property Values Rising as Luxury Real Estate Sales Rise
Hawai’i Life just released its 2022 year-end luxury goods market report in Hawaii. Full of island-by-island data, infographics and the year’s most impressive and noteworthy properties, the report shows that across the island chain, the property market grew steadily throughout the year.
Over the past decade, statewide luxury sales have topped every year in both number of transactions and total dollar value except for 2021. Property values also continued to rise across all segments of the luxury market, despite fluctuating interest rates.
While the year-end report compares 2022 to 2021, it also offers a long-term view of the Hawaii luxury real estate market to provide a more accurate picture of where the Hawaii luxury real estate market is and where it is heading.
According to the report, there were no signs of a bottom falling or recession in Hawaii at the time of publication. While the looming recession is still debated, there’s no arguing that demand for luxury real estate across the island chain in 2022 was higher than ever.
In this post, we’ll look at the highlights from the Hawaii Luxury Market Report for the year. For an overview of luxury property market data and insights across the island chain, the company’s performance throughout the year and what we expect in the future!
Hawaii Luxury Market at a Glance: Luxury Goods Sales in 2022 Topped Almost Every Year of the Last Decade
Luxury goods sales in 2022 have exceeded every year of the past decade in both number of transactions and total dollar value except for 2021, according to a new report on the luxury market in Hawaii. The second quarter of the year was particularly active, with Q2 closings accounting for 38.77% of luxury real estate sales for the year in dollar terms. Moreover, 34.36% of all high-profile transactions in the State of Hawaii were closed in the second quarter of 2022.
By the third quarter of 2022, the record growth in luxury real estate sales that began in the summer of 2020 came to a rather abrupt end. By the end of the year, however, we had yet to see significant depreciation in value. What we did see was a steady increase in property values in every segment of the luxury real estate market in Hawaii (defined as sales at or above $3 million).
Location has been proven to play a significant role in influencing property values in the luxury market. In terms of the ultra-luxury market (defined as sales of $10 million or more), the impressive portion of this segment has been driven primarily by the rarity that many of our ultra-high-net-worth clients value most.
Sales over $3 million statewide included 488 sales ranging from $3 million to $5.99 million, 101 sales ranging from $6 million to $9.99 million, and 63 luxury sales over $10 million, for a total of 652 deals by the end of the year. While this value is down from the unprecedented 838 transactions in 2021, the value is still the second highest in the last 10 years.
Oahu Luxury Real Estate Market
In 2022, Oahu’s luxury real estate market growth, which has been observed throughout the year, continued, presumably due to the opening of international markets. By the end of 2022, Oahu had recorded 178 sales ranging from $3 million to $5.99 million or more and 32 sales ranging from $6 million to $9.99 million.
For all of 2022, the Oahu luxury condo market accounted for 57 sales and 3 sales over $3 million. Making up more than 73% of all transactions over $3 million, it’s clear that single-family homes are back in vogue, with 164 homes sold in 2022.
Compared to 2021 and 2022, luxury goods sales on Oahu reached a total dollar value of $1.13 million by the end of 2022, down 3.67% from 2021. Despite this decline, Oahu has outpaced other islands in luxury sales. by 88.72% from 2021 to $200.08 million.
In terms of total transaction volume for properties at or above $10 million, Oahu also saw greater growth than other Hawaiian islands. The growth the island has experienced has been nothing short of extraordinary: Oahu had 14 transactions in 2022 compared to 7 in 2021, representing a 100% increase.
Kauai Luxury Real Estate Market
The island of Kauai has received more attention this year, in part because of a North Shore estate that was listed and sold to Hawai’i Life. As the state’s most expensive luxury sale, it sold for $36 million after being on the market for just 40 days, well below the average number of days on market (DOM). Down 40.9% from 151.7 days in 2021, Kauai’s average market days in 2022 was 89.6.
In 2022, 60 Kauai deals were in the $3 million to $5.99 million price range, 14 were in the $6 million to $9.99 million range and 13 were at $10 million or higher for a total of $568.03 million.
Of the 87 luxury goods transactions, there were 9 condominium transactions and 5 land transactions. With 73 transactions for the year, home sales on Kauai were particularly strong. The majority of the 87 transactions occurred on the north shore of Kauai, where 47 transactions occurred. Explosive growth was also seen on the South Bank, where 30 luxury items were sold.
Kauai’s sales price of $2,407 per square foot beat the state average of $1,835 per square foot. And Kauai topped state averages with an average listing price of $6.8 million and an average sales price of $6.353 million in 2022.
Maui Luxury Real Estate Market
A look at Maui real estate sales data for 2022 shows that it is in line with pre-pandemic data. By the end of 2022, the number of months of inventory on Maui homes priced over $3 million increased from 9.5 months in 2021 to 18.2 months, indicating that buyers have begun to gain more bargaining power.
In 2022, Maui trading volume of $3 million or more continued to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Valley Island recorded 184 sales of $3 million or more for a total of $1.09 million. Although this is 31.6% less than last year, it is 95.7% more than in 2017. Of the 184 transactions on Maui, 13 were land, 72 were condos and 99 were residential.
Among the most notable sales that topped $3 million were listings conducted by our team on Maui, including a rare two-lot listing in Kihei that sold for $8.38 million in March. Another deal that confirmed Maui was worth pursuing was a 73-acre oceanfront estate in Haiku that sold in June for $15 million. Of the four most populous islands in Hawaii, Maui saw the most transactions over $10 million, with 20 transactions in that segment.
Hawaii luxury real estate market
Hawaii Island saw total luxury transactions of $927.4 million in 2022, more than double the $455.5 million in 2017, before the pandemic. While the state of Hawaii saw a decline in sales, there were 157 luxury sales on Hawaii Island, down just 24.15% from 2021.
The Big Island luxury market remained strong in 2022 with 64 condo sales, 73 home sales and 20 land sales over $3 million. Of the four most populous islands, Hawaii Island had the most land sold, including the largest tract of land sold in the entire state of Hawaii. The 1,834-acre site in Naalehu sold in November for $4.69 million.
In 2022, we saw more seller buyouts and creative financings, with buyers looking to move into the right home immediately. So it’s no surprise that luxury homes in Hawaii stayed on the market for just 69.2 days in 2022. Down 52.2% from 144.8 days in 2021, the island’s average days on market (DOM) was significantly lower than other islands.
In 2022, Hawaii home buyers paid an average of 97.8% of the list price for their luxury properties. And some of the highest home transactions occurred on the Big Island, including 37 total listing sales above the $3 million mark. for a total of $221.74 million.
Looking forward
As 2023 unfolds, Hawai’i Life will continue to take a broader look at the luxury market, examining data over the last decade to understand exactly where the luxury market in Hawaii is and where it is heading. Our capabilities, experience with agency in all its forms (buyer, seller and dual agency) and ability to see the big picture continue to allow Hawai’i Life to increase our market share in this coveted Hawaii luxury real estate space.
Looking ahead, a significant amount of data continues to point to Hawaii’s fundamental economic strength. Demand for luxury homes in Hawaii continues to outpace available supply, and we expect this to continue into 2023.
Hawaii: Inflation and rising real estate prices in 2023
#Honolulu, #Kauai, #Maui, #Molokai, #Oahu #RealEstate #Rentals #Hawaii
Calling Hawaii a “salad bowl” where people of different ethnic and economic backgrounds can coexist and thrive is a common narrative. The part about ethnic diversity is largely accurate, at least compared to most other states.
The state of Hawaii is home to about 1,400,000 people (the fortieth most populous state among the US states). The average population density in the state is about 83 people per km2 (13th place in the USA).
Racial composition of the population of the state of Hawaii:
- White — 24.7%
- Black (African American) — 1.6%
- Asians — 38.6%
- Native Americans (Indians or Alaskan Eskimos) — 0.3%
- Native Hawaiian or Oceanian — 10.0%
- Other races — 1.2%
- Two or more races — 23.6%
- Hispanic or Latino (any race) — 8.9%
Hawaii is one of four (along with California, New Mexico and Texas) US states in which the majority is a minority. Fewer white people live here (relative to the total population) than in any other US state. There are also more people from Asia and their descendants, as well as representatives of “mixed” races.
And Hawaii is constantly adding to its population, attracting a higher share of new arrivals both from other parts of the country and from the world than the nation as a whole.
How willing residents, both new and old, can thrive here is a different and more complex question. Concerns about inflation, driven by higher prices at supermarkets and gas stations, dominated 2022 even before we began to consider the spillover effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In fact, inflation has disrupted the lives of many Hawaiians since the pandemic began. Unfortunately, dealing with the effects of the pandemic will do little to offset the incredibly problematic housing environment.
Because the local real estate industry faithfully reports county-by-county sales data, we have become accustomed to monthly reminders about Hawaii home values. Median price numbers have value, often to highlight how expensive housing is.
For homeowners, rising prices can become a source of income. However, the data masks a harsher inflationary reality.
In December 2019, the average home price in Honolulu was $557 per square foot. Two years later, as the Omicron Covid-19 variant threatened to further prolong the pandemic, that price reached $672, according to data compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Inflation has driven up prices in Honolulu’s already very expensive housing market.
The 21% increase over two years was the lowest among Hawaii’s four counties; the Maui level increased 39% to $998. These levels do not reflect the willingness of buyers with sufficient resources to bid above list price.
Over the same period, the national figure rose from $148 to $196, indicating that housing inflation was a problem in the United States. There are regional differences, but no state comes close to Hawaii’s December 2021 levels for Hawaii’s two favorite vacation spots. California and Nevada were $403 and $243.
Income differentiation
The U.S. Census Bureau measures economic inequality by comparing the median income for the highest quintile of households ($252,492 in Hawaii in 2019) and the lowest ($18,445), with a factor of (13.7) indicating a measure of income inequality .
Nationally, the rate is 16.4, meaning Hawaii faced less income inequality than much of America in 2019, although stark differences become apparent upon closer inspection.
Hawaii County has the highest inequality in the state: 17.1. Larger, more successful cities tend to have greater income inequality: San Francisco (26.2), Washington, D.C. (30.2), and Manhattan (43.8) are notable examples.
The pandemic has been disruptive in many ways, and remote work is a clear and important example. The ability to work remotely has made Hawaii an opportunity for many, including tech workers previously working on the West Coast. Recognizing the huge economic impact caused by the decline in tourism, the government has not been shy about encouraging people to move here.
What’s less clear is how carefully the impact on Hawaii’s fragile housing market has been considered.
After five years in which the market was relatively stable ($13 billion to $14.6 billion in annual sales), the value of residential property sales (single-family homes and condominiums combined) rose 66% statewide in 2021, exceeding 22 billion dollars. Honolulu accounted for 58% of turnover value, but its market grew by the smallest (but still astonishing) margin, 56%, well behind Kauai’s 126% and Maui’s 84%.
Less obvious is the change in market participation. Local buyers accounted for 65.8% of sales value in 2021, up from 73.8% in 2020. Together they accounted for only 43.5% of the value of turnover in the Neighbor Islands in 2021. Unsurprisingly, prices jumped significantly across the state, with single-family home prices ending the year higher in Kauai and Maui counties than in Honolulu.
Remote workers keep their wages when they move to Hawaii , and most pay significantly higher wages than local employers. The median household income in Hawaii, according to the Census Bureau, fell 16.3% in 2020 to $80,700, barely enough to buy homes that are selling for more than three times the national rate, according to per square foot.
Amid this recognition, there are loud calls for “affordable housing.” Rental prices , which have been in short supply for a long time, are also rising. What is called market-rate housing has become unaffordable for too many local buyers.
We cannot coexist successfully when so many people cannot afford to live here. If Hawaii fails to cool down the housing market, the result could be catastrophic.
Vaccines have helped us survive the pandemic. There is no vaccine for the housing shortage Hawaii faces. Our housing crisis has become widespread and promises to be far more devastating than the pandemic.
According to officially published data, there are 291,484,482 people in the United States over the age of 5. Of these, 879,434 people speak Russian, 152,325 speak Ukrainian, 1,805 speak Belarusian. In the US, 237,840 people speak Armenian, 39,790 speak Lithuanian, 16,035 speak Latvian, 435 Americans speak Tajik at home, and 50 speak Ossetian at home. — a little more than two thousand.
In the United States, only 6,035 Estonians speak their native language.
This means that now more than 1,300,000 people in the United States speak and understand Russian, and they can read our portal and be interested in helping legislators defend the interests of residents and businesses of the United States and the state of Hawaii.
In Hawaii, 1,169 people said they spoke Russian at home, 85 Ukrainian, 45 Lithuanian, the same number Estonian and 50 Latvian. There are a total of 1,287,075 people living in Hawaii.
Hawaii.bio invites residents of the USA and Hawaii to share their opinions in our publications on the pages of the Hawaii.bio website
Columns should be no more than 1,000 words in length, and a photo of the author and biography are welcome. We also publish video interviews and other multimedia formats. Send to contact@hawaii.bio
The opinions and information expressed on Hawaii.bio are solely those of the authors, and not Hawaii.bio.
Labor shortage in Hawaii: there is work, but no one to work
#Honolulu, #Kauai, #Maui, #Molokai, #Oahu #RealEstate #Rentals, #Businesses, #Hawaii
Hawaii governments are flush with pandemic cash and are hoping to fill open positions as well as create new ones.
During his State of the City speech this week, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi laid out the opportunities and challenges for Honolulu. According to the mayor, there are more than 3,000 job openings in city government. And that doesn’t include the 80 new positions he plans to add to the Planning and Permitting Department.
Filling vacancies quickly requires overhauling ineffective hiring processes, the mayor said. Getting more workers is critical, he said—Honolulu would have a workforce of about 13,000 if all the positions were filled.
“The number of people who could do the work in many areas is just not there,” he said.
Honolulu is not alone. There are about 2,000 vacancies in the Hawaii state executive branch, said Ryker Wada, director of the Department of Human Resource Development. That doesn’t include departments outside the DHRD’s purview, including the University of Hawaii system and the 22,000-employee Department of Education, which is chronically short of teachers.
But politicians are trying to change this. Full of cash as Hawaii recovers from the worst days of the Covid-19 crisis, state officials are offering money to boost hiring, not just to fill current vacancies but to create even more jobs.
One of the bills being considered would pay for nearly 50 additional workers in the Human Services office of the Department of Human Services. Another bill would give the University of Hawaii system money to increase the number of nursing school faculty, which supporters say could ease the state’s nursing shortage.
Economists say there is no secret formula for hiring workers, even for tough jobs like teaching.
Also, Hawaii’s high cost of living may discourage people from moving here for work, but its beaches, climate and natural beauty attract others.
It’s not just about the money
While money may be most important, the reality of hiring in Hawaii is more complex.
Even before the pandemic, when the unemployment rate was near zero, the state was losing population.
And the state’s labor pool has gotten smaller during COVID 19. Hawaii’s civilian workforce was about 673,700 as of January, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. That was an improvement from the darkest days of the pandemic, when Hawaii’s labor force fell to 622,200 in October 2020.
But that’s a far cry from the spring of 2017, when the labor force peaked at just under 700,000. A recent study by WalletHub found that Hawaii had the fifth-highest layoff rate in the country over the past 12 months, with 3.41% of workers announcing a layoff.
Recruiting and retaining workers is challenging enough that Movers and Shakas, a nonprofit that got its start during the pandemic bringing groups of workers to Hawaii to temporarily work remotely, created the Hawaii Talent Onboarding Program, or HITOP, to orient new hires and their partners to work for Hawaii culturally and socially. The program is intended for beginners. The goal is to reduce the need to constantly hire new employees while helping existing professionals integrate into the community.
Government employers face additional challenges. WADA noted that government departments have to deal with government funding that can fluctuate, unions and collective bargaining agreements, and a merit-based civil service system that limit flexibility.
For example, he said, there are typically four levels of office assistant positions: I-IV. Although an agency may be able to obtain funding for a preferred IV Office Assistant, the position may require skills and experience that few applicants possess. A private employer can hire a less-skilled worker and pay less while the worker receives on-the-job training, but public employers typically don’t have that option, Wada said.
Another problem is that, due to the state’s cumbersome hiring process, good candidates often find other jobs before state hiring managers get their hands on them. The state has created what it calls Wikiwiki Hire , which allows departments to connect with candidates and quickly begin the hiring process. This system receives support from the agencies that need to manage it. For now, this is limited to the Child Protective Services office of the Department of Human Services, as well as engineering and surveying work in the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Transportation. In some cases, it is necessary to speed up not only the hiring process, but also the training.
In Hawaii, the number of officers eligible for retirement is peaking while work in state correctional facilities has become more dangerous than usual as Covid-19 has spread among staff and inmates.
To fill vacancies left by departing corrections officers, the department must increase hiring and provide more training cycles for new officers.
Honolulu has big plans
The challenge is finding innovative ways for Honolulu residents to meet the city’s changing needs, many of the thousands of openings are in departments that handle things like roads, building maintenance and waste management, as well as the Honolulu Police Department.
Honolulu officials have identified ways to “help departments hire faster and increase hiring rates.” Increased tax revenue means Honolulu can fund internships to fill key tech positions. However, some departments, such as the Department of Planning and Permitting, are more complex. They require an organization-wide assessment and strategic changes in positions to meet current needs.
The team decides everything!
The main business resource of any business is human resource.
Meanwhile, selecting a team in which there is not a single weak link is sometimes an extremely difficult task for managers of management companies. Fortunately, there are pleasant exceptions. You can fill out a free form on Hawaii.bio about job openings for your business. The advantage of such an application is also that your future employee will understand the mentality of you and possibly your other employees, since he will speak Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian and other languages of the post-Soviet space. You can also post your services and the company service you provide for free. Additionally, for businesses in Hawaii, we have all sorts of options for integrating advertising and finding new clients
Renting problems in Hawaii. If you have a pet?
#Honolulu, #Kauai, #Maui, #Molokai, #Niihau, #Oahu #PetFriendly, #RealEstate #Rentals,
The #1 reason dogs and cats are surrendered to the Humane Society of Hawaii is the lack of pet-friendly housing.
It’s very difficult to find a rental house or apartment in Hawaii these days. And signing a lease is even more daunting for pet owners: In a market where rentals are scarce and landlords often receive dozens of applications within hours of posting a property online, why would they accept pets?
Hawaii is in dire need of affordable, pet-friendly housing!
The lack of housing options for pet owners has long been a problem across the state. On the island of Oahu, the Hawaiian Humane Society has advocated for the elimination of pet size and breed restrictions while providing support for renters to help them keep their pets when they experience financial hardship.
Meanwhile, on Kauai, a Humane Society spokesman said its shelter remains overcrowded — and often overcrowded — due to “too many pets and not enough pet-friendly housing.”
But the problem is now especially acute in Maui County, where the main reason families surrender their pets to the Maui Humane Society is because they are forced to move and cannot leave their four-legged family members behind.
Like the social workers who work for nonprofits that help shelter people, animal shelter workers are also witnesses to the island’s housing crisis. They are the ones who watch children cry as they are forced to give up the family dog due to no-pet policies, or fight to get food for pet owners living paycheck to paycheck who might otherwise give up their own food.
Last year, when the nationwide eviction moratorium ended, the Maui Humane Society saw an influx of pets, especially dogs, as their owners were kicked out of their homes. The shelter said it took in about 120 dogs at altitude; ideally there should be about 20 dogs in his kennels.
Shelter workers know there will always be a surge in surrender at the end of each month—as time runs out for families who need to move out first, some of whom inevitably end up living with relatives in cramped living conditions with no room for pets.
Then there are residents who put their safety at risk for their animals, such as the grocery store worker who paid for his three cats to be placed in a shelter after his home, which he had rented for 13 years old, was sold. He couldn’t find a place that would rent to him and the cats, so he moved into his car.
Hawaiians experience things like this on a weekly basis.
Maui shelter staff tries to educate tenants and landlords about the compromises they can make to accommodate pets—for example, drafting a pet agreement that states owners must pay for any potential damage caused by their pets; show that pets have undergone obedience training; purchasing pet liability insurance; or agreeing to certain conditions, such as not leaving pets unattended outside or regularly spraying properties for fleas.
Even if Maui renters get to the top of affordable housing waiting lists, there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to keep their cats and dogs because there’s no requirement that government-funded projects accept them. Landlords can set their own rules.
In the private market, however, the costs of pets are often beyond families’ financial means: In Hawaii, landlords can charge pet rent on top of regular rent, as well as require a separate pet deposit of up to one month’s rent. . — the equivalent of paying three months’ rent at once. But even for Maui renters making middle-class wages, finding housing remains difficult.
«If I have to sleep on the beach with my dog, I’ll do it.»
Housing on Maui has always been expensive, but in the past two years the average home sales price has jumped nearly 50% to more than $1 million, according to real estate data .
However, the typical year-round salary for a full-time worker hovers around $46,000 per year, according to Census estimates.
Jamie-Sue West is a homeowner in Kihei who runs a Facebook group called Dog-Friendly Home Rentals on Maui! I saw first-hand how the housing crisis spiraled out of control.
Before the pandemic, she received several requests each week to join the group from pet owners moving from the mainland. Then the number skyrocketed to 25 a day, more than she received from local residents.
“Because people come here from the mainland and earn mainland salaries, they can offer much higher rents than our locals who work in the hospitality industry,” West writes on his forum.
