Hawaii Heroes

The University of Hawaii Warriors football team, all of them, are truly heroes to us. Colt Brennan, quarterback, was one of the 4 finalists for the Heisman trophy, the team had 5 All-Americans, and Coach June Jones is a finalist for Coach of the Year.

The Warriors were the ONLY NCAA Division I team to go undefeated this year.



Aloha Stadium was completely sold out for the last few games of the season, almost 50,000 fans, and millions more were cheering the team on TV. While the UH team may not get all the credit it deserves, because the team didn't play "top ranked" schools, or because Brennan missed a couple of games, their record speaks for itself, as do all the NCAA records Brennan broke this season, as do the scores of the 3 games in which he led the team from behind to win. He will be missed greatly, but 2nd quarterback Tyler Graunke, who will be a Senior, is ready to take over.

Congratulations to you all!

Market Activity in Hawaii Kai as of 12.14.2007

Numbers are down only slightly for sales and active listings in Hawaii Kai for the past month. The market continues strong, as buyers place a good value on homes in the east part of Oahu.




120 sales took place in the last 6 months for single family:
37 under $799,999
40 between $800,000 - $999,999
18 between $1,000,000 - $1,199,999
21 between $1,200,000 - $1,999,999
4 over $2,000,000 - the highest sale was $15,900,000

There are 119 active listings as of 12.14, and 19 under contract.

For condos, 124 sales occurred in the last 6 months, ranging from $300,000 for a leasehold unit to $1,400,000 for a 3 bedroom home in Kalele Kai.
There are 78 active condo listings, and 22 under contract.

Call or email me for questions and a complete market analysis of Hawaii Kai real estate. Barbara Abe, www.movetohawaiikai.com, barbara@barbarashawaii.com , 800-999-6090, 808-226-2537.

Dog Park Etiquette

With the Hawaii Kai Dog Park getting closer to completion, your dogs might want a refresher on how to behave. Excerpted from a Hui 'Ilio Hawaii article (the non-profit group working for bark parks around Oahu), consider:

• Before considering a trip to the dog park there is one essential skill your dog needs to know. When you call your dog, will he come to you? If you and your dog have been working on off-leash recall in your own yard maybe it’s time to try it out in a broader environment. Pick a time that’s not too busy at the dog park and work with your dog. With perseverance you and your dog will become confident and welcomed
park goers.
• Dogs must be leashed for entering and exiting the park.
• Always be aware of your dog’s whereabouts and be prepared to intervene with a leash when aggressive behavior endangers other park goers and their dogs.
• Dogs in heat should stay home.
• Dogs should be healthy and vaccinated.
• Always remove your pet’s waste.
• Keep toys and treats at home. Aggressive behavior can erupt as a result of guarding and stealing.
• A flat collar on your dog should be fine. Remove choke chain collars as sometimes a wayward tooth can get caught in the links during dog play.
• Be mindful if you have a small dog. They can be overwhelmed by bigger dogs. Check if there’s a designated area for your petite chien.

Until the Hawaii Kai Dog Park is open, here are the available off-leash parks on Oahu:

MCINERNY DOG PARK
Hawaiian Humane Society
Grassy 1/3 acre park with trees, tropical flora, and waterfall.

BARK PARK
Diamond Head Road and 18th Avenue
Open daily during daylight hours
http://www.barkpark-honolulu.org/

MILILANI DOG PARK
Mililani Mauka District Park at Park & Ride
95-1069 Ukuwai Street
Open daily during daylight hours
Closed Wednesday mornings for maintenance

MOANALUA DOG PARK
Moanalua Community Park, off Pu‘uloa Rd.
Open daily during daylight hours
Closed Tuesday mornings until noon for maintenance
http://www.moanaluadogpark.org/

For more information on the dog parks, contact Hui 'Ilio Hawaii, hui-ilio@hawaii.rr.com, or me, Barbara Abe, barbara@barbarashawaii.com. Until the park in Hawaii Kai is completed and our fence paid for, I will be donating 10% of all my commissions to the group. Visit the Pet Page on my web site for good links and news for pets in Hawaii.

Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan Draft Released

Hawai‘i is a unique and beautiful state – for many, it is an ideal place to live and is second to none for providing a preferred quality of life. Because our future is so important, and the ecosystem so fragile, I'd like to quote from the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability web site, to help generate feedback on the draft plan:

"The lack of affordable and adequate housing; steady deterioration of our public infrastructure – including roads, parks, schools, health care facilities and other buildings; traffic gridlock and congestion on most islands; and population growth increasing at a rapid rate, particularly on the neighbor islands – all raise questions about the long term limits of growth on these islands and the need for all of us to begin planning and acting now to ensure a positive and sustainable future for the people of Hawai‘i, especially our children, youth, and future generations.

In developing a plan to create sustainable communities throughout our state, Hawai‘i 2050 seeks to foster dynamic, cohesive, fair and collaborative communities where residents can reach their personal aspirations. Issues related to population growth, carrying capacity, governance, justice and equity, and living within an island-based community will be addressed.

The Draft Hawai‘i 2050 Sustainability Plan is now open for public review and comment. We want to hear from you about the plan – what you like, what you don’t like, what makes sense, what’s missing, and what could be improved.

Hawai‘i 2050 is committed to a citizen-based planning process that builds on the wisdom and desires of our communities. It is the 'People’s Plan.'"

Contact me for links if you want to participate or get more information. This process is extremely important to the future of Hawaiian residents and all who value our island heritage.

Barbara Abe, REALTOR, barbara@barbarashawaii.com, 808-226-2537.

www.movetohawaiikai.com

For Oahu Dog Lovers

A new publication will be launched in January, Da Kine Canine, or Island Dog Magazine, which will celebrate the joy and love of da kine canine. From their initial ad brochure,

"At least 40% of Oahu’s households have a dog, and many more than one. Almost 60% have a pet. Island Dog will be there to help guide their choices with timely articles that are sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, but always informative and always building a sense of community. Oh yes, and always with lots of pictures of local people with their dogs."

Watch the newstand, or contact the company at 808-254-2992, or islanddog@hawaii.rr.com for ad rates. And visit the Pet Page on my web site for links and tips on pets in Hawaii.

Barbara Abe
your Hawaii Kai Realtor
808-226-2537
http://www.movetohawaiikai.com/
barbara@barbarashawaii.com

Sales for Hawaii Kai

The market in Hawaii Kai continues to be strong and the median home price on Oahu rose again in October to $655,000, although the median price for condos fell slightly to $322,500.

As of November 23, in the last six months, 116 single family homes sold in Hawaii Kai, from $590,000 to $15,900,000. Here is the breakdown by price:
36 under $799,999
39 between $800,000 - $999,999
13 between $1,000,000 - $1,199,999
23 between $1,200,000 - $1,999,999
5 over $2,000,000

Condo sales also kept pace with the good market. 138 condos sold in the last six months, ranging from a leasehold unit in Village Green at $300,000 to a 3 bedroom in Kalele Kai for $1,400,000.

If you aren't familiar with the beauty and amenities of Hawaii Kai, visit my web site at www.movetohawaiikai.com which will give you details of the neighborhoods and activities in one of the most beautiful areas of Oahu. As examples, here are photos of the 2 highest sales in the last 6 months, the home in Portlock and condominium in Kalele Kai:

Leasehold Studio with Fantastic View Honolulu

2888 Ala Ilima St #2307
Five Regents Building
Salt Lake Neighborhood
1 parking, long lease to 2078
Low mx fee $213
New paint, carpet, ceramic tile
Secure building with pool,
community laundry, tennis court
$155,000 leasehold
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 11/18
2 - 5 PM

Hawaii Kai Dog Park to Become a Reality!

The Honolulu Advertiser released the news Nov. 8 that the city has begun work on the Hawaii Kai Dog Park, at the corner of Keahole Street and Kalaniana'ole Highway. They are clearing the boundaries and will start putting up fence posts by mid-November.

The non-profit group Hui'ilio Hawai'i has been working on the project and raising funds for three years. They formed a private-public partnership with the city of Honolulu, which requires the city to clear the land, install irrigation and fencing. The non-profit will provide the fence material, benches, and some landscaping.

While the grass will take a few months to grow in strong enough to withstand all those pounding paws, dogs and Hawaii Kai residents alike hope for an opening in the Spring.

To contribute to the dog park through the non-profit, contact me by email, Barbara@BarbarasHawaii.com, or visit their web site. Until the park is a reality, I will donate 10% of all commissions to the group.