Thus, we see that the real estate rental crisis in Hawaii is gaining momentum and we, in turn, ask you to join our information portal about life in Hawaii Hawaii.bio — and support those who need to rent real estate with pets.
You can post information about your rental property or your pet service on Hawaii.bio for free.
Housing crisis 2023 in Hawaii. How can I change this?
#Honolulu, #Kauai, #Maui, #Molokai, #Niihau, #Oahu #RealEstate #Rentals, #Businesses, #Hawaii
«When you’re a hammer, as they say, everything looks like a nail. And when you’re a government politician in Hawaii, regulation is the answer to every problem.»
Perhaps that’s why so many of our politicians are trying to solve Hawaii’s housing crisis with big government solutions like taxes on empty homes, government-funded housing projects and regulations that limit or sanction certain types of development.
Extensive research, however, shows that the reason for Hawaii’s housing shortage is the Hawaii government.
So what can we change in this situation?
The reality is that if we want to make a difference, we should not try to import policies from areas with high housing costs such as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, or countries with vastly different social and governmental structures such as Singapore. Instead, we should look to places that have managed to maintain housing affordability, such as Tokyo, where housing prices have been relatively stable for two decades.
More recently, Hawaii had strong housing construction until about 1972 or 1973, but then it collapsed and never recovered.
Reasons for this, he said, include the State Land Use Commission, created in 1961, and the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act of 1974, both of which are heavily involved in land use management.
“It comes down to land use and making something illegal. Essentially, reasonable density—we call it light density—has been made illegal in Hawaii. It is illegal to have two real estate units on a lot. And all this just increases the cost of land.”
As a result, Hawaii has one of the most expensive housing markets in the world, second only to San Francisco and ahead of London.
Why don’t we use Singapore’s development model, since after independence it was really a clean slate?
Singapore in the 1960s consisted mostly of slums, but today the government owns 90% of the land and can acquire private land at low prices.
Moreover, Singapore also has a highly effective government leadership cadre and really only has one form of government that is not necessarily as responsive to voters, allowing it to overcome many barriers to increasing supply.
But the downside of applying such a model in Hawaii may be that this Singaporean model may not be able to benefit Hawaii. And if you end up trying it and failing, it could be costly for the state of Hawaii because you might end up with public housing, which is very common on the mainland where you basically have increased racial segregation and income segregation.
Perhaps a better option for Hawaii would be the kind of “light density” zoning that has helped Tokyo create adequate affordable housing.
The secret to Tokyo’s success? Ownership.
After World War II, Japan’s new constitution provided for strong property rights. By the 1980s, this included the right to develop one’s property as one wished, as long as it did not cause a nuisance.
“You can build duplexes, triplexes, high-rise buildings. As a result, over a certain period, more housing was built in Tokyo than in the entire state of California by several times.”
This has allowed Tokyo to meet the needs of its population in terms of housing that is affordable for both renters and homeowners.
Light density relies in part on “by-right” zoning, which allows projects that meet all zoning requirements to be developed without going through a discretionary approval process. This essentially legalizes small, fast, economical, adaptable and simple additions to home construction, while keeping health and safety in mind.
If Hawaii adopts Tokyo’s example, Oahu alone could add 26,000 homes over the next 10 years.
It would also be beneficial for Hawaii to set aside more land for residential use, since only 5% of land in Hawaii is available for residential development, an increase of just 1 or 2 percentage points would result in a 20% or 40% increase, respectively, in land available for development .
I certainly understand that there is no such thing as a quick fix to Hawaii’s housing crisis. This is a problem that has been decades in the making and is being made worse by modern policies and laws like inclusionary zoning.
I also have no doubt that people who want to use government to solve a problem have the best intentions. But the data is clear: If we want our children and grandchildren to be able to find affordable housing in Hawaii, we must liberalize our state and local land use and zoning regulations.
Nika Vidi
Hawaii.bio
‘Hawaii Live Story’ — Experiences to live!
#HawaiiLiveStory, #Honolulu #Kauai, #Maui, #Molokai, #Niihau, #Oahu #Safety, #Hawaii
- Are you a tourist accommodation owner? Or do you have an interesting story about life in Hawaii? Did you know that an interesting location is now one of the most important factors when making a booking decision?
90% of bookers are willing to pay more to stay in a more interesting area or to take part in an unforgettable experience and live the whole day with new impressions and interesting contacts!
Hawaii Biography is a growing community of passionate travelers and locals. We are proud of the heritage, culture and traditions of our country, our editors reveal all their secrets to you.
We invite you to meet interesting local residents. Get inspired by their original stories . Follow them.
Hawaii Live Story [Live stories Hawaii.bio]
Stories of love, success and inspiration.
Experiences to live! Don’t get hung up on standard travel from booklets and guidebooks. Live it as an amazing local experience.
We already have many local stories on Hawaii.bio across 5 different Hawaiian Islands that can now be fully experienced at the destination. Find someone you love. Book it … and enjoy a day like no other with a passionate and fun local.
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Featured How to move to HAWAII
#Honolulu, #Kauai, #Maui, #Molokai, #Niihau, #Oahu #RealEstate #Rentals, #Businesses, #Hawaii
Whether you’re retired, have a tropical island job, or are a freelance worker, moving to Hawaii is a secondary dream for many people across the country . With its gorgeous weather, favorable climate, slow pace of life, and wonderful people, Hawaii stands out as one of the most enjoyable states to live in the modern era. In this article, you’ll learn what you need to do to move to Hawaii, settle into your new apartment, and make the most of your island solitude.
Income
You’ll want to make sure you can support your life while you’re in Hawaii . This means that you will need some source of income. This could be retirement benefits, freelancing gigs, a local bar, or a job in the hospitality industry. What’s important is that you need to be sure that you can pay your way — you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you have to suddenly return at short notice when your funds dry up.
Moving things
Of course, moving your belongings from your home state to Hawaii isn’t as easy as moving them overland. It will be expensive and you will need to ship them either by sea or by air. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not bring all your belongings—many of them can be purchased in Hawaii. You should consider purchasing the following items on the island to save on shipping costs:
- Kitchenware
- Furniture and bedding
- Large electrical items
- Household appliances of all types
- Cloth
In that sense, it’s worth selling your home furnished if possible, or renting it out while you’re in Hawaii—however long that may be
Find a place
Hawaii may be known in movies for its beach shacks and generally simple but pleasant housing — bungalows and modest apartments — but there is another side to Hawaii that is urban, chic and sophisticated. Visit the URBAN OAHU website to discover high-rise buildings built as a resort, with a high standard of living and an amazing community atmosphere.
Where you live will greatly determine how your experience in Hawaii develops over time; So, you should choose wisely when choosing comfort and familiarity and be prepared to make friends in the social areas around your apartment.
Hawaii is a notoriously friendly place . You’ll have no trouble making friends or finding your footing on the islands — you’ll be introduced to a different way of life by the islanders, who will help you get back on your feet.
However, it is still important, as in any other place, to build your life more thoroughly once you are in Hawaii — with clubs, groups, dinners and everything else that is usually recommended for people moving to a new place . Experience the local culture, cuisine and nightlife and quickly become part of this vibrant community.
If you are interested in moving to Hawaii and need to purchase or rent a property, you can fill out the form and our real estate professionals will contact you. We hope the tips here will help you get the most out of your move to somewhere tropical and fun in the Hawaiian Islands.
Shoreline Hotel Waikiki «Most Instagrammable Hotel in HAWAII»
#Honolulu #Oahu #Businesses, #Hawaii, #News, #Hotel www.Hawaii.Bio
Located in the heart of Waikiki, the Shoreline Hotel Waikiki was designed by American design studio BHDM to be » Hawaii’s most Instagrammable hotel . «
The redesign includes a colorful update to the 135-room hotel, including a 26-foot white «Jungle Wall» art mural in the lobby, custom furnishings and a redesigned rooftop pool deck with commissioned murals, as well as new hotel programs for guests and locals .
Shoreline’s «Nature Meets Neon» theme, conceived by the Moon People Army and designed by BHDM Design, brings to life the dramatic landscapes and sunsets of Hawaii with a modern twist — the design features a bold mix of colors and patterns, mixing Hawaiian motifs, vibrant color palettes and modern shapes to create perfect stay and relaxation in aloha style . Added to this is the change in lighting color as the new lobby’s custom white styrene Monstera leaf installations go from cool and refreshing during the day to colorful and electric at night, backlit by neon lights.
“We are excited to bring a new hospitality experience to Waikiki by bringing contemporary design elements and experiential touchpoints for visitors and locals to our hotel,” said Alvida Surpia-Jones, general manager of Shoreline. “After six years in Waikiki, we felt it was time to refresh the Shoreline brand and expand our offerings, amenities and programs to ensure we continue to provide our guests with unforgettable experiences.”
The renovated hotel attracts visitors from the moment they arrive, with guests greeted by a colorful wall featuring a signature ombre mural painted by Californian artist DJ Neff before checking in at the concierge stationed under an open-air neon «aloha» sign. -air lobby . This reimagined area features tropical «jungle walls», rattan cage light fixtures with paper sculptures of bird species native to Hawaii, and geometric furniture mixed with bold colors and natural materials, including custom acacia wood cocktail tables, a length sofa The 14-foot, contemporary yellow wing chairs and blue metal end tables are all inspired by the surrounding beauty and culture of Hawaii.
“Our goal in developing Shoreline was to create a colorful and unique experience for millennial-minded travelers. “Nature meets neon” throughout, mixing the natural beauty of Hawaiian flora and wildlife with all the colors of an “eternal sunset,” said Dan Mazarin, owner of BHDM Design. “We designed Shoreline to be the backdrop to an already exciting experience, and for guests and the community to share memories of their visit.”
The hotel boasts playful and casual local influences throughout, with vibrant colours, artwork and original pieces — tropical wallpaper and multi-coloured floors with fluorescent kinetic corridors leading to decorated rooms . Each room is designed with custom carpet, bedding, draperies and furniture, as well as a «you are here» topographic map of the Hawaiian Islands hanging above the beds. The rooftop pool deck features unique neon wall murals painted by DJ Neff and vibrant mood lighting for a colorful poolside experience with sweeping views of the city and Waikiki Beach.
“The artwork I created for Shoreline was inspired by the idea of growth, represented in the colorful compositions of different plants and their unique forms growing over and through each other in the poolside murals,” said artist DJ Neff . “I love working with bright colors, so the hotel’s fresh design style gave me the opportunity to experiment with a fun neon palette, creating a unique take on the beautiful Hawaiian flora.”
The Shoreline Waikiki is located at 342 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
US:888-205-7322
UK:0808 145-3778
EU:+1 469-610-3608
Are Hawaii’s taxes the highest in the US?
#Hawaii, #Laws, #Taxes, #News, www.Hawaii.Bio
Hawaii Biography would like to provide comments on a bill that would create an income tax surcharge for individuals earning more than $5 million annually, or estates and trusts with annual income of more than $200,000.
Although the bill’s language calls it a «surcharge,» it would be more accurate to call it an income tax increase for certain individuals, estates, and trusts.
If passed, this bill would add 5% to the income tax rate for individual filers earning more than $5 million and joint filers earning more than $10 million. The “surcharge” will be 3% for single filers earning more than $12.5 million and joint filers earning more than $25 million. For estates and trusts, an additional 5% applies on income over $200,000 and 3% on income over $500,000.
This income tax increase will give Hawaii the highest income tax rate in the country . It would also accelerate the departure of high-income people to states with lower tax rates.
Hawaii already has the third-highest rate of economic exodus per capita in the country. Researchers have noted a growing trend of economic migration at the state level over the past few years, especially from high-tax states to lower-tax states.
While this trend may start with high earners, it will quickly spread and impact the state as a whole. Along with high-income earners come more business opportunities and new ventures, so professionals and middle-income families will soon follow suit. At the same time, the tax base is reduced, and fewer people have to bear the burden of the state budget.
Essentially, this bill will worsen this problem and accelerate economic flight from Hawaii.
It’s not just that these tax increases are necessary to replenish government coffers. Hawaii is running a budget surplus due to higher-than-expected revenues coupled with an infusion of federal funds.
While the tax increases outlined in this bill may only apply to wealthy individuals, estates, and trusts, they will have a negative impact on Hawaii residents as a whole. The tax hikes proposed here would likely discourage business and discourage investment, exacerbating the unemployment and lack of opportunity that is already forcing many residents to move elsewhere.
The small and speculative increase in revenue that this tax increase might bring would be offset by the damage it would cause to the rest of the state’s economy.
This proposal appears to ignore the reality of our state’s budget surplus and the challenges our businesses and residents have had to face over the past two years. The reality is that there are many reasons why we should be wary of tax increases. Here are just a few:
- Hawaii residents are already among the highest taxed in the country; The state has the second highest overall tax burden in the United States.
- Hawaii can’t handle tax hikes as its already battered economy has been hit harder by lockdowns than any other state in the country.
- Hawaii’s population has declined by 32,237 people since fiscal year 2016. left Hawaii’s remaining taxpayers with a larger tax burden.
- Hawaii has a progressive income tax that taxes high income earners at 11%, second only to California at 13.3%.
- Hawaii’s top 1% already pays 23% of all income taxes in the state.
The rationale for a tax on the rich is that such funds will be used in programs to help the less fortunate. However, a wealth tax, especially one that can be avoided by relocating, is unlikely to provide much benefit to the rest of Hawaii’s residents.
If Hawaii’s lawmakers want to help working families, they should abandon their reliance on taxes as a public policy tool that has succeeded only in making Hawaii the state with the highest cost of living.
Instead of trying to solve the state’s economic problems with a tax on the «rich,» lawmakers should focus on strategies to reduce the cost of living, such as lowering income taxes, exempting the general excise tax on groceries and health care services, lowering fees, and relaxing regulations that limit opportunities and hinder economic growth.
Hawaii Biography — Life and Business in Hawaii Our motto is: «E hana kākou» . In Hawaiian it means «Let’s work together . «
Unfortunately, politics in Hawaii can be messy, and too often good people fight in the mud while ordinary people continue to struggle.
That’s why we value a non-partisan group with supporters from different ideologies. It is thanks to the collaboration of all these people that we were able to achieve a lot of good things, despite the abundance of bad policies.
Hawaii Biography is committed to supporting local businesses that advocate for the rights of Hawaii residents. Part of your assistance goes toward informational and legal support for new state laws.
Hawaii Biography — Let’s work together!
Honolulu Rail Transit: What’s the Status 2023?
#Honolulu, #Oahu #Safety, #Businesses, #Hawaii, #News, #Advice
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) is currently building the city’s new driverless light rail system along the south shore of Oahu. The Honolulu Railroad, which began construction on February 22, 2011, is expected to connect key employment centers, tourist destinations and residential communities and offer an alternative method of public transportation to Oahu’s only bus option.
Additionally, the Honolulu Railroad is expected to have a huge impact on Oahu real estate, with transit-oriented development (TOD) of housing, services and jobs planned for each rail stop. The railroad and planned development around it could transform real estate on Oahu, according to the City and County of Honolulu.
However, the railroad was once promised to open in 2020, and in 2012 the Federal Transit Administration was promised a construction budget of $5.2 billion. Railroad construction is now progressing much more slowly than promised, and the proposed budget has doubled, with frequent calls for additional funds being reported. Because of these and many other controversies, many people may be wondering when they will finally be able to ride the Honolulu Railroad.
System and stations
The 20-mile rail system includes 21 stations:
- East Kapolei (Kualaka’i)
- UH West Oahu (Keone’ae)
- Ho’opili (Honouliuli)
- West Loch (Ho’ae’ae)
- Waipahu Transit Center (Pouhala)
- Leeward Community College (Halaulani)
- Pearl Highlands (Waiawa)
- Pearlridge (Kalauao)
- Aloha Stadium (Halawa)
- Pearl Harbor Naval Base (Makalapa)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Lelepaua)
- Lagoon Drive (Ahua)
- Middle Street Transit (Kahauiki)
- Kalihi (Mokauea)
- Kapalama/Honolulu Community College (Niuhelewai)
- Iwilei (Kuwili)
- Chinatown (Holau)
- Downtown (Kuloloia)
- Civic Center (Ka’akaukukui)
- Kaka’ako (Kukuluae’o)
- Ala Moana Center (Kaka’ako)
The trip from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center is expected to take 42 minutes, and from Honolulu Airport to Ala Moana Center is expected to take 16 minutes.
Please note that each station also has a Hawaiian name, reflecting forgotten names, places and events in Hawaiian culture. The Honolulu City Council decided to have a team of experts gather community knowledge, ethnographic research and oral histories to develop accurate and culturally authentic station names — in hopes of perpetuating Hawaii’s traditions, culture and history for many generations to come.
Each station will have the following enticing features:
- Stairs, escalators and elevators
- Mobile service personnel
- Toilets
- Bicycle racks
- Ticket vending machines
- CCTV cameras
- Security Lighting
- ADA Compliant
A number of educational institutions are located along the railroad: UH-West Oahu, Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community and Hawaii Pacific University. HART says a rail line could be built in the future to connect the Ala Moana Center stop with UH-Manoa.
The railway system will be powered by green electricity. The railway is planned to be powered by alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and biofuels. The Railroad Operations Center (ROC), located between Waipahu High School and Leeward Community College, is a 43-acre LEED-certified building where trains will be maintained.
The railway will be integrated with the city’s bus system with a single system-wide transit card called the Holo Card , making it easier to move from station to workplace or entertainment.
Trains
The new Honolulu Rail Transit trains are touted as having top-notch features, including the following:
- Fully automated and driverless
- Air conditioner
- Free Wi-Fi connection
- ADA compliant, with priority areas for wheelchairs
- Bicycles, surfboards, strollers, refrigerators and luggage are allowed on trains.
- Visual displays
- Audio announcements
- CCTV cameras and telephone booths in every train carriage
- Average speed 30 mph, top speed 55 mph.
There will be a total of 20 four-car trains, of which 17 trains will operate during peak hours and 8 trains will operate during off-peak periods. A four-car train has a maximum capacity of 800 passengers, with 188 seats on each four-car train.
Honolulu Rail Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Honolulu Railroad be built?
HART Honolulu says the first 10 miles of rail could open this year in 2021 — from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium — and could operate at limited hours. However, opening the railroad to passengers will depend on resolving several problems that were discovered during trial tests of the Honolulu Railroad: faulty crossing tracks and wheels that were too small for the width of the track. While the first section of rail construction is said to work fine on straight tracks, when trains have problems at intersections; to resolve these problems, the tracks may have to be removed and replaced, which could result in a two-year delay in the railway’s opening to passengers.
Honolulu Rail’s second opening will be at the Middle Street Transit Center, which has an opening date currently undetermined. This second opening will include stops at Pearl Harbor and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
HART officials say the entire 20-mile system could be up and running by 2031 if there are no further delays. The railroad is expected to run from downtown Ala Moana to Kapolei by then. But former Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the railroad may not actually open fully until 2033 — a delay of 13 years from what was promised to the federal government.
Construction of the Honolulu Railroad continues near the airport. Stations near the end of the Ewa Railroad were being completed, and utilities were being transferred to the railroad through Kalihi, downtown, and in the Ala Moana area. However, relocating utilities along Dillingham Boulevard to the final 4 miles of the railroad proved difficult in 2020 and 2021, as traffic and permitting issues and limited underground space caused various problems. Work continues to move overhead communications over Dillingham Boulevard, and the original route of the Honolulu Railroad has moved close to the mountains or Mauka through part of Kalihi.
Throughout 2021, HART and Hitachi Rail will conduct dynamic train testing between East Kapolei Station and Aloha Stadium Station. This testing allows the train system to be configured with automatic signaling and proper operation and maintenance. So, if you look up above the freeway and see a train moving along the tracks, there are no passengers inside yet, but instead HART is simulating a normal train schedule to prepare passengers for the fact that they will soon be traveling on the Honolulu Railroad.
Testing will continue in 2021, especially for crossings on the section of the railroad from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium. This trial run must run for 90 days without any glitches, and then the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi will decide when people will finally be able to ride the rail.
As of this writing, 62% of the entire project has been completed, including the full 20 miles and 21 stations.
Has COVID-19 affected HART Honolulu’s plans for the railroad?
At the start of the coronavirus pandemic in the spring of 2020, Governor Ige and Mayor Caldwell stated that the Honolulu rail project was «essential infrastructure,» so construction of the Honolulu Rail Transit continued without interruption.
HART’s Safety and Human Resources departments have implemented safe work practices for construction and office personnel to continue work toward the completion of the Oahu Railroad. About 80% of office employees worked from home, facilitating physical distancing at HART. Railroad construction crews were provided with additional personal protective equipment, and HART Honolulu conducted site compliance inspections to ensure safe working conditions and compliance with regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While railroad construction has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, financing the railroad has become more difficult due to the pandemic and its impact on Hawaii’s economy. The Hawaii State Legislature has approved additional funds for the railroad in the past: $1.5 billion in 2015 and $2.4 billion in 2017. However, due to the state’s budget crisis due to the pandemic, future funds for the railroad are unknown. . In addition, HART received millions of dollars less in hotel rooms and excise taxes as tourism dried up and Hawaii’s economy weakened.
As part of some of the COVID-19 relief packages that passed Congress in March 2021, Senator Brian Schatz, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, was able to secure $70 million for a Honolulu rail transit project. The Oahu Railroad lost approximately $376 in tax revenue during the COVID pandemic due to lower premises and excise taxes, as well as HART reports .
When will the Honolulu Railroad be operational? What is the planned work schedule?
When the trains are fully operational, they will run 20 hours a day, from 4 a.m. to midnight. During peak times, such as rush hour, 17 four-car trains will arrive at the station approximately every five minutes. During off-peak hours they will arrive approximately every 11 minutes. Honolulu Railroad trains will operate at a maximum speed of 55 mph and an average speed of 30 mph.
HART estimates that in 2030, 121,000 passengers will ride the rail every weekday, and about 55 percent of those passengers will walk or bike to the station. They also, in addition to Honolulu Rail, removed 40,000 car trips from Honolulu’s busy roads, reducing gasoline consumption by 16,000 gallons.
The Honolulu Railroad could change the way Oahu residents and visitors get around the island, but we’ll have to wait until it opens—possibly this year—to see its impact.
Who is paying for rail transit in Honolulu?
The $1.55 billion construction cost for the Honolulu Railroad is being covered by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds. As of July 2020, HART had received just over $800 million from a $1.55 billion federal grant that was approved in 2012; The FTA has not allocated any new funds to HART since 2014 because it wants Honolulu to be able to demonstrate it has a plan to complete the railroad with the necessary funding. In addition, the US Department of Justice and the FBI have opened a criminal investigation into the Honolulu Railroad project.
In April 2021, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, along with City Council Chairman Tommy Waters and Acting HART Executive Director Lori Kahikina, sent a letter to Hawaii’s congressional delegation asking for an additional $800 million to build the railroad from Middle Street to Ala Moana. Center. However, the message was fairly clear that the federal government had no plans to approve additional funding for the Honolulu Railroad.
In addition to federal funding, another large percentage is paid for by tourists shopping on Oahu through a 0.5% General Excise Tax (GET) surcharge. The remainder of Honolulu’s rail transit is paid for by all Hawaii residents and businesses through a 0.5% GET surcharge that has been levied since 2007 and will continue through 2027. The Honolulu Rail Transit project is its largest source of funding.
HART Honolulu is also using short-term bonds to finance construction of the railroad, which will be repaid with federal funds and additional revenue from the GET.
The latest operating budget for building the full 20-mile Honolulu Railroad is $12.4 billion, not including about $1 billion in financing costs. This is approximately 150% more expensive than originally promised.
I see elevated train tracks in the landscape of West Oahu. Why was this design chosen for Honolulu?
While some people may view the rails as an eyesore in Hawaii’s skies, others may view them as an innovative transportation method that will transform Oahu. During the design phase, many professionals and community members collaborated on the final design.
Ultimately, Honolulu’s surface rail service was chosen due to its safety, efficiency and reliability. Cars and pedestrians will not interfere with the train and vice versa, avoiding collisions and ensuring that train passengers reach their destination on time, regardless of traffic congestion. Additionally, the above-ground system is less expensive than the underground alternative.
Steel train wheels and steel rail technology were recommended by a group of engineers and transportation experts and approved by Oahu voters in 2008. Steel-on-steel technology was then one of the most advanced technologies in the world and said to be quiet, smooth and efficient.
What is HART Honolulu?
HART stands for Honolulu Rapid Transit Authority and is a semi-autonomous government agency responsible for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of Honolulu’s rail transit. HART has a 14-member board consisting of the Director of the Department of Transportation, the Director of the City of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services and 11 community volunteers (three appointed by the Mayor, three by the City Council, three by the State Legislature). The voting members then appoint a fourteenth member to the board.
HART employs hundreds of workers and business partners to build the rail and is ultimately responsible for its completion. In January 2021, HART named Lori Kahikina, the city’s environmental director, as its interim CEO after HART decided not to renew the contract of former CEO Andrew Robbins. Within the first few months of Kahikina’s start, nearly 50% of the city employees who were working for HART when she arrived were no longer employed, many were fired and some resigned.
“I am ready to accept the challenge of advancing this important project,” Kahikina said in a public statement. “I am committed to doing what I can for the people of the City and County of Honolulu and our entire state.”
And Oahu residents and visitors are hoping that HART will soon complete construction on the first section so Honolulu Rail travel can begin in the next few months!
Incredible emotions and adrenaline alone with the Sharks on Oahu
#HawaiiLiveStory, #Honolulu #Oahu #Safety, #Businesses, #Hawaii, #News, #Advice, www.Hawaii.Bio,
Want real adventure?
Ocean Addict Shark Excursiones invites you to swim with sharks without a cage, as well as the best snorkeling on the island!
It’s safe, and incredible emotions and adrenaline are guaranteed.
The company’s team are passionate lovers of the ocean and everything connected with it. Committed to protecting, preserving and stewarding the waters of Hawaii. The team reflects this passion and living the Aloha style on every tour and is happy to pass it on to guests.
Ocean Addict was founded in 2000 and was the first to offer swimming with sharks in Hawaii. Captain Donovan Kaps, professional instructors, photographers, and the entire company team have been swimming with sharks for many years and are certified diving masters.
The Ocean Addict team will teach you how to behave in water with sharks, provide detailed instructions, provide the necessary equipment, and also monitor your dive. All you have to do is enjoy your new unforgettable experience! And a professional photographer, at your request, will take stunning photos and videos.
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Ocean Addict also offers snorkeling, sunset walks, private boat and catamaran rentals, diving, and whale watching. Fishing on request.
305-457-4150, Maria
Support for the purchase/sale of real estate in Hawaii
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If you are thinking about selling a Hawaiian condo/home that you already own or a business that you operate in Hawaii, let us help. We can also help with the purchase of real estate in Hawaii.
You can sell real estate from any country without visiting Hawaii. Please feel free to contact us by filling out the form .
The Hawaii Real Estate Selling Process
We will present the overall process along with the sales support we provide.
- STEP 1) Property valuation
We will calculate the market value of the property you own and
offer an accurate selling price.
In addition to market research, we will conduct purchase and sale transactions of real estate and surrounding areas, as well as actual research of real estate on the islands.
Start of publication on real estate resources
After consultation with the seller’s client, once the sale price has been determined, we will begin listing it for sale on the market.
If it is a residential property, it will be listed on the MLS (General Property Search System) to attract more agents on the buyer’s side.
Preview Control [Open House]
We will respond to inquiries received from interested buyers and conduct previews.
- STEP 2) Purchasing Requisition Compliance
We carefully review the purchase application (Offer) from the buyer who has decided to purchase the property, consult with the buyer and seller, giving advice, and select the best applicant for purchase. Having decided that this is the ideal purchasing partner, and if you like the details of the purchase/sale, the seller accepts them as is and proceeds to concluding the contract.
Request to correct a condition
If you are an ideal buyer, but are not satisfied with the contents of the property, send the seller a document (counteroffer) amending the contents of the purchase and sale agreement.
- STEP 3) Perform Due Diligence
Disclose information about the object and transfer it to the buyer. We will also assist you in preparing documents at this time. We will cooperate with the buyer’s due diligence and respond to any requests for termite removal or repair if found.
Please leave the construction work needed for termite extermination and repair to us. (The cost at this time will be borne by the client who is the seller)
If the buyer wishes to purchase the property as is, we will carry out a professional cleaning before confirming final ownership. (The cost at this time will also be borne by the customer who is the seller)
- STEP 4) Notarization procedure
Registration of the transfer of ownership requires the seller’s signature before a notary. In some countries, this is possible at a US embassy, consulate or notary public (fee, advance reservation required). Original legal documents that have been notarized will be transferred to the escrow company at least 3 days before registration.
Registration is completed
Escrow will register the transfer of ownership and the key will be given to the buyer to complete the transfer.
Enter the payment amount for the property
Along with various costs, the specified account will be credited with the sale amount minus the agent’s commission. (In the United States, paying a real estate agent when buying and selling real estate is that
the seller pays a commission for both the seller and the buyer. This is generally 5%-6% of the final sale price.)
If you are interested in our services, please fill out the form and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Featured Cost of Living in Hawaii in 2023
Thinking about moving to Hawaii? It’s beautiful, surrounded by the vast ocean, with pristine nature and rich culture, but paradise comes at a price — in fact, the price is so high that it can put many people off. Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of living in Hawaii, plus first-hand stories and opinions from locals and families.
I GET
Some studies show that to live comfortably in Hawaii, you’ll need a whopping salary of over $122,000. (Of course, everyone’s standard of living is different, and it all depends on your «comfort» level.) The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Living Wage Calculator says a single adult in Honolulu needs to earn $16.59 per hour. for a living wage. If they are a couple with 2 children, each adult should earn $17.70 per hour.
According to Payscale , the average salary in the island’s capital, Honolulu, is $66,000, but the state has one of the highest income tax rates in the country, with the top rate being 11 percent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average salary in the United States as of the 3rd quarter of 2020 is $51,688 ($994 per week). According to another analysis conducted by Indeed.com in January 2021, average salaries in Hawaii range from approximately $33,965 per year for a customer service representative to $96,620 per year for a travel nurse.
But for many, Honolulu’s attractive qualities balance out potentially lower wages and a high cost of living.
EXPENSES
Rent in Hawaii is much more expensive than most places on the mainland, and it all depends on the location. For example, a studio on Oahu can cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $1,600 per month, not including utilities, which can be around $150 per month per person. A one-bedroom apartment or home can range from $1,500 to over $2,000 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment or home starts at $1,800 per month. Looking for a luxury, new one bedroom apartment? Expect to fork out at least $3,000 per month.
You can always choose to stay outside of downtown Honolulu or even consider other Hawaiian islands—Hilo on the Big Island is nearly 49 to 56 percent cheaper than Honolulu, plus offers a laid-back and relaxing small-town atmosphere that may be more appealing than the hustle and bustle noise. bustle of the city.
If you’re looking to buy, the median sales price for a single-family home is $870,000—a new record as of December 2020. The average condo sale price on Oahu is $455,000. However, despite high prices, Oahu continues to see an increase in home and condo sales.
Alternatively, buying a piece of land and building your own home may be more affordable, but it depends on the location and your general contractor. You can find the average costs associated with building a custom home in Hawaii in this blog post.
When it comes to utilities, Hawaii residents pay the most when it comes to monthly energy bills in the country. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration , you can expect to receive an average energy bill of $168.13 per month. This is $50.48 more expensive than the national average of $117.65.
Despite the high cost of energy, Hawaii has 8% more sunshine than other states, creating an opportunity for cost-effective solar power. In fact, Hawaii was the first state to set a deadline for generating 100% renewable electricity by 2045.
Transport
Let’s say you decide to live outside of busy Honolulu or downtown — then you’ll need to consider the cost of owning and driving a car. Gas prices as of January 2021 are about $3.16 per gallon in Honolulu. Taking the bus or, on Oahu, TheBus may be a more affordable way to get around at $2.75 per ticket, although it may not be the most attractive daily choice.
If you work in downtown Honolulu or Waikiki, you’ll likely have to rent a parking space if your company doesn’t provide one. Parking typically costs between $100 and $200. Those living in a condominium may also need to rent a kiosk for about the same price, although this depends on the association’s rules.
If you live in Kapolei or the Ewa side of Oahu, you can use the Honolulu Rail Transit to get to work. However, there were many delays in its construction.
Groceries and restaurants
and locally produced coffee. But Hawaii is the most expensive place to buy groceries in the country, especially because groceries are shipped from the mainland. According to a Q3 2020 report from the Missouri Center for Economic Research and Information , groceries are incredibly expensive in Hawaii. The study used a national index of 100 and Hawaii ranked 196.3, while California ranked 138.5, Washington 111.3 and Oregon 134.6.
For example, a gallon of whole milk on Oahu can cost $8.99—the cheapest at Costco is about $5.50 a gallon. Broccoli is $3.79 per pound, large carrots are $3.49 per pound. And yes, while buying local mangoes is encouraged, Hawaii-grown mangoes cost about $6.99 per pound. Four rolls of toilet paper cost about $6.
Eating out will add up quickly. The average cost of breakfast in Hawaii is $8 to $12, lunch is $8 to $15, and dinner is $15 to $30 (or more). However, there is a huge price range, so many people buy a dinner plate (white rice, pasta salad, and a meat dish like loco moco or teriyaki beef) and save it for lunch and dinner, or split the entire plate in half with a friend.
Miscellaneous
Are you ready for some good news ? The average property tax rate in Hawaii is 0.35 percent, one of the lowest rates in the country. Income tax rates range from 1.4 to 11 percent.
For retirees, Hawaii can be quite attractive because the state exempts Social Security retirement benefits and state pension income from state taxes. It fully taxes income from private pensions and retirement savings accounts.
Hawaii residents who participate in employer-sponsored health insurance plans pay some of the lowest costs in the country, according to a Commonwealth Fund study . Generally, insurance in Hawaii is provided through two main companies: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. or Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA). According to this study, the potential cost to workers in Hawaii is about 36 percent of the national average of $4,664 (8 percent of average income), compared to the national cost of $7,240 (12 percent of average income). Hawaii had the lowest per-employee costs in the country in 2017 at $675, less than half the national average of $1,415.
More good news: Hawaii is also the healthiest state in the country and has been named healthiest nine times since 1990. Low rates of obesity and smoking may contribute to low levels of air pollution, less mental stress, and more available primary care physicians. .
Example budget for a family of 4 living in a single-family home:
- Mortgage — $2,900 per month
- Products — from 800 to 1000 dollars per month.
- Electricity — $190 per month
- Transport — $380 per month
- Eating out — $500 per month.
- Property taxes are $2,350 per year.
The above figures are based on the following conditions:
- You have 1 wall AC unit that you use sparingly.
- You have 2 petrol cars.
- Shop at Costco, Foodland and/or Safeway.
- You dine out once or twice a week at a reasonably priced restaurant.
- You live relatively close to your place of work.
Ways to save
- Shop at Costco. If you or your family is in the military, shop at NEX.
- Costco offers the cheapest gas in Hawaii.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) have become popular in Hawaii. Benefits include free on-street parking and HOV Lane use for electric vehicle owners.
- Solar Panels — Hawaiian Electric Company offers several programs for customers to achieve significant energy savings.
So why the high cost?
The high cost of living in Hawaii has many reasons, but the short answer is that we are surrounded by water. Almost everything we consume must be shipped here or flown in. Hawaii is also a desirable place for the wealthy to purchase real estate, which continues to increase home values. Another important factor: utility bills like electricity are sky-high thanks to the warm climate. As with many things in life, there is certainly a trade-off.
Is it worth it? Here’s what the locals say…
“Home prices on the mainland are tempting, especially when we see prices here in Hawaii increasing every year. But for me, Hawaii is home. It’s like a family. I make it work by living in an apartment instead of a house. I buy in bulk at Costco over other grocery stores because Costco has some of the lowest prices on groceries here. I also keep an eye on the sales… that’s the way things are,” says LM.
“I’ve been thinking about moving to the mainland where the cost of living is much lower, but it’s hard to imagine moving and having to start over. My roots are in Hawaii and my family is here. I do this while living with my parents, which saves a lot of money that I would normally spend on rent,” says CO.
“The cost of living in Honolulu is high. My wife and I have talked about moving to the mainland, but every time we discuss it, we both just can’t imagine moving. Even though making ends meet can be difficult, we make it work. We buy in bulk and my wife watches our two children at home, saving on daycare costs. She also works from home and every bit of income helps her. We look for sales at stores like Costco and Target and buy used toys on Facebook Marketplace or E-bay. We don’t eat out much, cook every day and stick to a pretty strict budget every month,” says KK.
“I moved to Los Angeles about six years ago to find a new job, and it wasn’t too different from Hawaii in terms of cost of living. This year I’m in Minnesota. There’s no tax on clothing or food, and a four-bedroom home sells for $200,000. It’s like the old saying — it’s just the price of living in paradise. I was simply offered a high-paying summer job, but even though it was a good salary, I would have to move back to an apartment and significantly reduce my standard of living,” says JG.
“I moved to San Francisco about five years ago. I’ve met a lot of people here from Hawaii and we all have similar stories. We came for work, school or opportunity. In addition to housing that rivals Hawaii, living expenses are cheaper. The jobs pay better and there are more of them. And although we no longer live in paradise, I can now afford to visit it whenever I want. I really miss Hawaii, but there’s no point in going back now,” says J.D.
conclusions
Although the above calculations provide a rough estimate of life in these locations and do not include health insurance costs and expenses, we can draw a few conclusions:
- Hawaii has one of the lowest property tax rates in the country.
- The cost of food in Hawaii is high compared to other places.
- Some places, such as California and New York, have higher transportation costs. Parking fees in New York City are prohibitive if you have a car, but you can overcome this by taking advantage of the excellent public transportation system.
- In Honolulu, you don’t have to pay extra for trash or recycling services, unlike most places.
- Some places, such as Seattle, Manhattan, San Francisco and San Diego, are more expensive to live than Honolulu; however, all of these places also have higher average incomes.
While the cost of living in Hawaii may seem daunting at first, it requires some introspection and careful consideration of your lifestyle. If you’re used to a certain standard of living, you may have to make some sacrifices when moving to Hawaii . But it may not seem like a sacrifice to give up a luxury car or eat out less, especially if living near the ocean and enjoying a warm climate and healthy island environment is important to you. It’s all about balancing your values and figuring out what works for you and your family.
Cryptocurrency in Hawaii
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Could Hawaii Benefit from the Cryptocurrency Boom? Or will over-regulation continue to get in the way? It all depends on what happens in the upcoming legislative session.
Cryptocurrency, sometimes called digital currency, continues to rise in value as it becomes more popular and more investors buy it in the market.
Bitcoin is probably the most well-known cryptocurrency, but there are thousands of others, including Etherium, Dogecoin and Monero. The overall market is valued at $2.2 trillion, and every day there is news about a company, country, state or municipality that is accepting or investing in cryptocurrency.
Unfortunately, Hawaii residents have been largely left out of the crypto currency market thanks to regulations that make it nearly impossible for them to operate here.
Cryptocurrency companies are subject to Hawaii’s remittance law, which requires them to have cash reserves equal to the value of the virtual assets they hold. So a company that has $100 million in Bitcoin and Ethereum must also have an additional $100 million in cash.
It’s easy to see how this could be too much of a financial burden. This is why the two largest cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase and Binance, do not operate in Hawaii. Like other well-established companies such as RobinHood Crypto.com or PayPal’s Cryptocurrency Hub.
In 2019, the state launched the Digital Currency Innovation Lab, essentially a regulatory sandbox that allows certain digital currency companies to operate in Hawaii without having to meet cash reserve requirements under the Money Sender Act.
Unfortunately, the sandbox expires at the end of 2022. Without action from the Legislature to reform or deregulate cash reserves, Hawaii’s involvement in the cryptocurrency space could end before it has a chance to grow.
Gaiser helped me demystify the concept of cryptocurrency, calling it «the latest evolution of… a practice as old as time, and that is barter — exchanging one thing for another and using some kind of symbolic token to represent what you are exchanging.»
While the concept of digital currency may seem foreign and complex, Gaiser noted that we are already very familiar with various forms of digital transactions.
“Even now,” she said, “I pay for some things with credit card points. I book certain flights with airline miles. Every time I give and receive a gift card, it’s denominated in dollars, but it’s not really dollars. It’s a little more like store credit. We are all actually quite sophisticated consumers of various types of currencies, not all of which are associated with the US government.»
Gaiser said there is a place for government regulation of cryptocurrency, such as to prevent fraud, but a balance can also be found that doesn’t place an unsustainable burden on cryptocurrency companies.
She said it would be a «tragedy» for Hawaii’s economic future if the Legislature doesn’t act quickly and continues to over-regulate cryptocurrency companies in the state.
“Being in 2022, in the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, is like being in 1996, in the world of the Internet,” she said. “There’s so much we haven’t done yet, we haven’t built yet. I would hate to see Hawaii miss out on innovation to really improve lives and be creative, be innovative, create new products, [and] then also miss out on the wealth that comes with that.”
Since the government’s cryptocurrency sandbox went into effect in March 2019, 61,000 Hawaii customers have been able to participate in the cryptocurrency market. In this limited time, they completed $611 million worth of cryptocurrency transactions . Imagine what it could mean for our economy if Hawaii residents were able to fully participate in the global digital currency market.
I hope our public policymakers can see this potential and remove the barriers to cryptocurrency that are holding us back.
Tiny houses in Hawaii
Small and versatile, tiny houses continue to capture the interest of many people around the world, collecting quite a few, including here in Hawaii. Some believe that the tiny house movement, as it is commonly known, began around the 1970s and has recently gained momentum again as an affordable housing option during the Great Recession.
Now popular for reasons that extend to eco-friendly and minimalist ideals, the tiny house craze shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Instantly recognizable for their rather subtle features, tiny homes in Hawaii have become especially numbered in the luxurious valleys of the Big Island. Ranging in size from 100 to 600 square feet, these attractive miniature homes are much more than meets the eye.
The benefits of choosing to go tiny.