Barbara Abe, Realtor

East Oahu Realty

http://www.movetohawaiikai.com/

Hawaii Kai Market Statistics as of Nov. 2, 2007

The market in Hawaii Kai, on the east end of Oahu, continues strong.

As of Nov. 2, 116 single family homes were available, 24 under contract, and 126 sold in the last six months. The sales range from $590,000 to $15,900,000. More homes are listed between $1,200,000-$1,999,999 than at other prices, 42 as of today, but numbers of sales in that range trailed the less expensive homes, those under $1,000,000.

For condos, there are 83 active listings, from $389,000 to $1,248,000, 23 under contract, and 150 sold in the last six months. The sales range from $300,000 to $1,400,000.

There is a wide variety of price ranges, but also of style, age, size, and location. Waterfront brings the highest price, water view next, and no view the least. But in Hawaii Kai, you are only 5 minutes from the water of Maunalua Bay or Sandy Beach in any neighborhood.

Here are some examples of the beautiful architecture found in Hawaii Kai:

Contact me at barbara@barbarashawaii.com for more information about the Oahu real estate market, and especially Hawaii Kai, or visit http://www.movetohawaiikai.com/.

Honolulu Web Cams

I've discovered some great live web cams available online for our island. Visit http://www.honolulu.gov/cameras/index.htm. You can watch the tourists in Waikiki in two different locations, accompanied by music, traffic congestion hot spots, Honolulu traffic cameras, and live webcasts of the Honolulu City and County Council meetings.

If you get tired of snow and cold this winter, try http://www.honolulu.gov/multimed/waikiki.asp, watch the waves break and dream of white sand beaches in Hawaiian Paradise.

Should these webcams make you dream of owning a hideaway in Waikiki, or anywhere on Oahu, give me a call or email. I'll help you find your special home in the Islands. Enjoy!

Barbara Abe, REALTOR

barbara@barbarashawaii.com

800-999-6090

Moloka'i Hoe

The Outrigger Canoe Race, the Molokai Hoe, will be held Sunday, October 7. More than 1,000 paddlers from around the world will compete in the 41-mile open-ocean race from Hale O Lono Harbor on Molokai, to Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki. The crew from SHELL VAA of Tahiti will defend their title against teams from Japan, Singapore, Italy, Australia, California, and Hawaii.

Here's a description from the Moloka'i Hoe web page: "The Moloka'i Hoe is one of the longest running annual team sporting events in Hawaii, second only to football. The Moloka'i Hoe perpetuates one of Hawaii's and Polynesia's most important and historic cultural traditions, while honoring outrigger canoe paddlers around the world. The Moloka'i Hoe tests the limits of physical and mental strength and endurance, courage determination and teamwork, and paddlers battle nature's most extreme elements."

The race was a dream in 1939, and finally became a reality in 1952 when the Waikiki Surf Club, Hawaiian Surf Club, and Kukui o Lanikaula of Moloka'i competed. The team from Moloka'i didn't even have a canoe, so they borrowed a fishing canoe and won! It's the only year the Moloka'i men have won the race.

Lanikai Canoe Club of Oahu set the course record in 1995 and broke their own record in 2000, winning in 4:50:31. Outrigger Canoe Club of Hawaii has won the race 16 times, the most of any entrant in the history of the race. This year the winners will receive a cash prize of $5,000.

Market Update for Hawaii Kai as of Sept. 21, 2007:

Single Family Homes

Active Listings: total 123

Under $1,000,000 - 37

$1,000,000-$1,200,000 - 12

$1,200,000-$2,000,000 - 48

$2,000,000-$17,888,888 - 26

Listings Under Contract: total 23

Under $1,000,000 - 13

$1,000,000-$3,575,000 - 10

Sold in the last 6 months: total 130

Under $1,000,000 - 86

$1,000,000-$1,200,000 - 15

$1,200,000-$2,000,000 - 23

$2,000,000-$4,500,000 - 6

Condos

Active Listings: total 83

From $365,000 to $1,288,000

Listings Under Contract: total 34

From $320,000 to $1,580,000

Sold in the last 6 months: total 152

From $300,000 to $1,150,000

If you would like more information on the Hawaii Kai market, or active listings, just let me know. I have been a resident of this community and a REALTOR here for many years.

Aloha,

Barbara

Portlock Road, on the east end of Hawaii Kai, at the east tip of the island of Oahu, has long been known as one of the most exclusive residential areas on the island. Henry Kaiser, who developed Hawaii Kai, built his multi-acre estate there, overlooking Diamond Head and Maunalua Bay, and many other legendary figures have owned property in this spectacular setting.