The benefits of joining the tiny house movement, as it is also called, are legion. Not only does it require significantly less capital to build, it also avoids the huge long-term costs of a 30- or 15-year fixed mortgage, putting financial independence within reach. From a social perspective, tiny houses are also significantly better for the environment.
In addition to requiring far fewer building materials during construction, a tiny home will also leave a smaller carbon footprint in the long run. With less cooling space and meager appliances to power, tiny home residents end up relying on less electricity compared to a typical single-family home.
Some tiny homes can even be configured to be completely self-contained for a truly off-the-grid lifestyle that continues to appeal to many. And perhaps one of the simplest reasons why some choose to downsize their homes is to simplify their lives.
Without closets and storage rooms for odds and ends and any number of things piled up, homeowners can let go of the mundane things and focus on other, more important matters in life.
Although tiny houses are small, they can still be surprisingly stylish.
Downsizing doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the overall aesthetics of your tiny home.
In fact, for a lower overall cost, this is a great opportunity to get the best of both worlds.
Featured What you need to know before moving to Hawaii
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Should you move to Hawaii? The island lifestyle may seem tempting to many people, but before you decide to pack your bags and move to one of the most isolated places in the world, consider these twelve top considerations for living in Hawaii.
Have you been to Hawaii before?
Save your budget and visit Hawaii before moving here. Decide which Hawaiian island you’d rather live on —Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island, or Maui. Drive around the island and stop in an area where you might want to live. Explore the area day and night. Talk to residents and ask questions; this will give you a good idea of the people and the place.
Stay at least a week and realize that the weather is not always sunny. Hawaii experiences rain, cold nights and even major floods, hurricanes and tsunami threats.
Towards the end of your stay, if you feel Hawaii might be the right place for you, contact a realtor to discuss the local housing market and even explore possible places to live.
Can you afford to live in Hawaii?
Considering that the average sales price of a single-family home on Oahu in 2020 is $957,000, anyone moving to Hawaii should understand that it is an expensive place to live.
Hawaii is isolated and most goods are shipped across the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, tourism and limited supply are driving up costs. Food is expensive in Hawaii unless you grow it in your own backyard. But property taxes are one of the lowest percentages in the country. While some places in the US, such as Seattle, Manhattan, San Francisco and San Diego, may be more expensive to live than Honolulu, Honolulu has a lower average income. Find out more about the cost of living in Hawaii.
Before you move to Hawaii, take a look at your lifestyle and see if you can sacrifice some of the available luxuries by living somewhere with a lower cost of living.
If living by the ocean, enjoying the warm climate, and living a healthy island lifestyle are more important to you than eating out or driving a fancy car, Hawaii may be an option.
Will you be able to find a job before or even after moving to Hawaii?
Perhaps your job has taken you to the Hawaiian Islands or you have a permanent change of station (PCS) to a military base on Oahu. However, if you want to move to the islands and don’t have a guaranteed job, finding one can be difficult. Because of the reputation of people moving to Hawaii and then quickly leaving, some local companies are skeptical about hiring people who have just moved here. Additionally, many desirable jobs may be reserved for people the employer knows; Hawaii is a small place and connections are important.
Another factor that often surprises new immigrants to the island is that a similar position on the mainland usually pays much more than in Hawaii. According to payscale.com, the average salary in Honolulu in December 2020 is $64,000 .
Are you familiar with the Hawaii housing market?
Real estate in Hawaii has always been a competitive market and generally a desirable long-term investment due to the scarcity of land in paradise. Typically, the question is not whether real estate will increase in value, but at what rate. On Oahu, statistics show that the average annual increase in median sales price over the past 34 years is 4.84% for single-family homes and 4.64% for condos.
To help you develop a real estate strategy, we asked local experts about the future of real estate in Hawaii. Learn more about the twelve key trends they predict for the future of Hawaii’s real estate market.
Even with the challenges of COVID-19, the Oahu real estate market continues to be hot. At the end of 2020, closed sales of single-family homes on Oahu were up 35.9% and condominium sales were up 20.1% compared to the same period at the end of December 2019. In December 2020, median sales prices for single-family homes on Oahu were $870,000, up 6.1% from 2019, and median sales prices for condos were $455,000, up 6.9% , according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors.
Housing on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is tight—now more than ever. Homes are moving off the market quickly, and in December 2020 there was only 1.4 months of inventory for single-family homes, down 44% from the previous year. Active listings were down 33.4% compared to December 2019.
With interest rates also at record lows, many buyers are locking in rates below three percent, making living in Hawaii even more desirable. If you’re thinking about moving to Hawaii, contact a local real estate agent to learn more about Hawaii’s dynamic and competitive housing market and understand that purchasing a home in paradise isn’t always easy.
Do you know about «Hawaiian time»?
If you are a punctual person, be prepared to slow down and be patient. While punctuality is important, to enjoy island life, you must make use of island time. Things in Hawaii are often done at a slower pace, with people «telling stories» or chatting with each other along the way. Relax and enjoy building relationships, enjoying the scenery while you wait and escaping the hustle and bustle of many places in the world.
Do you have a pet?
Hawaii is a rabies-free state and has strict quarantine laws for any cats or dogs that move into the state. Here’s some important information from the Hawaii Animal Husbandry Department to help you release your dog or cat the day you arrive (instead of the 120-day quarantine):
- 10 days before arrival, make sure that your cat or dog has a working electronic microchip.
- At least 30 days before arrival, make sure that your cat or dog has been vaccinated against rabies at least twice during its lifetime. Vaccines should be given more than 30 days apart. Obtain a rabies vaccination certificate for each vaccine from your veterinarian.
- More than 30 days before arrival, take a FAVN rabies antibody test from an approved laboratory. After successfully passing the test, please wait at least 30 days before arriving in Hawaii or your pet will be quarantined for $14.30 per day along with a $244 fee.
- Fill out all the documents and send them as a set so that they arrive 10 days before your arrival.
- Plan for flights to arrive by 3:30 p.m. to give airport animal quarantine time to inspect and release your pet before closing at 5 p.m. Otherwise, your pet will have to stay overnight for an additional fee of $59.
- Expect to pay a US$185 fee for direct airport release upon arrival.
If you’re moving to Hawaii with a furry friend, make sure you start the pet process early. The good news is that when your pet is finally reunited with you in Hawaii, there are many dog parks and other pet-friendly apartments and communities that can find a home .
Wildlife and insects are part of the Hawaiian way of life.
Before you pack your bags and take your car to the Hawaiian Islands, ask yourself if you can tolerate flying cockroaches, geckos, stinging centipedes and chickens crowing all night? If you answered yes, continue your search for a home in Hawaii.
Although Hawaii does not have squirrels, monkeys, or some of the other animals found elsewhere, there is plenty of wildlife. Geckos, birds, whales, turtles, mongooses, wild boars, fish, roosters: wildlife is an exciting part of life in Hawaii.
Different Hawaiian Islands have different wildlife. Kauai is famous for its chickens and nene birds. Molokai and Maui are famous for their deer. In the mountains of Oahu you can find many wild boars, which are often hunted by locals.
Traffic can be congested, especially on Oahu.
If you think Hawaii is a rural place with dirt roads and deserted beaches, think again. While this may be true on some islands such as Molokai and rural areas of Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, Oahu is home to more than one million people and has some of the worst traffic in the country. Rush hour traffic also exists on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. The islands hope to create more public transportation, such as the Honolulu Railroad, which is being built on Oahu, but the limited geographic area and high population can sometimes cause traffic jams.
Here are some of the top Hawaii driving rules you need to know:
- A fine of $100 to $200 if you are caught using a handheld cell phone while driving. Instead, you can safely pull over to the side of the road, turn off the engine, and then use your handheld device.
- All passengers inside the vehicle must wear seat belts.
- Motorcyclists are not required to wear a helmet when off base, but must wear a helmet while on base.
- If all seats inside the truck are occupied, passengers are allowed to sit in the back of the truck.
Get a Hawaii driver’s license or state ID to become a kama’aina.
Once you’ve gotten used to your island lifestyle, get your Hawaii driver’s license. If you have a local license, you are eligible for kama’aina discounts, which can be up to 10 percent at places like surf shops, hotels and restaurants. Kama’aina means «child of the earth» in Hawaiian, so not only will you receive discounts, but you’ll be one step closer to making Hawaii your home.
For more information on getting a driver’s license in Hawaii, as well as car registration and voting registration, see the Newbie’s Guide Built in Hawaii .
Get ready to transport your belongings across the Pacific Ocean.
When moving to Hawaii, it’s important to simplify your belongings and only send items that are absolutely necessary. If you’re considering paying for a moving company, check out some of the recommended moving companies we’ve found. Most companies will give you a quote based on the distance you are moving and the number of items you need to move. The moving company can also give you advice, and most of them can also pack your items for you.
When moving from the mainland, you will need to ship items, including possibly a car. There are many companies, such as Pasha Hawaii and Horizon Lines, that make shipping and moving to and from the mainland easy. Call several companies until you find one that suits you. If you’re coming from the West Coast of the United States, such as California, a standard vehicle typically costs around $1,100.
In addition to renting a container for trans-Pacific shipments, USPS or UPS shipping is available and additional bags can be checked during the flight.
Leave the suit and tie.
Casual clothing is common on the islands. Due to the warm climate and the aloha lifestyle, most men wear aloha shirts to work and women wear dresses. Even in the urban environment of Honolulu, it is rare to see a person wearing a suit and tie or heels. Additionally, «flip flops» are known as «slippers» or «flip flops» in Hawaii and should always be removed before entering the home.
Which school will your children go to?
The Hawaii Department of Education is the state and local agency that operates all public schools in the Hawaiian Islands. There are no separate local school districts like on the mainland. Research schools to see which might be a good fit for your child. You may want to live in an area with a higher-rated public school, or apply for a geographic exception (GE) to attend a public school outside your area.
Homeschooling, public charter schools, and private schools are also popular in Hawaii. In fact, Hawaii has one of the highest private school enrollment rates in the country. Most private schools are in urban areas of Honolulu, and tuition typically runs around $20,000 per year, and some schools, such as Punahou and ‘Iolani, have competitive admissions. Find out more about all the different education options on the island to ensure your children have a smooth and successful transition.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the local culture and lingo?
Hawaii has a strong sense of community with an emphasis on family and helping neighbors. However, keep in mind that unless you grew up in Hawaii, you will likely never be considered a local. Although visitors are often called haole, the term is not usually used in a pejorative sense. Fitting into the local culture is about treating and respecting others. Understand that Hawaii has a long history of conquest by the United States and therefore come to Hawaii to learn from the locals and not to mold the Hawaiian way of life into your previous culture.
As you settle into your new home and start making friends, you will find that many Hawaiians speak pidgin and Hawaiian. Pidgin originated from Hawaii’s plantation history, when immigrants from Japan, Portugal, China and other countries worked together on sugar and pineapple plantations. Since everyone spoke different languages, they created a pidgin by combining words, sentence structures, and intonations from other languages. Knowing a few Hawaiian and pidgin words will help you get used to the islands:
- Mahalo — thank you
- ‘Ohana — family
- Kokua – help or assistance
- Pau — done, finished, all gone
- Malihini (mah-lee-hee-nee) — stranger, stranger, tourist, non-islander
- Shishi — to urinate
- Shoyu — soy sauce
- Aunt or uncle (unko) is a respectful term for an elderly woman or man.
- Brah or sistah is a casual address to a man or woman.
- Grinding — delicious food or «it» food
When learning a local culture or language, do so carefully, as locals may laugh if you pronounce it incorrectly or try too hard.
Live in paradise and seek out breathtaking landscapes and locations.
When you finally move to Hawaii, take time to look around and enjoy the beauty. Truly, there is no place on Earth better than Hawaii — huge, volcanic mountains, sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, colorful sunrises and sunsets; you have gone to heaven.
There are many popular destinations that any Hawaii resident will want to visit, as well as «secret» places that can only be found after exploring the Hawaiian Islands for some time. Each of the islands has its own major tourist spots that appeal to visitors as well as Hawaii residents.
On Oahu, reserve tickets online to visit Pearl Harbor , the historic site that began the U.S. involvement in World War II. Also, take time to visit Waikiki and the popular snorkeling spot of Hanauma Bay nearby on Hawaii Kai. On Oahu’s North Shore, stop at world-famous surf spots like Banzai Pipeline and head to Laie to learn more about the Pacific Islands at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
In Maui, take a cruise from Lahaina Harbor to see the amazing whales that migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii from December to April. Climb Haleakala, a 10,023-foot dormant volcano that is also one of Maui’s most popular tourist attractions. Take the road to Hana, where you’ll find 620 switchbacks and 59 bridges, as well as waterfalls and natural pools. And when you want to relax, don’t forget that there are many popular luaus, such as the Old Lahaina Luau, that offer hula and delicious Hawaiian dishes.
If you call Kauai your new Hawaiian home, you won’t want to miss the «Grand Canyon of the Pacific» that is Waimea Canyon. Its colorful rock formations and deep gorges offer epic views. Wailua Falls near downtown Lihue and the Na Pali Coast are two other popular spots on Kauai for those who enjoy experiencing Hawaii’s beautiful nature.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, or Hawaiian Island, you’ll want to stop at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which contains dried lava from Kilauea’s many recent eruptions. You might even be able to see splashes of red lava or steam from the Kilauea crater, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. After exploring the active volcanoes of Kilauea, check into Parker Ranch for views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two dormant volcanoes on the Big Island. Tourists love Parker Ranch, where they can immerse themselves in the life of a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy).
Each of the Hawaiian Islands has spectacular scenery and places to explore, so while moving can be stressful and life in Hawaii isn’t always easy, be sure to take time to enjoy beautiful Hawaii. Thousands of people visit Hawaii every year as tourists. As a resident of Hawaii, you will have the unique opportunity to call one of the world’s most popular travel destinations home. Appreciate the beauty of Hawaii—from its attractions to its landscapes and culture—and you’ll be reminded why you chose to call Hawaii home.
Moving to Hawaii is an adventure. If you come with an open mind, a humble spirit and the understanding that living on an isolated island is not always easy, you will enjoy the beauty of Hawaii’s paradise and all it has to offer.
Pakalolo on Hawaii
Dreaming of relaxing in the ocean breeze with your feet in the sand, overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a joint of marijuana in your hand? Hawaiian paradise may conjure up dreams of listening to Bob Marley, and weed in Hawaii can often be smelled while sitting on some beaches. However, is marijuana legal in Hawaii? The short answer is that marijuana, also known as pakalolo in Hawaiian, is legal for certain medical reasons and with proper documentation. Although recreational marijuana is not legal in Hawaii, Hawaii’s marijuana laws are constantly evolving. Read on to learn more about weed in Hawaii. What are the marijuana laws in Hawaii? Hawaii has several monumental cannabis laws, including being the first state to legalize the use of recreational marijuana in 2000 by the state legislature with Act 228. Here is the history of Hawaii’s major marijuana laws: 2000 — Act 228 allowed medical card holders grow marijuana themselves or have a caregiver grow marijuana for them. This law, which is the initial implementation of the Medical Marijuana Law in Hawaii, made Hawaii the eighth state to legalize medical marijuana and the first state to legalize medical marijuana through an act of the state legislature. Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 329 is Hawaii’s uniform Controlled Substances Act, which was written under Act 228 and has been amended by other laws over the years. HRS 329 contains most of the laws regarding the medical use of marijuana in Hawaii, including information regarding registration of eligible patients. The 329 card, which is issued to registered medical cannabis patients in Hawaii, is named after HRS 329. 2015 — After 15 years of no legal marijuana market or dispensaries in Hawaii, Act 241 was passed. This clarified registration information for legal medical marijuana use in Hawaii. He also directed the Hawaii Department of Health to create a medical marijuana dispensary program to sell medical and industrial marijuana products to registered patients. Senate Bill 321, passed in 2016, authorized the establishment of eight marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii. All eight marijuana dispensaries are open today and can be found on Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island and Maui. Read on to find out where medical marijuana dispensaries are located in Hawaii. 2016 — With the signing of Act 228 by Governor David Ige, industrial hemp for agricultural or academic research became legal in Hawaii. Today, there are no criminal or civil penalties in Hawaii for «planting, growing, harvesting, possessing, processing, selling or purchasing» industrial hemp due to the passage of House Bill 773 in February 2017. 2020 — In January 2020, Hawaii decriminalized marijuana, eliminating prison sentences for possession of less than three grams of marijuana for any reason. If you are caught in Hawaii with less than three grams of marijuana, you will still have to pay $130 unless you are a legally registered medical marijuana user. With the passage of this bill, Hawaii became the 26th US state to decriminalize marijuana possession. Medical marijuana Hawaii
How can I legally smoke marijuana in Hawaii? The answer is to legally register to use medical marijuana in Hawaii through the Medical Marijuana Patient Registration Program. Here are three basic steps to legally smoking marijuana for medical reasons in Hawaii:
- Step 1: Have a proven medical condition to use medical marijuana. Do you have a patient-physician or APRN relationship? This relationship is a precursor to being able to legally smoke medical marijuana in Hawaii, as a doctor must certify to the state’s online account that you have a certain medical condition that allows you to be a legal marijuana user in the State of Hawaii. The physician or APRN will write a certification application and electronically sign in the state database that the patient has a qualifying condition. Please note that in order to sign, the physician or nurse must mail the signature form to the Department of Health and also link their “myPVL” license to the Medical Cannabis Registry. According to HRS-329, there are certain «debilitating medical conditions» that qualify for medical marijuana use in Hawaii: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Cancer Epilepsy Glaucoma Lupus Multiple Sclerosis Rheumatoid Arthritis HIV Immunodeficiency Syndrome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) If you don’t have any of the debilitating diseases listed above, but you suffer from one of these conditions, you may also be eligible to legally smoke marijuana in Hawaii: Severe pain Severe nausea Seizures Muscle spasms Cachexia or muscle wasting Do you think conditions such as should insomnia, depression or anxiety be added to Hawaii’s list of approved medical marijuana products? A petition can be submitted to the Department of Health, which must include evidence-based research in support of adding the condition to the list.
- Step 2: Register with the Hawaii Department of Health. If you believe you may qualify, you will need to create an online 329 application with the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry. To register to smoke medical marijuana in Hawaii, you must complete a number of pages and steps, including the following potential hurdles: Uploading copies of a valid driver’s license, state ID, or passport Entering a certifying physician or APRN name with whom you have already established a patient-caregiver relationship If applicable , download the Grow Site Certification form and decide whether you will grow the plants as a patient or have a caregiver grow the Hawaii marijuana plants for you. Registration fee of $38.50 for annual registration or $77.00 for two-year registration. Please note that if you provide incorrect information and need to make changes, you will be charged $16.50.
- Step 3: Get your 329 registration card and smoke weed at a Hawaii dispensary or your own marijuana dispensary. The Hawaii Department of Health will review applications in the order they are received. If the application is incomplete, you will be notified by email and asked to resubmit the application with appropriate changes for an additional fee. Once your application is approved, you will be able to access your 329 card in the same registry portal. You’ll want to print this card and you can now legally use medical marijuana in Hawaii! As a patient or caregiver, you must carry valid identification and a valid 329 card if you have medical marijuana. Please note that Hawaii law enforcement has access to the Medical Marijuana Registration Program to verify whether people legally possess marijuana. Please also note that the 329 card may be confiscated or you may be denied entry to the dispensary if the card is tampered with, altered, or used by another person. Additionally, the 329 card will need to be renewed before it expires. Registered marijuana users in Hawaii will receive an email notification 60 days before the 329 card expires. Renewing a 329 card is similar to applying for the first time, and it is often easiest to use the same physician or APRN to verify your condition. Often, a two-year extension for medical marijuana is allowed if the following conditions are met: The same physician or APRN certifies you The condition is chronic The physician or APRN states that a two-year 329 extension is in the best interests of the patient. Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Hawaii Now that you can legally use marijuana to treat medical conditions in Hawaii, you may be wondering how you can legally buy weed in Hawaii. There are several legal medical marijuana dispensaries on all of Hawaii’s major inhabited islands:
Oahu Marijuana Dispensaries
- Oahu Marijuana Dispensaries Aloha Green Waikiki 2113 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu HI
- King Street: Interstate Building, 1314 S. King St. Honolulu HI 96814808
- Honolulu 3131 North Nimitz Highway, Honolulu HI 96819
- Cure Oahu Honolulu 727 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816808-208-8770
- Noa Botanical Honolulu 1308 Young Street, Honolulu, HI 96814808-800-2126
- Kaneohe 46-028 Kawa Street, Kaneohe HI 96744808-550-9860
Maui Marijuana Dispensaries
- Kahului 44 Paa Street, Kahului, HI 96732 808-866-7576
- Lahaina 1087 Limahana Place, Unit 4B, Lahaina, HI 96761
- Pono Life Maui Kahului 415 Dairy Road., Kahului, HI 96732 808-489-9454
Marijuana Dispensaries Hawaii Island (Big Island) Marijuana Dispensaries
- Hawaiian Ethos Hilo 578 Kanoelehua Ave., Hilo, HI 96720 808-731-5559
- Kona 73-5613 Olowalu Street, Ste. 7, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-339-3205
- Waimea 64-1035 Mamalahoa Hwy., Unit J, Kamuela, HI 96743 808-731-5082
- Big Island Grown Hilo 750 Kanoelehua Ave., Ste. 104, Hilo, HI 96720 808-825-5533
- Waimea 64-1040 Mamalahoa Hwy., Waimea, HI 96743 808-825-5910
- Kona 74-5617 Pawai Place., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-374-8210
Kauai marijuana dispensaries
- Green Aloha + Dispensary Wailua 4-1565 Kuhio Hwy #3, Kapaa, HI 96746 808-320
How can I legally grow marijuana plants in Hawaii?
Before the Hawaii Medical Marijuana Dispensary Program was created in 2015 and the first legal weed was sold on Maui in August 2017, legal medical marijuana users were required to grow their own plants or have a caregiver grow the plants for them. Growing marijuana plants illegally in Hawaii carries heavy fines and prison sentences. Growing 25-50 marijuana plants on your own property is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. However, if you are a registered marijuana patient or caregiver, you have the opportunity to grow medical cannabis in Hawaii, but you must carefully follow Hawaii laws. Here are some important details for growing marijuana legally in Hawaii: You must have indicated that you intend to grow your own supply of medical marijuana when you register for your 329 card online. You can grow a “sufficient amount” of marijuana, which means no more than ten plants. You cannot have more than 4 ounces of usable marijuana between an enrolled patient and a caregiver. You may only grow in the location designated on your 329 card, and that location may only be the residence/possession or control of the applicable patient or designated caregiver. You can only grow on one site. Each plant must be labeled with a 329 card number and expiration date in accordance with Hawaii Department of Health labeling guidelines. If you are a registered medical marijuana user, growing Hawaii cannabis in your personal home may be the best option for a consistent and economical supply of marijuana. Recreational Marijuana in Hawaii Medical marijuana is legal in Hawaii, but when will it be legal to smoke marijuana recreationally in Hawaii? While possession of less than three grams of marijuana is not a crime, and the maximum fine for this offense is $130, the bottom line is that recreational use of marijuana is illegal. Various bills have been introduced to try to legalize recreational marijuana in Hawaii over the years, including in February 2021; however, the bill was never passed.
Therefore, if you are caught in possession of marijuana and do not have a 329 card for medical marijuana use, you could face serious penalties in Hawaii.
Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 712 and 706 describe the consequences of a marijuana arrest in Hawaii:
Crime Penalty Maximum prison term Maximum exact:
- Possessing 3 grams Violation Nobody $130
- With 3 grams to 1 ounce. misdemeanor 30 days $1,000
- Featuring 1 oz. up to 1 pound misdemeanor 1 year $2,000
- With 1 lb. felony 5 years $10,000
Commercial promotion of marijuana is always a criminal offense. Selling marijuana is a misdemeanor if it weighs less than one ounce and carries a fine of up to $2,000 and 1 year in jail; however, selling more than 1 ounce is a criminal offense that carries heavy fines and jail time. Selling marijuana paraphernalia is also a criminal offense with hefty fines and fees. Weed in Hawaii In conclusion, relaxing and smoking a joint on a private beach in Hawaii is legal if you are a registered medical marijuana patient with a 329 card and obtained your marijuana legally — either through a legal dispensary or through your own private plants.
However, recreational marijuana is illegal in Hawaii. Possession of less than 3 ounces of marijuana is not a crime, but if you are caught, you could face a $130 fine. Hawaiian paradise may conjure images of free-smoking a joint while gazing out into the deep blue sea, but consuming marijuana in Hawaii isn’t exactly legal.
Building your team to purchase real estate in Hawaii
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Buying a home is a complex transaction with many moving parts, and hopefully there are many great people to help make the process smooth.
From the first step to move-in day, having a professional and reliable team supporting your home purchase can mean the difference between a stress-free, efficient and profitable home purchase or a huge headache.
Here are ten people you need on your team when buying a home.
Real estate seller or broker
A buyer’s agent will help you through every step of the home buying process. It’s important to find an agent who suits your needs and meshes well with your goals and personality.
A buyer’s agent is needed to help you find a home, including advice on neighborhoods, schools and home prices. They will also help you protect your home. An agent should be able to negotiate to help you get the most bang for your buck; exclusive agents will analyze home values and negotiate with the seller’s agent.
They will also help with all the complex, detailed documents and contracts — from the initial purchase agreement to mortgage, title and insurance documents.
A great real estate agent will also recommend professionals in the real estate world to facilitate your transaction, such as a lender or mortgage broker, home inspector, and others. The best buyer’s agents will even attend the home inspection and discuss repair requests before giving you the keys on the final day of closing.
Mortgage Broker
Mortgage brokers work with many lenders to find the best loan program for your specific situation. They can help you through the paperwork process and even tell you about the different types of mortgages. Mortgage brokers are mortgage experts and can help you get pre-approved to close on your final mortgage.
Creditor
Unless you’re buying a house with cash, you’ll need someone to lend you the money. There are many loan programs with different interest rates and even different repayment periods and fees, so it’s important to find the best lender. Or a mortgage broker can help you find the best lender for your situation. Keep in mind that a local lender knows Hawaii’s unique market best.
Accountant
These “numbers people” will help you structure your finances so you can make smart financial decisions. Tax deductions, paperwork, interest rates—an accountant can crunch those numbers and offer home buying advice.
Termite inspector
Termites swarming through the air in Hawaii are not uncommon. They can cause damage to homes, which is why most lenders in Hawaii require a copy of a satisfactory termite inspection report (TIR) before issuing a loan.
Termite inspection is usually paid for by the seller, but the buyer can usually choose their preferred inspector. The inspection takes place in the final weeks before the sale closes, when the inspector lights all the wood inside and outside the home. Termites are quite common in the Hawaiian Islands, but identifying and preventing termite infestations can save you a lot of money and preserve your home.
Home Inspector
Once your offer has been accepted, you have an inspection period to go through every nook and cranny to ensure the home is in the top-notch condition you expected. Although an inspection is often optional, hiring a home inspector can save you a lot of money in the long run. They inspected the grounds, structure, roof, exterior, windows, doors, trim, interior, kitchen, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical systems and more. An inspector can show you the exact problems with your home, helping to advise you on your next steps toward buying a home.
Advocate
A residential real estate lawyer can help clear up legal issues, document errors, and unscrupulous sellers. However, a direct real estate transaction with a qualified real estate agent may not require an attorney.
Insurance agent
A local independent insurance agent can give you the cost of insuring your Hawaii home. Neighborhood, zoning, home size and other factors can affect your home insurance premium. They may also offer you additional coverage beyond the required basic homeowner’s insurance.
Escrow agent
Although the escrow agent or officer is not actually part of your team, since they are a third party, you will work closely with them during the closing process. The escrow officer manages money between the buyer, seller and lender and ensures paperwork is completed and title verified.
Bonus: your family
The support of your family and friends is important in life, especially when buying a home. Perhaps your purchase is due to a growing family. Or maybe you’re buying a home from a family member or partner. Whatever the reason you’re buying a home, it’s important to have people around you who support you socially and emotionally.
Surround yourself with educated and experienced professionals during the home buying process. With a dedicated team, you can confidently navigate the complex web of buying a home in Hawaii.
Restrictions have hurt Hawaii’s share of the cryptocurrency market
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Hawaii has the highest barriers in the country to companies that exchange cryptocurrency, and those restrictions could get worse if lawmakers don’t step up and open the door to this potentially thriving new business area.
Bitcoin, the world’s first «cryptocurrency», was invented in 2009 by an unknown person or group of people under the name Satoshi Nakamoto and allowed people to store, buy and sell digital currency using special software.
Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have emerged, such as Ethereum, Litecoin and Monero. Many of these cryptocurrency companies have risen significantly in value, with the entire cryptocurrency market valued at $2.2 trillion. That’s slightly more than Google ($1.9 trillion) and slightly less than Microsoft ($2.5 trillion).
In Hawaii, cryptocurrency companies are subject to the Hawaii Remittance Act, which since 2014 requires them to hold monetary assets equal to the amount of their virtual assets. For example, if a company holds $1 billion worth of cryptocurrencies, it will also need an additional $1 billion in cash as reserves.
No other state has such a specific requirement for cryptocurrency companies, so most of these companies have either left Hawaii or avoided it.
The two largest cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase and Binance, do not operate in Hawaii. Neither Kucoin, Strike, eToro, Bittrex, Bitstamp, Robinhood Crypto, nor PayPal’s «Cryptocurrency Hub».
In March 2019, the Governor authorized the creation of a temporary sandbox known as the Digital Currency Innovation Lab, which allowed cryptocurrency companies to operate in the state without having to comply with the dual reserve requirement of the Remittance Act. .
Only 15 cryptocurrency companies were allowed to play in the sandbox, which has so far allowed 61,000 Hawaii customers to access virtual currency with a total transaction value of more than $611 million.
Meanwhile, since the program launched, the value of Bitcoin has increased by 370%, from $10,000 in 2019 to $47,000 by the end of 2021.
Looking ahead, legal authority for the sandbox expires on Dec. 30, 2022, meaning lawmakers who want to avoid a complete shutdown of this market must pass some kind of enabling legislation during the 2022 legislative session.
The easiest way to allow cryptocurrency companies to operate in Hawaii is to exempt them from remittance laws.
Twenty states do not require a money transmitter license for cryptocurrency transactions: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee. , Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Another quick fix would be to add cryptocurrency as an “eligible investment” to the remittance law, thereby eliminating the dual reserve requirement. For example, Wyoming exempted virtual currency from its dual reserve requirement in 2014 and has since become “the most cryptocurrency-friendly jurisdiction in the United States,” according to MarketWatch.
A more complex route would be to create a new licensing requirement for virtual currency companies, which could also bypass the double reserve requirement. This could potentially create an unnecessary administrative burden, but would nevertheless allow for a more dynamic cryptocurrency market if the rules are not too strict.
The Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions is actually introducing such a bill aimed at reducing barriers to cryptocurrency companies in Hawaii. But lawmakers should be careful not to impose too many requirements that defeat the purpose of the bill.
The goal is to ease Hawaii’s toughest virtual currency restrictions in the country and give island residents greater access to this emerging market. This would be another way to diversify our economy and help local families find new ways to make money and prosper.
What is the future of real estate in Hawaii?
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Hawaii industry professionals share their predictions
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home—or even if you’re a current property owner or a first-time investor—it’s important to know where Hawaii’s unique real estate market is headed in the coming years. Our dynamic world includes changing real estate market conditions, so understanding the Hawaii market will help guide future buying, renting or selling decisions.
To help you develop a real estate strategy, we asked local experts about the future of real estate in Hawaii. Here are twelve major trends they predict for the future of Hawaii’s real estate market.
1. Valuation is slowing down, but still growing.
Real estate in Hawaii is always a long-term investment due to the scarcity of land. The question is not whether my property will increase in value, but at what rate. Right now, home values are rising less than they have been in the last ten years, but the pendulum will eventually swing back.
2. Cyclical Fluctuations Affecting Home Values in Hawaii
We are seeing leading indicators that the transition is well underway. When it comes to real estate in Hawaii and Oahu in particular, home prices have reached record levels and continue to put enormous pressure on local buyers. Over the last seven to eight years, we have seen growth of 5 to 10 percent. Without incomes keeping pace, I don’t know how we can maintain upward pressure on home values, especially if/when interest rates spike, further eroding affordability and buyer confidence.
The cost of housing will fluctuate depending on supply and demand in the real estate market. There are a lot of apartments being built on Oahu and this will significantly increase supply over the next 5-10 years.
Housing prices in Hawaii have always been good because Hawaii is an island and there is always demand for it, but not enough supply. You always have adjustments in different cycles.
3. Real estate remains a long-term investment
Hawaii, like much of the U.S. real estate market, has been in a bull market since the Great Recession. No one can predict future values. Many speculators who think they can predict the lows and highs end up making meager profits. Real estate investing should be considered a long-term investment. On Oahu, statistics show that the average annual increase in median sales price over the past 34 years is 4.84% for single-family homes and 4.64% for condos.
4. Transition from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market
We are currently in a market transition from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market, which will occur in the next year or two. Prices for more expensive homes are declining due to less activity and demand, and because the perception of their value is lower. On Oahu, the number of months of inventory is increasing and currently stands at 3.9 months of inventory; it will change to a buyer’s market when we reach five months’ supply. I point out that the Hawaii market is changing along with the West Coast market and the Maui resort market; this is because sales in the West Coast market will affect sales in the Maui resort market, which will affect the market on Oahu.
5. Consistently low interest rates
I expect interest rates to remain in this general range for the next few years as the government wants to keep the housing market strong and support the economy. Remember, we’re still at historic lows in interest rates, so now is a great time to buy or refinance.
6. Affordable housing
As prices continue to rise, developers and the government will seek to make housing more «affordable» for people on lower incomes. These developments will occur outside the «city» or area of Honolulu. I also see the luxury condo market slowing down as there is no way it can maintain the same pace as it has in the last decade.
7. Additions to Existing Homes to Meet Housing Needs
More and more parents are renovating or adding to their existing homes for their children or parents. Hawaii needs to produce about 5,000 units a year, but we only build about 2,000 units. Homes are in demand for purchase and rental.
8. Changes in building laws
The city and state are considering changing some requirements for the building and possibly land owned by the State of Hawaii. Land is limited and the cost of building materials and labor is high. But over the next 10 years, Hawaii will need more affordable housing to buy and rent.
9. The rise of online real estate firms
I believe we will continue to see new tech startups and venture capital investing in the real estate industry over the next 5 years. We are already seeing a number of new, technology-enabled brokerages trying to get on their feet with every intention of disrupting the traditional brokerage model that has been a mainstay for decades.
Technology has paved the way for the growing popularity of “tech-friendly” real estate firms like Redfin. This is a technology model that has gained popularity over the past five years. I’m not going to say traditional real estate is dead, but firms like Redfin will definitely take their share of the market.
More venture capital is going to more online real estate companies: Compass, Redfin, Open door, Zillow; Amazon just entered into a partnership with Realogy, which owns Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA and Sotheby’s. I think other tech companies may also get involved, including Google.
10. Agents will not become an anomaly
While technology has brought convenience to our daily lives, the real estate industry has not been as dramatic as many thought. Real estate agents have not been replaced by artificial intelligence. As the state where word of mouth thrives the most, Hawaii is no different. Using search sites gives buyers the opportunity to search for properties according to their preferences. However, buyers need the expertise of agents to help verify property disclosures.
Looking 10+ years out, I tend to believe that we will see a contraction in the real estate industry due to lower commissions, technology and automation; leaving only enough oxygen for the survival of valuable real estate agents and “niche” professionals.
Large real estate teams and those who can benefit from capturing consumer attention can take the lead in sucking the oxygen out of the space.
11. Local lenders remain
In the mortgage industry, online lenders like Quicken will continue to have a presence in Hawaii, but many buyers still prefer local lenders who know Hawaii’s unique market and can better serve them.
12. Data-driven housing decisions
Technology has changed the way buyers and owners receive information. Information is much more accessible. The way information is presented and absorbed has changed.
Housing data is now available to more people than in the last ten years, allowing a new generation to view neighborhoods and homes before purchasing them.
Market knowledge and customer service will always remain the great equalizer, but technology can also work in parallel and catalyze more market knowledge and service to those who use it correctly. Technology also puts a number of tools in the hands of consumers, equipping them with knowledge and resources that were once only available to them through consultation with a real estate professional.
How to find a job in Hawaii?
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How to find a job in Hawaii as soon as you step off the plane? Of course, there are opportunities for this for both a Green Card holder, a US citizen, and an ordinary tourist who wants to earn a little money for their vacation.
It’s all down to the US employment agencies in Hawaii.
So, why should you immediately contact an employment agency upon arrival to find a job? Of course, you can take a newspaper and go to new and new addresses, where you will be asked to leave your information. Or you can simply leave your details with the agency, and they will find you a suitable job.
Benefits of Employment Agencies in Hawaii
The first advantage of an employment agency in America is that they will find you a job, even if you do not have permission to do so. There are many employers in the city who are not interested in the status of your permits. The main thing is that your qualifications correspond to reality. Employment agencies in Hawaii for Russian speakers will help immigrants from Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and other CIS countries find work. It’s no secret that not every visitor knows English well. But in the city itself there are many Russian speakers who would be happy to hire a fellow countryman. By the way, even if you don’t know English well, in just a few months of staying in Hawaii you can learn it to the required level. After all, the city has many language courses, both paid and free.
An equally important advantage of agencies is that you do not have to pay immediately when applying. Of course, in some agencies even registration is paid. But many work on a different principle — it is important for them that you get a job, so their services are paid from your first salary.
It is worth noting that an employment agency in America is a kind of guarantor for those looking for work. For example, a recruitment agency. Often, parents look for nannies, governesses and housekeepers only through such agencies and do not hire people “off the street”. Therefore, if you want to find a job in this field, then with an agency you can find a decent place. The same applies to other work in the service sector. In Hawaii, agencies are trusted, which means they can trust you too.
General Contractors in Hawaii
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Hammers and nails. Taps and pipes. Shingles and siding. Paint and trim. Our homes are intricately designed to provide a safe place to sleep at night and create memories that will last for years to come. And at the forefront of creating homes in Hawaii are general contractors.
What can I hire a general contractor in Hawaii to do for me?
You may be wondering, “What do general contractors do?” A general contractor’s primary responsibility is to safely coordinate and manage all aspects of the construction process. For any job — large or small — Oahu general contractors can do the following:
- Price and purchase of materials
- Provide labor or hire subcontractors for actual construction
- Providing equipment such as vehicles and tools
- Apply for a building permit
- Recycle construction waste
- Control the construction budget
- Management of construction plans and stages
People hire a general contractor in Hawaii to do a number of construction jobs:
- Construction of new houses. (Read more about the cost of building a home in Hawaii here.)
- Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
- Installing floors or drywall
- Home additions such as new master suites or porches
An Oahu general contractor is a general contractor, which means they are qualified to handle almost any home project for you. They can do the work themselves or hire subcontractors such as electricians, plumbers or roofing specialists to complete the projects.
Who can be a general contractor in Hawaii? What are the qualifications for Oahu general contractors?
The State of Hawaii regulates general contractors, and in Hawaii they are required to obtain a license by submitting a comprehensive application, passing an examination, and then paying licensing fees.
General requirements for obtaining a contractor’s license in Hawaii include the following:
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Have a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity and integrity, as determined by, among other things, a credit report.
- Have four years of supervisory experience within the last 10 years as evidenced by notarized certificates of experience and a list of completed projects along with the contract amount.
- Pass an exam on the appropriate classification, which includes questions on business and law, as well as on a specific trade (general engineering, construction, or other trades such as electrical, elevator, landscaping, masonry, plumbing, swimming pools, etc.).
- Be hired by a licensed contractor, meaning you must have worked in the construction industry before becoming a contractor.
After initially obtaining a Hawaii contractor’s license, these construction professionals must take steps to continue to maintain a Hawaii contractor’s license, including the following:
- Maintain ongoing liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Renew your license every two years on September 30th.
The state of Hawaii has fairly strict laws to become a general contractor, so people who hire a general contractor in Hawaii can rest assured that the state regulates these important builders. Additionally, the client may file a complaint against the contractor with the Hawaii Contractors Licensing Board.
Who are the best home builders near me?
Luckily, there are many quality Hawaiian home builders on the islands. Here are some of the most popular «Hawaii home builders near me» in different areas of Oahu, Hawaii:
- Pearl City. Roman Electric & Construction
- Waipahu. Wave Builders LLC
- Downtown Honolulu. Josh Design Build
- Kailua. PFC Remodeling & Construction
- Hawaii Kai. Acumen Builders
- Kaneohe. O’Donnell Construction
- Mililani. Prominent Craftsmanship Builders, LLC
What should I consider when choosing a new home builder in Hawaii?
If you are ready to remodel, update or build a completely new home. You will most likely need a contractor. But how do you choose the perfect Hawaii home builder? Here are some tips.
Tip #1. Ask family and friends.
Did your friend just finish building a new home in Hawaii? Ask them about their experience with the contractor.
- Was the work completed on time?
- Did the contractor listen to their needs and wants?
- Was the contractor licensed, bonded, insured, and received the necessary permits?
- Would they use the contractor again?
Take a look at their finished build to see the details and overall design.
Tip #2. Make a list of general contractors to call.
After interviewing family and friends and searching Hawaii general contractors online, call each of your top contractor contenders and ask these common questions before scheduling an appointment and quoting:
- Are they building houses in your area in Hawaii?
- Can they make the repairs you want?
- How will you make payments?
- Can they show you examples of previously completed work similar to yours? Do they have links?
- Do they hire subcontractors? If so, for what parts of the job and are these subcontractors licensed?
Tip #3. Meet an Oahu general contractor at your home or on your property.
After making phone calls to about five general contractors, schedule a meeting with at least three of them.
Before your meeting, give the contractor a list of your needs and wants. Link to photos of your style and desired look if you have them. If you’re building a new home in Hawaii, you may need to discuss architectural plans with a general contractor; note that you may choose to hire an architect and a general contractor separately, or the general contractor may subcontract the architect or designer.
When you meet, look around the room. Give the contractor time to answer questions and propose construction plans. Ask more questions and evaluate whether you are comfortable with the contractor.