The area is named after Captain Nathaniel Portlock, who is remembered for writing the first published description of Pearl Harbor, in his journal, printed in 1789. The diary related his experiences on a voyage of discovery in command of the British vessels King George and Queen Charlotte.

Portlock Road parallels the clear, pristine waters of Maunalua Bay. The residences on the water side enjoy views of Diamond Head and many have white sand beaches. There is a good surf break not far offshore, and a small public beach known and used by locals. One homeowner tried to lock the path to this beach a few years back, which caused many hard feelings. He finally lost in court, and the beach remains available to those not able to afford homes on the water.

The area is just off Kalanianaole Highway, an easy drive to H1 and downtown Honolulu. Turning east on the highway takes the traveler to Hanauma Bay, past the Makapuu Lighthouse, to the scenic Windward Coast of Oahu. Residents of Portlock can enjoy all the amenities of suburban living in the Hawaii Kai community, but be within 15 minutes of the busy metropolitan center of Honolulu.

Of the 686 properties in the area, sales this year in Portlock have ranged from $950.000 to $4,500,000. Active listings as of August, 2007 run from $1,798,000 to $17,888,888. If you want a prestigious address on Oahu, consider the neighborhood of Portlock, and contact me for more details, barbara@barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Super Ferry Starts Service

A vision for many years, the interisland Hawaii Super Ferry will finally become a reality and take its maiden voyage Sunday, August 26.

Christened the Alakai, which means "ocean path" in honor of Hawaii's rich history of marine navigation and travel, the 349' vessel can carry 900 passengers and 250 cars. Hawaii Superferry is more than just an alternative way to get from one island to the next. The company believes their interisland service will change Hawai‘i for the better, combining historic tradition with modern capabilities to rebuild our marine highways. Read more…

Through Sept. 5, the inaugural rates on the catamaran-style ferry will be $5/passenger/one-way and $5/car/one-way, compared to rates in the hundreds to fly or ship a vehicle. Initial service will be between Maui and Oahu, and Kauai and Oahu, with Big Island trips added in 2009. The normal one-way fares are scheduled to be $59-69 including fuel surcharge & taxes, still the cheapest way by far to travel interisland.

Concern for the whales which frequent island waters prompted a lawsuit by several environmental groups, which claim the EIS (impact statement) has not been completed and the ferry should not operate until it has been approved. The Hawaii Dept. of Transportation is allowing the ferry to begin operating, because the court did not specifically rule against it.

For now, the graceful vessel will be seen plying the ocean waters with the whales, and offering a new mode of interisland travel.

Admissions Day in Hawaii Aug. 18

The 3rd Friday in August is celebrated as Admissions Day, commemorating the date - August 21 - when Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959. The state became the 50th, and last, state to join the Union. President Eisenhower unfurled the new 50-star flag at the White House ceremony, but the flag did not become official until July 4, 1960.

At the ceremony, Eisenhower was joined by Vice President Nixon, House Speaker Sam Rayburn, Secretary of the Interior Fred Seaton, and Hawaii politicians-elect: Senator-elect Oren Long, and House-member-elect Daniel Inouye, who has represented Hawaii in Congress ever since, and is still one of the state's two Senators! Hiram Fong, the other Senator-elect, and the new Governor, William F. Quinn, stayed in Hawaii.

Statehood bills for Hawaii were introduced into Congress as early as 1919, and again in 1935, 1947, and 1950. In the decade before 1959, three Hawaii statehood bills had passed the House. Once a bill also passed the Senate, but died because it was tied to statehood for Alaska. Much of the opposition came from Southerners in Congress, who "took a dim view of the mixed racial strains of Hawaii's population."

Alaska was admitted earlier in 1959, but no new states had been added since 1912, when Arizona and New Mexico became part of the Union. When Alaska was finally approved, Hawaii's long fight for statehood effectively ended, as it was generally understood by the politicians that Hawaii's turn would come.

For those of us lucky enough to live in Hawaii, we feel the ethnic diversity is not only one of the greatest strengths of the state, but also one of the many pleasures of calling this Paradise our "home."

New Development in Hawaii Kai

Jim Schmit, architect of 9 unique homes at the base of Kamehame Ridge in Hawaii Kai, found opportunity where others only saw a thin stretch of land on a busy road.