Tip #4. Choose the best home builder in Hawaii for your project.
After meeting with at least three general contractors and receiving bids, review the bids.
- What are the deadlines?
- How do change orders work for this contractor?
- What’s included and what’s not? What about cleaning?
Hiring the right Hawaii home builder for your job requires some detective work. Be patient and be as thorough as possible. Ultimately, choosing the right general contractor for your Hawaii home building project can be the key to making your home building dreams a reality.
Hawaii Landlord Code
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Rent prices in Hawaii average around $2,000, with studios averaging around $1,400 on Oahu and one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,900 in Honolulu. How much does rent cost in Kaneohe? A two-bedroom home averages around $2,500.
Rents in Hawaii are among the highest in the United States, so it’s no surprise that many Hawaii residents would be looking to become landlords. While others will be looking to rent a piece of paradise to enjoy all the beauty of Hawaii and aloha. Besides the business aspect, renting in Hawaii can also be an opportunity to build good relationships between landlords and tenants.
The spirit of aloha often permeates Hawaiian homes and extends beyond even the landlord-tenant relationship. Often in Hawaii, landlords and tenants become close friends, even family members, as living together is part of the Hawaiian culture.
However, there are times when the aloha spirit does not enter into a rental relationship. Therefore, if you are planning to rent in Hawaii as a tenant or landlord, it is important to know that there are certain laws that help protect both parties.
What are the rental laws in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Residential Landlord Code is the name of Chapter 521 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) , which governs rental laws in Hawaii. The Code includes information on leases, security deposits, repairs, lockouts, termination of lease/lease agreements, landlord and tenant obligations, and landlord and tenant remedies.
Tenant Rights in Hawaii
In Hawaii, there are certain items that a tenant must expect when renting real estate, which are defined in Code Sections 41 and 42 as obligations of the landlord. Here are some of the main points regarding tenants’ rights in Hawaii:
Moving
The premises must be ready for occupancy by the tenant within the agreed time frame and in the condition that was agreed upon. If the apartment is not ready for a tenant to move in, the tenant has the right to refuse to pay rent for the time during which he is unable to move in, terminate the lease, and/or recover any damages associated with finding alternative housing.
Lease agreements and rent payments
If there is a written agreement, the landlord must give a copy of it to the tenant. The tenant has the right to obtain in writing the name and address of the owner or his representative. If the owner is absent, the owner must appoint an agent residing on the same island as the tenant to act on behalf of the landlord. The tenant has the right to receive a receipt for all rent paid. The tenant has the right to terminate the lease and vacate the property during the first week of occupancy if the tenant’s conditions are not met. The tenant may terminate the contract and vacate the lease at any time if there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of the tenant.
Rental conditions and repairs
The rental must be safe and healthy, meaning there must be no insects, mold or fire hazards. All electrical, plumbing and other rental equipment must be in good condition. The tenant must have running water supplied. Please note that the landlord has the right to make repairs. The tenant must notify the landlord of any necessary repairs, and the landlord must begin those repairs within 12 business days, unless there are «causes beyond the landlord’s control» in which the landlord must notify the tenant of the reason for the delay. Appliance or plumbing repairs must begin within three days after the tenant notifies the landlord. The tenant has the right to make repairs if the landlord fails to make them, and the tenant can deduct up to $500 from the next month’s rent by providing copies of receipts to the landlord. Trash should be picked up regularly and the resident should be provided with a trash can unless they are renting a single-family home.
Entrance to rental unit
The landlord must give the tenant at least two days’ notice before entering the rental premises, and the landlord may only enter during reasonable hours. However, in the event of an emergency, the landlord may enter without prior notice. If the landlord enters without permission, the landlord is responsible for any theft or damage; In addition, the tenant has the right to terminate the lease or seek a fine of not more than $100 if the landlord continues to request entry without a valid reason.
Locks
In Hawaii, a landlord cannot evict a tenant from an apartment without cause or by court order. In this case, the tenant can terminate the lease or return the rent. In any case, if the landlord does not allow the tenant into his home, the tenant is entitled to receive up to two months’ rent — either payment or rent-free — and the cost of the lawsuit.
Voting Announcements
A tenant may post a sign or other advertisement encouraging voters to vote for or against a particular person or issue, as long as it complies with building and housing regulations.
Like tenants, landlords also have certain rights and can expect certain things from their tenants. Here are the main provisions of the Code:
Unit Maintenance The tenant and the tenant’s family and friends are responsible for keeping the premises clean, healthy and safe, which includes disposing of trash and proper use of plumbing fixtures and appliances.
If the rental property is not kept in satisfactory condition, the landlord has the right to advise the tenant in writing of a time limit after which the problem(s) must be corrected.
If the problem is not corrected as stated in writing, the landlord may terminate the lease, sue to evict the tenant, or correct the problem by billing the tenant for the costs. The tenant must notify the landlord of any necessary repairs, and the landlord has the right to make repairs to maintain the property.
Rules and Leases The landlord has the right to give the tenant rules when entering into a lease, which must be clear enough to be understood. These rules can protect a landlord’s property from misuse (i.e., locking the gate) and promote equality of services and amenities among all tenants (i.e., using the washer and dryer only at certain times).
The landlord has the right to terminate the lease if the tenant uses the property for something other than his home, unless that other use is specified in the lease. If the tenant decides that he does not want to move in after signing the lease, the landlord has the right to withhold any money deposited with the landlord, one month’s rent, and the amount of the daily rent for the period to re-rent the apartment plus a commission. If the tenant abandons the tenancy without proper notice, the landlord has the right to collect rent for the remainder of the term and charge daily rent for the period of re-renting the premises plus a commission.
Security Deposit and Rent Receipt In Hawaii, a landlord may receive a security deposit equal to one month’s rent; however, it must be returned to the tenant 14 days after the lease is terminated, unless there is a legal basis for retaining the deposit, such as repairs with receipts. A landlord in Hawaii has the right to receive the agreed upon rent on time.
A landlord can terminate a tenancy five days after not receiving rent if he gives notice on the first day it was due. The landlord has the right to increase the rent four months or more before the due date of the rent increase if there is an increase in taxes or operating costs, major renovations to the unit, or a rent increase comparable to other units in the area.
Enter the apartment/house
If the tenant is absent for a continuous period of more than 20 days, the tenant must inform the landlord. If the tenant fails to notify the landlord of his absence and fails to pay rent, the landlord has the right to terminate the lease. The landlord may also enter the apartment during an extended absence for security, inspection, maintenance and showings.
With at least two days’ notice, the landlord has the right to enter the tenancy for inspection, repair or demonstration to potential buyers or tenants. In emergency cases such as fire, weather damage, abandonment or long absence, the landlord may enter without two days notice. If the tenant does not allow the landlord to enter, the landlord has the right to hold the tenant liable for any damages incurred by his refusal.
What should I do if I have a problem with my landlord?
The above are some of the main points of the Hawaii Landlord Landlord Code. However, if you have additional questions or need assistance, call the Hawaii Landlord Tenant Hotline at 808-586-2634.
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs staff operates the Landlord/Tenant Information Center from 8:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. They can help clarify any information contained in the Hawaii Landlord/Tenant Code.
If your tenant or landlord is not complying with your rental rights in Hawaii, the following steps can be taken to resolve any problems: Once you know your rights, discuss the problem directly with your landlord, property manager, or tenant.
Give people the benefit of the doubt and try to resolve problems through friendly communication before resorting to more extreme measures.
Take good notes and try to get things in writing if possible in case you can’t resolve the issue through open communication.
If informal discussions lead to any resolution, you may choose to participate in mediation or another form of dispute resolution with an outside party. This can help save time and money before going to court. In fact, the judge will often refer landlord/tenant issues to a mediator before trying them in court.
If direct conversations and mediation don’t work, you may have to take legal action. Disputes regarding security deposits will be brought to small claims court. Landlords can file lawsuits against tenants in district court.
If you go to court, provide as much hard evidence as possible: contracts, canceled checks, receipts, photographs and/or written correspondence. While everyone hopes for an ideal landlord-tenant relationship filled with aloha and a peaceful life, it is also encouraging to know that there are certain rights for tenants and landlords in Hawaii that can help establish a basic understanding should any conflicts arise. For more information, contact the Hawaii Landlord Hotline or an attorney.
Featured Airbnb in Hawaii: What’s Legal and What’s Not?
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As an Airbnb host, you have the opportunity to welcome guests from all over the world, share the aloha spirit, and earn extra income.
But are short-term rentals, also known as AirBnb or VRBO, allowed in Hawaii? Airbnb’s operation on our islands is subject to several regulations, many of which currently make it difficult for Airbnb to host legally. While this information is not comprehensive or legal advice, and is current only at the time of writing, below are some legal considerations to consider when you’re thinking about becoming an Airbnb host.
Zoning laws dictate whether a property can legally be used as a short-term rental and vary on each island.
Oahu: Are short term rentals allowed in Honolulu? Can you rent an AirBnb on Oahu? House Bill 89, also known as Proposition 19-18 , signed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on June 25, 2019, will place a cap on the number of bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodations on the island. Specifically, no more than 0.5% of the total number of residential units in each community in the State of Oahu may be used as bed and breakfasts. These are 1,699 B&B rentals on Oahu; 183 B&B with legal permits at Koolau Poko (Kailua, Waimanalo, Kaneohe).
(Oahu short term rental permit limits vary by area)
No more than 0.5% of the total number of residential units in each Regional Development Plan Area (DPA) may be used as B&Bs.
The new laws also stipulate that new B&B owners can rent out two bedrooms to guests, and the owner of the property must legally live with the guests.
Other important changes:
- Ordinance 19-18 would allow approximately 1,700 bed and breakfast permits to be issued. Although the online lottery system for a legal B&B permit on Oahu is expected to begin in October 2020, it has not yet begun due to the passage of Ordinance 20-30, which modified Ordinance 19 -18. and was signed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on September 17, 2020. Therefore, the adoption of administrative rules and the start of registration of new bed and breakfasts have been delayed while the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) reviews the registration process.
- Illegal B&Bs will be subject to hefty fines (think $1,000 to $10,000 a day!). As of June 4, 2021, the City and County of Honolulu had received 2,133 short-term rental complaints and issued 568 notices of violation (NOV).
- Specifically, for North Shore bed and breakfasts, with the exception of Kuilima, no new permits will be issued in the area under the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan. However, for now, legal bed and breakfasts on the North Shore can accommodate guests until Oct. 1, when the city will begin issuing these new licenses.
- Kuilima Estates East and West , next to Turtle Bay Resort and Golf Course, now allows bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals. The decision was made on February 10, 2020 by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) because Kuilima Estates East & West is within 3,500 feet of a resort area of over 50 contiguous acres. See the map below for the permitted zone.
Maui: Can I rent an AirBnb on Maui? As of July 2019, there are over 16,000 apartments that are legally allowed to rent out homes for short-term rentals (less than six months) without the need for a bed and breakfast or conditional permit. These are typically found in hotel zones, but homes not included in the pre-existing criteria may be legally allowed to operate; as of November 2018, 353 vacation rentals had permission to operate outside the hotel zone.
As of June 2021, the Maui Meadows region of the Kihei-Makena Community Plan and the Paia Haiku Community Plan region have reached their permit limit for short-term home rentals, or AirBnbs.
In Maui County, homes with a short-term rental permit can be rented without the owner present. To apply for a short-term home rental, you must complete an application through the Maui County Planning Department , which must also include a zoning and flood verification form. The planning department processes these applications and usually takes several months.
(Maui short term rental permit limits vary by area)
Kauai: Are short term rentals allowed on Kauai? Airbnbs are legal in certain tourist areas (VDAs) or areas zoned for hotels. There are between 3,000 and 4,000 vacation homes in these areas, and Kauai no longer allows short-term rentals outside of these designated areas. If the vacation rental received a certificate of non-conforming use before March 2008, then the rental was transferred.
In short, any short-term rental for less than 180 days of a room in a house or an entire house or apartment is not permitted. Additionally, there is no application to apply for an AirBnb on Kauai unless you own a property in a Visitor Destination Area (VDA). The County of Kauai and its Planning Department regulate short-term rentals on the island of Kauai .
(Kauai short term rental permit restrictions based on visitor destination zone — VDA in red)
Big Island: Under House Bill 108, short-term vacation rentals on the Big Island or Hawaii County are now defined as a residence with no more than five bedrooms, rented for 30 consecutive days or less, in which the owner does not reside. on the spot. New short-term vacation rentals are not permitted in single-family residential or agricultural zones and are only permitted in hotel, resort, commercial and multi-family commercial zones.
House Bill 108, also known as Ordinance 2018-114, also made it possible for existing short-term vacation rental properties to apply for a Certificate of Nonconforming Use so they could continue to operate in a generally unpermitted area. The County of Hawaii Planning Department is tasked with administering and overseeing AirBnbs on the Big Island.
COVID-19 has added additional restrictions for Hawaii Airbnb, especially on the island of Oahu.
The question of whether Airbnb is legal in Hawaii has persisted throughout the coronavirus pandemic and adds further restrictions for many Hawaii vacation rental owners and travelers who want to experience paradise outside of a hotel.
Hawaii’s Airbnb laws have become more complex on Oahu and other islands during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayors of Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai restricted vacation rentals in March 2020, but on June 16, 2020, they allowed legal Airbnbs to operate again. Legal short-term holiday homes can now operate; however, Hawaii State’s travel restrictions and other COVID-19 related mandates remain in effect, and Governor Ige has stated that these rules will remain in place until Hawaii’s vaccination rate reaches 70 percent.
Airbnb listings — legal or illegal — must comply with Hawaii tax laws.
(1) Certificate of registration. Airbnb hosts must obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Hawaii Department of Taxation as required by Hawaii State law . Upon successful receipt of a Certificate of Registration, Airbnb hosts must post the TIN on their online listing.
(2) Temporary Occupancy Tax: After registering and receiving a tax identification number, Airbnb hosts are ready to pay taxes to the government! The temporary residence tax applies to stays of less than 180 days. From January 1, 2018, the tax on temporary housing is 10.25 percent.
(3) General Excise Tax: Hawaii has no sales tax; instead we have a General Excise Tax (GET) , which is levied on all business activity, including short-term lettings. The current GET is 4.712 percent on Oahu.
(4) Property Tax: Property taxes in Hawaii vary by county.
Effective July 1, 2021, the City and County of Honolulu, which covers the island of Oahu, has a new property tax class: Bed and Breakfast (Class J). A legal Hawaii Airbnb on Oahu will likely fall into this class, and the tax is 0.65% of the assessed value. Read more about property taxes in Honolulu here . In short, a bed and breakfast is defined as a rental of less than 30 days where the homeowner or other operator is present during the stay, which is ultimately the definition of Airbnb in Hawaii. A typical B&B would be when someone rents out a room in their own home where they live. Short-term vacation rentals (TVR) are defined as «unhosted» or «whole house» rentals of less than 30 days when the owner or operator is away; TVRs are taxed in the hotel and resort class at a rate of 1.39%.
Property tax rates in Maui County, which includes the island of Molokai, are $11.08 per $1,000 of net assessed value for «short-term rentals» such as Airbnb, and $10.70 per $1,000 of net assessed value for zoned properties.» hotel and resort. as of July 1, 2020.
In Kauai County, the 2021 property tax rates for short-term occupancy are $9.85 per $1,000 of net assessed value for «vacation rental» properties and $10.85 for «hotels and resorts» zoned properties.
There are no taxes on residential rentals or short-term rentals in Hawaii County or the Big Island. The tax rates that may apply to Airbnb in Hawaii County are the hotel/resort property tax, which is $6.15 per taxable building valued at $1,000 from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
Building laws and neighborhood regulations add additional rules to Airbnb listings.
Building and Housing Standards: The Oahu Building Code and Residential Code define minimum construction, maintenance, and health and safety requirements. Codes vary between residential and non-residential properties and by island, so refer to the codes for more information.
Other rules. There may be other contracts or rules that govern your potential Airbnb listing, such as lease agreements, HOA rules, or co-op or condominium rules. Read your lease agreements or contact the appropriate parties if applicable.
Complying with laws and regulations is no easy task.
The Appleseed Hawaii Center for Law and Economic Justice estimates that there are 23,000 vacation rentals in Hawaii , many of which are illegal.
Inspectors on each island try to enforce zoning laws. But with thousands of Airbnb listings and fewer than twenty zoning inspectors in each county, enforcement is problematic. Online advertising does not provide sufficient evidence that the Airbnb listing is illegal. Inspectors must obtain information such as the visitor’s name, length of stay, and compensation documents. Once the inspector has enough evidence and issues a violation notice, the Airbnb host has 30 days to make corrections or face a fine.
It’s also difficult for states to determine whether Airbnb hosts pay state taxes. Due to privacy laws, the state Department of Taxation is currently seeking a subpoena to collect host information from Airbnb.
Finally, on December 23, 2019, the City and County of Honolulu published an online form asking the public to report any suspected illegal Airbnb rentals. So far there have been many reports of inspectors following up on leads.
While there are several controversial and potentially changing rules governing Airbnb listings, the benefits of being an Airbnb host may outweigh the bureaucratic burden. For more information, consult an attorney, accountant, Planning and Permitting Department, Taxation Department , or other county or state agency.
Featured What is the best Hawaiian island to live in?
#Honolulu | #Honolulu, #Kauai, #Maui, #Molokai, #Oahu | #Oaxy, #Safety, #Hawaii, #Hawaii | #IslandofHawai’i, #Laws, #Investor, #Real Estate, #News, #Tips, www.Hawaii.Bio, Future of Hawaii Real Estate, Land in Hawaii, How to Build a House, Property Tax, Lifestyle, Cost of Living in Hawaii What you need to know about Hawaii
Beautiful beaches. Lush landscapes. Fresh air. Bright sunsets. Towering mountains. Majestic waterfalls. They can be found on each of the four main inhabited islands of Hawaii, but each of these islands also has unique features and even its own nickname.
How many Hawaiian Islands are there? There are a total of 137 islands in the Hawaiian chain. Hawaii is generally recognized by its eight main islands, seven of the eight of which are inhabited: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe.
When moving to Hawaii , you may be wondering which island to live on. Not only do each of the islands have different geographic features, but they also have different amenities, local governments, history, culture, and cost of living . Discover Hawaii’s five most populous islands—Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai—before deciding which island suits your lifestyle.
Why move to the Big Island (Hawaii Island)?
The Island of Hawaii, known locally as the Big Island, is the largest geographical island in Hawaii and the United States. It is the southeasternmost island and also the newest island with an active volcano, which continues to add more land to make the Big Island even larger. Potential buyers will find that home prices are lower on the Big Island and there is much more land available. However, changeable weather and lack of infrastructure in some areas can be a challenge for the less adventurous home buyer.
Nickname: Big Island Capital: Hilo Population (2010): 185,079 Area: 4,028 square miles Density: 45 people per square mile Highest point: Mauna Kea (13,796 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020 yr): median $365,000 Condo sales price (April 2020): $349,900.
Fun facts
- Lake Waiau, located just below the summit of Mauna Kea, is the only high-altitude lake in the state of Hawaii.
- The Big Island has a green sand beach. It’s called Papkolea, Mahana Beach.
- Pele’s hair can be found on the Big Island. Pele, the goddess of fire, spews out lava, which in turn forms thin threads of volcanic glass. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea.
Story
Stories say that the legendary Polynesian navigator Hawai’iloa was the first to discover the island of Hawaii, hence the island’s name. Other stories say that the island is named after the kingdom of the gods and goddesses, Hawaiian.
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, Captain James Cook, an English explorer, sailed to the Hawaiian Islands and named them the Sandwich Islands. After sharing his «discovery» of the Hawaiian Islands with his compatriots, he was later killed on the Big Island in Kealakekua Bay.
The Big Island was the home of Kamehameha the Great, who united most of the Hawaiian Islands in 1795 after years of war. He renamed the island chain after his home island of Hawaii.
Weather
The Big Island has eleven of the world’s thirteen sublimates, meaning whether you want it wet, dry, hot or cold—even snow—you can find it.
The Kailua-Kona side is hot as the vog (volcanic emissions of sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases) from the active Kilauea volcano absorbs the sun’s rays. Additionally, Kilauea continues to erupt, leaving some homes that are often priced right at risk from lava flows. The leeward side is hot and dry, sometimes there are droughts and even forest fires. If you have breathing problems, it is not recommended to live on the leeward side of the Big Island.
The highlands and eastern part where Hilo is located have a lot of rain and mold. This side also has a history of hurricanes and tropical storms.
Infrastructure
Hawaii County is the governing body of the Big Island. There is an excellent bus system that runs throughout the island and the roads are well maintained. The historic city of Hilo, as well as the popular tourist town of Kona, offer parks, bike paths, and convenient downtown areas with plenty of shopping.
Rush hour traffic is a problem along the 10-mile stretch between Keaau and Pahoa in Puna County, often exacerbated by construction delays. Additionally, with the exception of the main cities of Hilo and Kailua-Kona, most of the Big Island uses private rainwater harvesting systems, meaning that if it doesn’t rain, you may not have running water.
Some other infrastructure shortcomings are that Hilo and Kona do not have trash pickup or home delivery of mail. This means you’ll have to make trips to the landfill and the post office if you live in a rural area.
Safety and security
The Big Island is quite safe and there is nowhere for criminals to hide. Several major violent crimes occur, such as murders or armed robberies. The spirit of aloha is present on the Big Island, where neighbors look out for each other through Neighborhood Watch programs. However, the Big Island has a problem with drugs and petty theft. Home robberies are quite common in South Hilo, Puna County and the Hamakua Coast, as well as car thefts.
Why move to Maui?
The second largest and third most populous island, Maui was once home to sugarcane and pineapple plantations, but has now become an ever-growing island attracting tourists, with plenty of activities, beautiful beaches and scenery. The housing market on Maui is hot — with prices comparable to Oahu and few average days on market.
Nickname: The Valley Isle Capital: Wailuku Population (2010): 144,444 Area: 727 square miles Density: 198 people per square mile Highest point: Haleakala (10,023 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020 year): $754,523 Condo price (April 2020): $602,494.
Fun facts
- The road to Hana is 45 miles long with 59 bridges and more than 600 hairpin turns, as well as lush jungle and countless cascading waterfalls.
- Lahaina was the original capital of Hawaii until it was renamed Honolulu in 1850.
- Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano at 10,023 feet above sea level.
Story
Polynesians from Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands first arrived on Maui perhaps around 400 AD, although there is no exact date. Polynesian settlers followed the kupu system, as on most islands, and became farmers and fishermen.
In the early years there were three kingdoms on Maui: Lahaina, Hana and Waikulu. There have been many wars and conquests over the years, one of the last battles being Kamehameha’s conquest of Great Maui in 1795 to unite the islands.
After English explorers mapped the Hawaiian Islands and shared news of Hawaii’s rich lands with the world, Maui became home to whalers and Christian missionaries. Later sugar plantations consumed life on Maui for nearly a century, with the last 36,000-acre Alexander & Baldwin sugar plantation closing in 2016.
Weather
Maui’s weather varies throughout the island due to its proximity to the coastline, varying elevations, and varying trade winds in the valleys and slopes.
Central Maui, with the cities of Kahului and Wailuku, generally has consistent warm temperatures throughout the year with dry breezes; Central Maui can also be sweltering at times due to precipitation. The downwind side, which includes Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua, is typically drier, with warmer daytime temperatures—up to 92 degrees—and the least precipitation. On the windward side, Paia, Haiku, Keanae, Hana and Kipahulu experience heavier rainfall and northeasterly trade winds. The northern part of Maui includes Makawao, Pukalani, Kula and the main mountain Haleakala. At elevations between 1,700 and 4,500 feet, temperatures are milder (70 to 80 degrees) during the day and cooler at night.
Infrastructure
Maui’s infrastructure, managed by Maui County, which also administers the less populated islands of Lanai and Molokai, was initially financed by sugar and pineapple plantations. The federal government helped build the county’s infrastructure from 1959 until the mid-1970s, and since then under state and county control, Maui residents have continued to desire infrastructure improvements.
Although Maui has sewage, water, roads, public transportation, parks, solid waste, police and fire infrastructure, much of it was built many years ago. Water supply infrastructure is in poor to fair condition, with many roads in need of repair. The Maui bus system is operated by a private company, Roberts Hawaii, and has a limited number of commuter services. Maui is in the process of constructing and expanding the Maui Central Landfill and developing new park facilities.
Safety and security
You might be wondering, is Maui safe? The island receives around 3 million visitors each year and is generally safe for both tourists and residents. It’s no surprise that the ocean environment is dangerous, especially on Maui, which has one of the largest waves in the world, Peahi or Jaws. People on Maui should be aware of rogue waves as well as strong currents. Maui’s trails, waterfalls, and vast landscapes are breathtaking, but also dangerous as people are known to get lost. Violent crime is not common on Maui, but like other islands, petty theft does occur from time to time.
Why move to Lanai?
As the sixth largest inhabited Hawaiian island by geographic size, Lanai is 18 miles at its greatest width. Only 2% of the island is owned by the state of Hawaii or private residents, and the remaining 98% is owned by Oracle Corporation founder and chairman Larry Ellison. Lanai is the island to live on if you’re looking for a small community with plenty of dirt roads, picturesque beaches, and the charm of old Hawaiian pineapple plantations. However, you need a little luck to buy one of the few RVs available!
Nickname: Pineapple Island. Largest settlement: Lanai city. Population (2010): 3,135 Area: 140 square miles. Density: 23 people per square mile. Highest point: Lana’ihale (3,366 feet).
Fun facts
- There are no traffic lights on Lanai. There is one K-12 public school and one hospital serving the entire island.
- Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Lanai was King Kamehameha’s favorite fishing spot.
- Lanai is known as “Pineapple Island” because it was once home to a plantation that produced 75 percent of the world’s pineapples!
Story
According to local Hawaiian legend, Lanai was once ruled by the god of nightmares for thousands of years. The reign of the nightmare god ended when the Maui teen leader killed the nightmare god. He then lit a fire to signal that the people of Maui could finally come to the island and settle it.
When Native Hawaiians inhabited Lanai, they established fish ponds and taro farms, and the people of Lanai enjoyed relatively quiet years until King Kamehameha I took control, killing many of Lanai’s former inhabitants.
In the early 1800s, Chinese farmer Wong Tse Chun used part of Lanai’s land to grow sugar. In the mid-1800s, a group of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints obtained a lease at the ahupuaa of Palawai on Lanai. In 1963, Walter M. Gibson bought the land for $3,000 and registered it in his name, using it for ranching and later sugar cane farming, which attracted hundreds of people from Japan to Lanai.
In 1922, James Dole bought the island and turned it into the world’s largest pineapple plantation, attracting workers from all over the world.
In 1959, when Hawaii became a state, Lanai became part of Maui County. With changing international economies and outsourcing leading to cheaper ways of producing pineapples, Dole Food Company’s plantations shrank and by 1992 the plantations closed.
In June 2012, Larry Ellison purchased Castle & Cooke’s 98 percent stake in Lanai for $300 million. He renovated the former hotel to create the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, which opened in April 2016. He also built a new water filtration system and reopened the public swimming pool in Lanai City, in addition to renovating and reopening the historic plantation. cinema. Ellison started hydroponic farming on Lanai and plans to create a sustainable community on Lanai.
Weather
In general, Lanai has pleasant, dry weather all year round. The island receives only about 37 inches of precipitation per year and temperatures range from 70 to 85 degrees, with higher elevation locations like Lanai City averaging about 72 degrees during the warmer months. Coastal spots like Manele Bay are usually about 10 degrees warmer, so you can shed your jacket and enjoy the beaches more comfortably.
Infrastructure
No traffic lights, one public school from kindergarten through 12th grade, and one hospital. The island is much smaller geographically and in population compared to the other Hawaiian Islands.
To get to Lanai there is an airport and a ferry from Maui. As for traveling around the island, you’ll need a four-by-four vehicle to get to most places. The city does not have a public transport system, but some hotels offer car or minibus services.
Although Lanai is not currently seeing much development, Larry Ellison proposed a plan to diversify the economy and add new jobs and residents in September 2019. Plans included creating a 200-acre industrial park near Lanai’s airport, as well as adding tripling the size of Lanai City — with a vision for a university, more housing, film studios and a tennis academy.
Safety and security
Lanai is an extremely safe place to live. With a population of only 3,000 people and mostly luxury tourism, it is difficult for crime to exist on Lanai. Lanai has a police station that is part of the Maui County Police Department.
Why move to Molokai?
Among the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is known as the Friendly Island, and those who live there would consider it the best island to live. Remote Molokai has many longtime families and few visitors, making it one of the most secluded Hawaiian islands. Long flat fields, sea cliffs on the «back side», winding roads and small shops make Molokai a great place to call home. Most residents live off the land, growing food on the fertile soils, fishing and deer hunting.
Nickname: Friendly Island Largest settlement: Kaunakakai Population (2010): 7,345 Area: 260 square miles Density: 28 people per square mile Highest point: Kamakou (4,961 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020) ): $250,000
Fun facts
- Kaunakakai Pier in the town of Kaunakakai is the longest pier in Hawaii. Continue to the end to see the reef and fish.
- Molokai has 4,000-foot sea cliffs that are the tallest in the world with secret coves and waterfalls.
- There are no traffic lights on Molokai.
Story
Polynesian settlers from the Marquesas, Tahiti, and other Pacific islands are said to have inhabited Molokai around 650 AD, with further migrations occurring in 700 AD. The neighboring islands of Maui and Oahu had little interaction with the people of Molokai in these early years, leading to decades of peace.
In the 18th century, internal conflicts occurred over fertile fishing groups, resulting in chiefs from Oahu taking control of Molokai. When King Maui conquered Oahu, Maui also came under Maui’s rule. Soon after, King Kamehameha the Great unified the Hawaiian Islands, including Molokai. King Kamehameha V had a country home on Kaunakakai Beach and a country estate with cattle, coconut groves, and deer ranching grounds.
The first Europeans to set foot on Molokai in 1786 were Captain George Dixon. Christian missionaries visited Molokai in the 1800s, and the first permanent missionary settled in Kalua’aha in 1832. Kalaupapa was a famous small town isolated by high cliffs on Molokai for people suffering from Hansen’s disease or leprosy. In 1873, Father Damien de Wester arrived in Kalaupapa, leaving a lasting legacy of caring for leprosy victims in Kalaupapa.
Molokai owned the Meyer Sugar Refinery for nearly 30 years, run by Rudolf Meie of Germany, who also produced wheat, potatoes, coffee, and corn for export and worked with King Kamehameha V to control the Molokai ranch lands and the Kalaupapa leper settlement.
Weather
Molokai has favorable weather all year round. The average temperature is around 75 degrees and rarely rises above 85. During the winter season, which typically runs from December to March, evening temperatures drop into the low 60s and there are often a few rainy days. Spring, summer and autumn have warm days with cool trade winds in the evenings. Without trade winds, the heat and humidity can be intense.
Infrastructure
Molokai has a small Molokai General Hospital, which is open 24/7, as well as a community health center and a family health center. Molokai has four public elementary schools and a public middle and high school. There is a charter school and one private school on the island.
Administered by the County of Maui, Molokai has county and state parks and protected areas, including Palau State Park, Molokai Forest Preserve, Halawa Beach Park, and limited-access Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
The island has one two-lane highway running east-west and a small bus network. There is also a small open airport with mostly 8-seater planes arriving daily from the neighboring Hawaiian Islands.
Safety and security
Molokai are small and everyone knows everyone. If you visit Molokai, people will notice. Although Molokai’s unemployment rate has historically been high and most people live off the land or work part-time, there are relatively low rates of crime or theft. People who live on Molokai or visit Molokai can rest easy at night knowing that their neighbors are friendly and crime is low.
Why move to Oahu?
Almost a million people live on Oahu. It has many neighborhoods, majestic scenery, and almost all the amenities of a mainland US city. Oahu has the world famous North Shore with its legendary surf sports, as well as Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, military installations and the main campus of the University of Hawaii.
Single-family home prices on Oahu are the highest of any island, and the housing market is incredibly competitive. With thousands of condominiums available, there are cheaper housing options for those entering the housing market. If you want to experience paradise with the amenities you’d expect, Oahu might be the island for you.
Nickname: The Gathering Place Population (2010): 953,207 Capital: Honolulu Area: 596 square miles Density: 1,597 people per square mile Highest point: Mount Kahala (4,003 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020) .): $809,000 Median Condo Sale Price (April 2020): $450,000.
Fun facts
- Waikiki is Hawaii’s tourist mecca with more than 100 hotels.
- Kualoa Ranch has been the location for many Hollywood films, including Jurassic Park, and prime time television shows such as Hawaii Five-0.
- The NFL Pro Bowl was held at Aloha Stadium from 1980 to 2009 and again from 2011 to 2015.
Story
Like the other islands, it is believed that Oahu was first settled by the Tahitians around 300 AD, although the exact dates are unknown. In 1795, Kamehameha I conquered Oahu after the bloody Battle of Nuuanu, unifying the Hawaiian Islands.
In 1845, the royal capital moved from Lahaina on Maui to Honolulu, which remains the state capital. “Iolani Palace was built, which is still the only palace in the United States. With the arrival of Captain Cook in the Hawaiian Islands and the expansion of sugar and pineapple plantations, the monarchy became increasingly dominated by foreign interests. Queen Liliuokalani was deposed in 1893 and the island chain was annexed in 1898 by the United States.
Another important historical event that occurred on Oahu was the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor during World War II.
Weather
If your definition of great weather is sunny and warm, then Oahu has ideal weather conditions. Honolulu and Waikiki average about 80 degrees year-round with only 20 to 40 inches of precipitation. Along the Waianae coast there is less rain and temperatures may be slightly warmer. There is more rain on the windward side or on the east coast; however, it could be raining one minute and a stunning rainbow appearing the next.
Infrastructure
The County of Honolulu governs the island of Oahu. While traffic on Oahu ranks among the worst in the United States, the island boasts reliable infrastructure. The bus offers service throughout the island, and the Honolulu Railroad promises to offer convenient transportation from the west side of the island to «the city» or Honolulu. Water, sewer, and garbage collection are offered in every area of Oahu, with only some of the more remote locations having pit cesspools. Oahu has many parks, including dog parks, bike trails, and botanical gardens.
Safety and security
Like other islands, Oahu is also considered a safe place compared to other cities on the mainland. However, thefts are becoming more and more common, including car thefts and raids.
Since January 2020, robberies have increased by 52 percent compared to the previous year, with 79 robberies reported to the Honolulu Police Department in four weeks. Homicides are rare, but the same January 2020 report reported a 20 percent increase in gun crimes. In general, Oahu residents can feel safe walking most streets at night, but they should be vigilant in certain areas and neighborhoods and always take precautions to keep belongings safe.
Why move to Kauai?
The oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is known for its lush landscapes, jagged Na Pali Coast mountains and cascading waterfalls. Quaint country towns add to the laid-back atmosphere of this less populated small island. Real estate on Kauai is competitive with single-family home prices comparable to Maui or Oahu, and supply is low. If you want to live the old Hawaiian lifestyle full of aloha and tranquility, Kauai might be the island for you.
Nickname: Garden Island Capital: Lihue Population (2010): 66,921 Area: 552 square miles Density: 121 people per square mile Highest point: Kawaikini (5,243 feet) Average sales price of single-family homes (April 2020) ): $725,000 Median Sale Price Condo Price (April 2020): $499,500
Fun facts
- Kauai is the legendary home of the Menehune, or the mythical Hawaiian race of small people who practiced construction and engineering.
- By law, buildings cannot be built higher than a palm tree, which contributes to the environmental friendliness of the island.
- Kauai Coffee is the largest coffee plantation in the United States.
Story
As the oldest island, Kauai has a unique history. The island’s first settlers are believed to have been the Marquesans and other Polynesians, who arrived around 500 AD, crossing the vast Pacific Ocean under the stars and trade winds. The first settlers lived off the land, growing taro, yams and bananas and enjoying abundant fresh water.
With the advent of Westerns in the late 1700s, Kauai became a common stop for sea travelers and missionaries. Kamehameha the Great had difficulty conquering Kauai and its neighboring island Niihau due to rebellions and disease outbreaks. But in 1810, Kamehameha and the king of Kauai, Kaumuali, came to a peace agreement in which Kauai joined the Kingdom of Hawaii with Kaumuali as its governor.
Beginning in the late 1800s, Kauai had many sugar plantations due to Kauai’s rich plains. In the early 1900s, pineapples came to Kapaa along with people from all over the world—Japan, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Germany, China and the Philippines—to work the plantations. Sugar and pineapples dominated the island for almost 100 years.
Weather
Kauai’s climate is generally humid and stable year-round, with average temperatures of 78 degrees in Lihue in February and 85 degrees in August. Kauai’s mountain ranges, such as Koki State Park, home to Hawaii’s «Grand Canyon,» are cold, with a record low of 29 degrees. Kauai tends to receive more rain and has had floods and hurricanes in the past that have caused damage to homes and hotels. Annual precipitation ranges from about 50 inches per year on the windward coast to less than 20 inches on the leeward side of the island.
Infrastructure
The County of Kauai administers the island of Kauai, as well as the «Forbidden Island» off its shore, Niihau. The infrastructure on Kauai has remained stagnant over the past decades, despite the growth of tourism. Two-way roads, one-way bridges, small parking lots, and a small public transportation system—the Kauai Bus—make getting around Kauai difficult. But Kauai is a small island, so you don’t have to go far.
The island’s drainage system leaves much to be desired, as Kauai lacks a drainage master plan, which has led to flooding and home loss over the past decade. The water systems were originally built by sugar plantations and later expanded by the county. Wastewater systems are available in Waimea, Hanapepe, Lihue, Wailua and Kapaa, but public wastewater systems are not available in many rural areas such as Princeville, Kekaha or Koki.
Safety and security
With its small population and geographic area, Kauai is one of the safest islands. There is minimal crime on Kauai other than petty theft. However, the surf and one-way bridges create danger, so always be alert when swimming or driving on Kauai’s narrow roads. You shouldn’t visit remote waterfalls and hiking trails unless you’re prepared or don’t know the area, as explorers have gotten lost in Kauai’s lush landscapes in the past.
Why move to Niihau?
Niihau is an island that you need an invitation from the Robinson family to visit, hence the nickname «Forbidden Island». Since Niihau is known to have stunning pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, it can be tempting to try to buy property there. However, there is no property to buy on Niihau, and it is almost impossible to even visit Niihau.
Nickname: Forbidden Island. Largest settlement: Puuwai. Population (2010): 170. Area: 69.5 square miles. Density: 1.9 people per square mile. Highest point: Mount Paniau, 1,250 feet.
Fun facts
Residents of Niihau speak almost exclusively Hawaiian.
No one knows exactly how many people live on Niihau, as the Robinson family is not required to report population numbers.
Former Niihau residents say there are many rules, including no alcohol or weapons, no long hair or earrings for men, and no church attendance on Sundays. Breaking the rules could mean eviction from the island by the Robinson family.
Story
Niihau was once ruled by Hawaiian ali’i or chiefs, and many battles and marriages have marked its history and established many rulers. Despite numerous attempts, Kamehameha was never able to completely conquer Niihau by force. In 1810, Kamehameha gathered many fighters, and rather than fight, Niihau’s ruler, Kaumauli, surrendered. And after Kamehameha’s death, his widow, Ka’ahumanu, married Kaumauli’i, further solidifying Niihau’s presence in the united Kingdom of Hawaii.
In 1864, Elizabeth McHutchison Sinclair purchased Niihau from King Kamehameha V for $10,000 in gold. The king made the family promise that they would protect the island and its inhabitants from outside influence, and many generations later, the descendants of the Sinclair family keep this promise to this day. Brothers Bruce and Keith Robinson currently run Niihau.
Weather
Niihau is drier than the other islands, with less rainfall from trade winds due to its low altitude and location next to rainy Kauai. Historical droughts have been recorded on Niihau several times. Average temperatures are 70-80 degrees year round.
Infrastructure
In general, Niihau has no roads, cars, shops, restaurants, internet, electricity or indoor plumbing. Residents use traditional Hawaiian methods of hunting and fishing, as has been done for hundreds of years and passed down by their ancestors.
For employment, residents collect rare small red shells and turn them into expensive leis, while other people are hired to work at the Robinson Ranch, where they receive a salary and free housing.
Safety and security
Since access to Niihau is by invitation only and everyone who lives there is mostly family, there is no documented crime.
So which Hawaiian island is best to live in?
Each of the Hawaiian Islands is unique, offering varied weather, amenities and different cultures. If you like lush scenery and the laid-back old Hawaiian lifestyle, Kauai might be right for you. If you prefer convenience, city life and exciting surf, you might like Oahu. If you like rural life but also enjoy some amenities and tourists along with beautiful scenery, Maui could be your place. And if you want space and an adventurous spirit, the Big Island might be for you.
If you want to live in a friendly countryside and try an eco-friendly lifestyle, Molokai could be your island. However, if you want to experience the atmosphere of old pineapple plantations and are hoping for more sustainable initiatives from Larry Ellison, you might like life on Lanai. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and escape the outside world, Ni’ihau may be for you, but by invitation only.
Whichever island you choose to live in, the beauty of Hawaii and the spirit of aloha will reside there.
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Pitfalls when buying real estate in Hawaii
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The endless blue ocean, towering green mountains, endless colorful rainbows, the aloha spirit: living in Hawaii is truly paradise. While beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and an attractive culture may entice you to buy real estate in Hawaii, not everything in paradise is perfect.
Homeowners in Hawaii often face a number of disadvantages when purchasing real estate in Hawaii.
Before you buy a home in Hawaii, here are some of the top pitfalls of home ownership, according to our homeowner surveys.
Homes are smaller than those on the US mainland and tend to be much more expensive per square foot.
Can you imagine living in a 2,000 square foot single family home with large rooms and closets on an average sized lot of say 7,500 square feet? Although this is a typical home in many suburban areas of the mainland US, in Hawaii such a home would be expensive.
The median price of a single-family home on Oahu reached $950,000 in March 2021, and the median sales price was $1,226,827, according to the Honolulu Board of Real Estate. Prices per square foot are over $600 for single-family homes in most areas of Oahu, including Mililani, Kapolei, Ewa Beach, Kaneohe and Kailua. In areas like Kailua and Hawaii Kai, prices can be even higher.
Also, keep in mind that even in Hawaii there aren’t many huge homes for sale. Land in Hawaii is limited, so there aren’t many options for building or purchasing larger homes. Most single-family homes have two to four bedrooms, with modest room and lot sizes. However, Hawaii also has many beautiful mansions that are reasonably priced (over $1 million).
The real estate market is tough and there are few options.
The Hawaii real estate market is hot! From January to March 2021, 50% of single-family homes sold were over asking price. For condominiums, 29% are selling above list price. In March 2021, single-family homes spent an average of just nine days on the market.
The demand for housing in Hawaii is enormous. Shannon Haven, president of the Honolulu Real Estate Council, said, “Despite new listings, demand continues to outpace our limited housing inventory. The lack of inventory creates a very active and competitive market for potential Oahu home buyers.”
If you are even thinking about purchasing real estate in Hawaii, keep in mind that you will likely need to make a competitive offer, and delays in making a decision may cause you to miss out on the opportunity to purchase real estate in Hawaii. If you see your home in Hawaii, talk to your real estate agent so they can get you the best deal right away. Then cross your fingers, as the seller will likely have several offers to choose from.
The cost of living in Hawaii is high compared to most other places in the US.
Once you move into your Hawaii home, you can live in paradise—for a price. According to Expatistan for 2021, Honolulu is the 7th most expensive city in the United States and the 8th most expensive city in North America. Honolulu is also the 21st most expensive city in the world! Some studies show that you’ll need a whopping salary of over $122,000 to live comfortably in Hawaii.
Generally, everything is more expensive in Hawaii than on the US mainland. Gasoline costs over $3 a gallon. A gallon of milk costs about $9 at Safeway, one of the main grocery stores on Oahu. A loaf of sandwich bread will cost you about $5 on Oahu, and avocados, which are found in abundance on some trees in Hawaii, will cost you about $2 per avocado at Costco.
The cost of living in Hawaii in 2021 often comes as a shock to newcomers to the Hawaiian Islands. Learn more about the cost of living in Hawaii, including ways to cut costs and how the cost of living compares in Honolulu and other places like California and New York.
Construction is often expensive, and homeowners in Hawaii should expect construction delays.
Labor and building materials shipped across the ocean also cost more in Hawaii. Looking to update your kitchen? Expect to pay much more than on the US mainland. How much does it cost to build a house in Hawaii? Learn more from our Oahu construction experts here.
Once you’ve saved up to renovate, renovate, or even build your dream home, understand that construction delays are common in Hawaii. The number of contractors and builders is limited, and when you find the contractor you want in Hawaii, know that unexpected delays may occur. Delays may be caused by uncontrollable shipping difficulties as building materials are often shipped in shipping containers to the Hawaiian Islands; only a certain number of shipping containers are delivered to Hawaii on large barges each day, and when they reach the docks, only a certain number of containers are unloaded each day.
Other construction delays include Hawaii’s lengthy building permitting process. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is notorious for taking some time to approve building permits. Other delays may be due to inclement weather such as heavy rain or hurricanes. Another delay could be due to unavailability of workers or even due to workers being stuck in terrible traffic. In short, construction in Hawaii is not always efficient or cost-effective, so it can become a nasty pitfall for Hawaii homeowners.
Utilities are expensive and not always reliable.
How much does electricity cost in Hawaii? Electricity costs on Oahu range from $0.49 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to $0.62 per kWh, depending on the time of day. This rate has been increasing regularly and is higher than many places on the US mainland. The benefit of homeownership in Hawaii is that solar energy can be an option for many homeowners, offering much lower energy bills.
Additionally, Hawaii’s electricity is operated by only a few companies. Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) is the electricity provider on the island of Oahu. Since there is only one company, homeowners have only one company to rely on during emergencies. Power lines on Oahu are above ground in many areas, and the rich soils cause foliage to grow quickly, making it easy for wind and tall trees to knock down power lines. When will the power come back on? This depends on how quickly HECO can respond. Due to weather conditions and electrical infrastructure in some areas, Hawaii homeowners should expect to live without power for several hours each year.
While the Hawaiian Islands have Internet access in most places (except very rural areas on the Big Island, Maui, or Kauai), Hawaii has a limited number of Internet providers. On Oahu, most homeowners will choose Hawaiian Telcom or Spectrum, but which is better? Both offer fiber optic options, but both are known to stop working from time to time—another pitfall of buying real estate in Hawaii.
Salt water damage or mold from moisture creates the need for seemingly constant maintenance.
While Hawaii’s blue seas are beautiful, the salty and humid air can cause some damage to property.
Any metal will rust quickly, like the galvanized nails holding your siding together or the beautiful metal door leading into your home. Stainless steel materials are recommended for a more durable design, but they will also rust over time.
Humid air can cause wood to swell or rot. While painting or staining the wood can help keep the wood looking longer, it always seems that no matter how hard Hawaii property owners try, air leaks into the wood. This can cause difficulty opening wooden gates or even damage walls and exterior awnings.
Some contractors specialize in building homes that can withstand Hawaiian air. However, most homes in Hawaii were not originally built with these measures in mind. Learn more about Lex Allen’s recommendations for building Hawaii homes that can withstand Hawaii’s humid and salty air; Lex is the owner of Solid Build Construction, Inc. , based in Kapolei.
Weeds can easily take over garden beds, and creepy bugs can invade homes.
Hawaii has rich soil that makes it easy to grow a variety of foods, from herbs like basil and mint to fruit trees like avocado and papaya, from vegetables like lettuce and cucumbers to Hawaiian staples like taro. However, this rich soil also allows weeds and invasive species to grow easily.
Here are some of the major weeds and invasive species that can easily take over Hawaiian gardens within months if the right precautions (such as mulching and constant maintenance) are not taken:
- Knapweep
- Wild garlic
- West Indian foxtail
- Barbed wire grass
- Canada thistle
- pepper
- Lyon grass Witch
- Much more
In addition to weeds that can easily take over manicured lawns or well-educated flower beds, there are also several insects in Hawaii that can wreak havoc on property. Termites are a top predator for Hawaii homeowners.
Terrestrial termites have been known to eat away at support beams and walls and cause entire homes to collapse. The good news is that Hawaii homes are inspected for termites at escrow, and almost all wood used for construction is termite treated.
Some other scary insects that homeowners in Hawaii will have to deal with include centipedes, flying cockroaches, ants, flies and cane spiders. Not to mention, Hawaii also has mice and rats that are known to visit homeowners. Regular termite fumigation and insect and pest control are preventive measures recommended for homeowners in Hawaii.
Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, or even volcanic eruptions pose a real threat to life in Hawaii.
Are there active volcanoes in Hawaii? Yes, on the Big Island. In 2018, the Kīlauea eruption destroyed more than 700 homes. Mount Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and residents of the Big Island experience its effects firsthand. Kauai, Oahu and Maui have no active volcanoes; however, sometimes volcanic air, or vog, reaches all of the islands, depending on the air flow and activity of Kilauea.
Are there floods in Hawaii? Yes, properties flood almost every year on all of the Hawaiian Islands, including Oahu.
In 2021, about 100 properties in Haleiwa and Hau’ula on Oahu’s North Shore suffered major damage due to river flooding due to excessive rainfall.
Ocean tides and large waves will also cause flooding of Hawaiian homes on all islands.
When purchasing property in Hawaii, it is important to ask about the previous flood history and flood zone designation for the property.
Related news:
May 2022 Why did the Hawaii Legislature amend the Real Estate Seller Disclosure Act?
The agent representing you in the transaction should be able to help you complete this section (if you are a seller) or direct you to resources for interpreting the disclosure (if you are a buyer).
You may be interested in this topic: #Real Estate in Hawaii
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Is it possible to buy land in Hawaii?
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Not long ago, land in Hawaii could not be privately owned by individuals, but rather was controlled by the moi (king) and his ali’i (high chiefs) through an organized land department or ahupuaa. However, King Kamehameha III’s Grand Mahele in 1848 paved the way for individuals to gain title to land and real estate in Hawaii. Today, land can be bought and sold in Hawaii — in certain areas and subject to Hawaii’s real estate laws and regulations. Let’s look at the stories of land ownership in Hawaii, from obtaining land rights in Hawaii today to ahupua in the past.
Who can buy land in Hawaii today?
Anyone in the world can buy real estate in Hawaii. However, if you are not a Hawaii resident, as defined by filing Hawaii state income taxes, then buying or selling land in Hawaii may have a few more complications.
If you are not a US citizen, you cannot use the property as your permanent residence unless you have a green card or visa. Non-US citizens may use the property as an investment or vacation home.
While anyone in the world can buy property in Hawaii, non-Hawaii residents will be subject to a tax of 7.25% of the sales price when and if they sell the property under the Hawaii Real Estate Tax Act or HARPTA. This 7.25% tax, along with the 15% federal tax for non-US citizens known as FIRPTA, will be automatically withheld at the time of escrow.
There are different tax forms and rules under both HARPTA and FIRPTA, so if you are not a Hawaii resident and want to sell your Hawaii property, it is recommended that you consult with an accountant.
Another challenge to purchasing real estate in Hawaii if you are not a US citizen is that financing can be difficult. A cash sale can of course be easily accomplished, but financing through a local lender or even a foreign lender can have its challenges as the documentation often differs from country to country.
Where can you buy land in Hawaii today?
Land in Hawaii is limited. Land with improvements or homes is limited, and undeveloped land is also limited. Today, where and what type of land you can buy in Hawaii depends largely on the zoning or purpose of the land.
Each of the Hawaiian Islands has different lands, as well as different zoning laws within the county. Here is a GIS map of all the islands of Hawaii with additional information about each of their zones.
The City and County of Honolulu, or the island of Oahu, has the following zoning, which includes land zoned for the following uses: conservation, agriculture, rural, residential, apartment, mixed-use apartment, resort, business, mixed-use business, and industrial. .
Where can you buy residential property on Oahu? This will be in most coastal cities such as Kailua, Kaneohe, Honolulu, Hawaii Kai, Kapolei and Waianae, as well as several developed cities inland of Oahu such as Mililani or Wahiawa.
If you’re looking for undeveloped land, there are only a few places on Oahu that have land left for sale:
Maunawili in Kailua has several large lots for high-end residential homes.
Mostly agricultural land is sold in Waimanalo.
There are several lots for sale in East Honolulu, including Hawaii Loa Ridge near Hawaii Kai.
Several large residential or agricultural sites can be found near Kaneohe, including the Auimanu and Kahalu’u areas.
On the North Shore there are many agricultural areas near Wailua as well as around Kahuku.
Some other islands, such as Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island or Maui, have much more undeveloped land for sale — sometimes at relatively low prices by Hawaiian standards.
How to buy land in Hawaii?
Have you found a vacant lot for sale in Hawaii? If you don’t have the cash to purchase land outright in Hawaii, buyers usually need to get a loan for the vacant land.
The benefit of most land loans is that buyers typically only pay interest for the first few years. Typically, you will also need to secure a construction loan.
Once construction is completed, the land loan and construction loan can be converted to a conventional mortgage.
Disadvantages of a land loan include having to put down more money and having more difficulty getting a loan than other mortgages, such as a conventional loan.
When you buy land in Hawaii, offers are made with the same sales agreement as other real estate transactions involving single-family homes or condominiums. A land closing is also similar to a Hawaii home closing, except there will be no home inspections or termite reports.
Some real estate agents as well as mortgage brokers specialize in buying land in Hawaii, so we recommend consulting with one if you want to learn more.
Why buy land in Hawaii?
Buying undeveloped land in Hawaii may be the right option for some people, as there are many creative ways to use the land. Some people may dream of purchasing farmland to start a farming business. Please note that in Hawaii there may typically be a «farm dwelling» on agricultural land, which is defined by Hawaii Revised Statutes 205-4.5(a) as «a single-family dwelling located and used in connection with a farm…where agricultural activities provide income for the household, occupying residential premises.»
Some people may want to buy a piece of residential land to build their dream home. Building a custom home in Hawaii comes with a variety of costs. However, you can build a modular home, a tiny home, or even a storage container home. If you are purchasing residential land, be sure to ask questions about utilities, including water and electricity, and access to public roads. Some people dream of buying a piece of land in Hawaii so they can rent it out and make a lot of money.
Is it possible to do glamping in Hawaii?
Glamorous camping or glamping could be your entrepreneurial idea, and you could build yurts or fancy tents to rent out to tourists on sites like Airbnb.
However, keep in mind that Airbnb is controversial in Hawaii, with many new laws enacted on each island.
Most likely, any undeveloped land for sale will not qualify as a vacation rental site. Today, with time, anyone can buy land in Hawaii if they have the funds and can find the right property for sale. However, the idea of owning land in Hawaii was once unheard of.
What was land ownership like in Hawaii in the past?
No Land Ownership: Ahupua’a Land Office The idea of owning land did not occur to most Native Hawaiians as they had an organized system of land division that mostly took care of everyone’s housing and food.
Each island, or mokupuni, was divided into several smaller parts, or moku. On the island of Oahu, for example, there were six moku:
Ko’olauloa — North Shore today
Ko’olaupoko — Kaneohe, Kailua, Waimanalo, and Hawaii Kai today
Kona — Waikiki and Honolulu today’
Ewa — Ewa Beach and Waipahu today
Wai’anae — Waianae today
Wailua — Wailua today
Each moku was then divided into ahupuaa.
These were wedge-shaped pieces of land that stretched from the mountains to the sea and often followed natural boundaries such as rivers or mountain ranges. The name ahupua’a comes from two Hawaiian words for «pile» (ahu) and «pig» (pua’a), alluding to the fact that the boundaries of each division were marked by a pile of stones depicting a pig or an actual pig. , which will be given as a tax to the ruling chief.
Each ahupua’a was not the same size, as they were divided based on the resources available on that side of the island to ensure that the people living in that ahupua’a had everything they needed, from access to the ocean for fishing to fertile land. land to grow taro, sweet potatoes and other native plants for construction or food.
In Kona moku on Oahu, it included the following ahupua’a, whose names many cities and places still bear:
- Kuliuu
- Niu
- Vailupe
- Waialae
- Waikiki
- Honolulu
- Kapalama
- Kalihi
- Kahauiki
- Moanalua
Each ahupua’a was governed by an ali’i, or local chief, who was ultimately subordinate to the king. The ali’i used konohiki, or headmen/managers, who helped the ali’i manage land and fishing rights. Within the ahupuaa, the aliya also had two or three plots of land delegated to him, which were called ‘or. Mo’o were agricultural parts or.
In addition to the lands of the chief or ‘ili, within the ahupuaa there were even smaller plots of land called kuleana, which were used by the common people, or maka’ainana, to grow food. The size of the kuleana usually depended on the fertility and availability of land within the ahupua’a. Each Maka’ainan had a special craft, which was often passed down from generation to generation. The Maka’ainana were farmers, fishermen, housewives, weavers, canoe builders and other professions who worked together to meet the needs of all who lived in the ahupua’a. They bargained frequently to ensure that everyone had everything they needed.
Also, one of the roles of konohiki was to help distribute resources to everyone living in the ahupua’a. Another role of the konohiki was to collect taxes, which were often used to support the ali’i. Often the makaainana, konohiki, and alii respected each other; however, there are stories of Maka’ainana coming together to fight against Konohiki, or even Maka’a’ainana leaving ahupuaa to other ahupuaa that they felt were better regulated.
At this time, a person could not own land in Hawaii. However, land tenure was stable, people had a place to live in settlements, and resources were regulated for sustainable use so that everyone had what they needed. Hawaiians often had plenty of time for leisurely recreational activities such as surfing and martial arts, and time for arts such as kapa printing, quill embroidery, dancing and singing.
Change of land ownership:
Mahele 1848 After Kamehameha the Great unified the Hawaiian Islands through conquest in 1795 and after James Cook spread the word about Hawaii after his landing on the islands in 1778, which led to the arrival of missionaries and other foreigners — along with disease — Kamehameha III decided it was time for the Hawaiians to own the land.
Mahele Kamehameha III divided all the land in Hawaii among mo’i, ali’i, and government lands that were designated for maka’ainan. The mahele was a transaction that began on January 28, 1848 and ended on March 7, 1848. This redistribution of land is recorded in Buka Kakau Paa no ka mahele aina i Hooholia i waena o Kamehameha III a me Na Lii a me na Konohiki. ana, better known as the Book of Mahele.
Other acts and laws of the time further changed the status of land ownership in Hawaii. Under the Kuleana Act of 1850, commoners or maka’ainana could apply for title to the land on which they lived and hold it as common property. However, they must have lived on the land before 1839 to qualify. These land claims were resolved by 1854 with complex paperwork and a land registry. Because land ownership was a foreign idea, most Hawaiians did not claim the land, resulting in the remaining unclaimed lands being taken over by the government, some of which were later sold to today’s large Hawaiian landowners. At that time, only about 1 percent of the land in Hawaii went to the Maka’ainans, who made up the vast majority of the population.
Another important law paved the way for how land title exists in Hawaii today: the Resident Alien Act of July 10, 1850, which gave foreigners or non-Hawaiians the right to purchase land in fee simple, which meant that people from anywhere could buy and sell land. or pass it on to heirs.
Buying Land in Hawaii Today From the days of kings ruling over each island, to the Kingdom of Hawaii, to the Republic of Hawaii, to U.S. Territory, to statehood, land ownership in Hawaii has changed.
Native Hawaiians once did not even consider land ownership a necessity, as they enjoyed sustainable use and sharing of land within an organized and prosperous ahupua system.
However, the controversial history of Mahele, or land distribution, and the later overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii meant that people from all over the world were able to buy land in Hawaii at a simple price.
Today , if you have the necessary resources and perhaps a little luck, you can buy a plot of land in Hawaiian paradise.
Taxes on rental income in Oahu, Hawaii: GET, TAT and OT
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If you own rental property in Hawaii, you are required to pay certain taxes. These taxes vary depending on which island you have your property on. This article is an overview of the taxes you must pay if you own rental property on Oahu. Please note that the taxes you pay will vary depending on whether the property is a long term or short term rental. Additionally, if you use a full-service property management company, the company may collect and pay these taxes on your behalf.
General excise tax (GET): 4.5%
Instead of a sales tax, Hawaii has a GET, which is assessed on all business activity. For rental properties on Oahu, the GET is currently 4.5% and must be paid on gross rental income and can be passed on to the tenant. It is important that you pay this tax according to the required filing frequency. Depending on your tax liability, taxes will be paid monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. You must file (Form G-45) and pay your taxes no later than the 20th day of the month following the close of the filing period. You must also file an annual return (Form G-49). This must be done on the 20th day of the fourth month following the close of the previous tax year. For most people, Form G-49 must be filed no later than April 20 of the following year.
Temporary residence tax (TAT): 10.25%
If the property is used as ‘temporary’ accommodation (short term rental) you will need to pay VAT. The State of Hawaii defines «temporary» placement as:
“Temporary housing is a room, apartment, house, condominium, beach house, hotel room, suite or similar dwelling unit rented to a temporary person for less than 180 consecutive days.”
The TAT is levied on gross rentals or gross rental proceeds, which are any amounts received by the operator in cash, goods or services for the rental of temporary housing without any deduction for expenses. If you charge guests a cleaning fee, that fee is considered revenue and must be included in your TAT calculations. TAT must be paid within the same time frame as your GET payments.
Is income ever exempt from value added tax?
There are situations where you are not required to pay TAT taxes in Hawaii. If your guests meet the following requirements, you may be exempt from TAT:
- Low-income tenants who receive rent from the state or federal government and whose rental periods are less than 60 days.
- Housing facilities for military personnel permanently stationed in Hawaii, including military personnel who are receiving temporary housing benefits while seeking housing in Hawaii or awaiting transfer outside of Hawaii.
- Housing is provided by non-profit corporations or associations organized for religious, charitable or educational purposes.
- Housing provided to foreign diplomats and consular officers holding cards issued or authorized by the United States Department of State granting them an exemption from government taxes.
Oahu Temporary Occupancy Tax (OTAT): 3%
The Oahu Transient Occupancy Tax (OTAT) is currently 3%. OTAT is imposed in addition to TAT. Taxpayers registered in the state and having a valid state TAT number will be considered registered for OTAT. Taxpayers subject to OTAT do not need to register separately with the city.
Important miscellaneous information:
- Operators must display a TAT registration certificate in each rented room, apartment or other temporary accommodation. Instead of publishing the certificate, you can post a notice informing the guest or tenant where the certificate can be verified.
- An out-of-state operator requires that there be a local person or entity on the island who can assist the tenant if necessary. You must include the name, telephone number and email address of your local contact person in the same location where your certificate of registration or notice is posted.
- There is no statute of limitations for GET or TAT. Therefore, it is very important that you make the appropriate payments on time.
This information is provided simply as an overview of the taxes applicable to owning investment property on Oahu. Please note that this information is subject to change and I am not a tax advisor. It is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified tax professional prior to purchasing investment property in Hawaii to obtain the most current tax information and how it may apply to you.
Looking for investment properties in Hawaii? Just call us at +1(808)666-9936 or click here. fill the form. We are here to serve you and look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals.
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