He is a modernist, and jumped at the chance to build a different kind of project, with a modern approach. The 2 completed homes look like warehouses from the outside, but inside you can see the blending of modern materials and an island-inspired courtyard and loft.

Schmit is facing building challenges, not unusual in our island home. He's had to put in water, sewer, and repave the part of Hawaii Kai Drive fronting the project, after installing underground utilties.

Each home is about 4,000 sq ft, and will sell for $1.5 million. The Bali Loft subdivision should be completed by 2009. Contact me for information about these homes or other new construction in Hawaii Kai.

Barbara Abe

www.movetohawaiikai.com

www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Kai Market Activity as of July 27, 2007

Single Family Homes:
# OF ACTIVE LISTINGS - 113

PRICE RANGE: $858,000 - $17,888,888
32 under $1,000,000
15 $1,000,000 - $1,200,000
45 $1,200,000 - $2,000,000
21 over $2,000,000
# OF LISTINGS UNDER CONTRACT - 34

PRICE RANGE: $599,000 - $2,550,000
19 under $1,000,000
15 $1,000,000 - $2,550,000
SOLD IN LAST 6 MONTHS
81 under $1,000,000
17 $1,000,000 - $1,200,000
20 $1,200,000 - $2,000,000
6 $2,000,000 - $4,500,000

Condos:

# OF ACTIVE LISTINGS - 82

PRICE RANGE: $349,900 - $1,580,000
From 1 Bedroom, Lalea To 3 Bedroom, Kalele Kai
# OF LISTINGS UNDER CONTRACT - 31

PRICE RANGE: $387,000 - $959,000
From 1 Bedroom, Heritage House To Townhouse, Peninsula
SOLD IN LAST 6 MONTHS - 146

PRICE RANGE: $382,000 - $990,000
From 1 Bedroom, Esplanade To Cottage, Peninsula

********

I live and work in Hawaii Kai and know the market intimately. Call me with any questions you have on real estate in this unique community on Oahu.

Barbara

More Photos from Hawaii Kai Dog Walk

Hawaii Kai Dog Walk June 3, 2007.

Hawaii Kai Dog Walk

Great fun and exercise was had by about 300 people and their dogs June 3, 2007, on the annual dog walk held in Hawaii Kai, the east end of the island of Oahu, in the state of Hawaii.

The total round trip distance from the Farmer's Market in the Hawaii Kai Town Center was 2.3 miles, but the older dogs and people completed a shorter loop on the grass by Park & Ride.







Bringing dog lovers together helped promote the proposed Dog Park in Hawaii Kai, which needs money to become a reality.






Here's a Google Map of the Dog Park: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=107254505100942916424.00000112009fd38df897f&hl=en&z=17&om=1
and the link to the non-profit working on making the park a reality, Hui 'Ilio.

Contact me for more information about the Dog Park or real estate in Hawaii Kai.

One of the premier waterfront communities in East Oahu, the community of Hawaii Kai, is
Spinnaker Isle.


Spinnaker Isle consists of 92 single family homes, all located on Kumukahi Place and each backing onto the Hawaii Kai marina. This road comes off Hawaii Kai Drive, right across from the entrance to Hahaione Valley, goes over a bridge and branches into two long cul-de-sacs. Each home, many of which have boat docks, has access to the water via the backyard, and also belongs to the Hawaii Kai Marina Association. The houses were originally built in 1969 and many have been extensively remodeled.

In early May, there were 5 homes available for sale on Spinnaker Isle, priced from $1,199,000 to $1,998,000. During the last six months there were 3 sales ranging in price from $1,050,000 to $1,500,000 - the latter is the highest price paid for a house here with one exception. In 2005 a buyer paid $2,480,000 for a home at the end of one of the cul-de-sacs. This home was an extraordinary, brand new house on a double lot, with two attached rental units.

For more information call Barbara Abe, Realtor, East Oahu Realty,
at 808-396-9462 (home office) or 808-226-2537 (cell) or send e-mail to her at barbara@barbarashawaii.com.

Intro to Hawaii Kai, island of Oahu, Hawaii

Hello,

Welcome to my blog, where I will publish neighborhood reports on the many communities in Hawaii Kai, new reports of current events, and comments on market conditions on Oahu, and Hawaii Kai in general.

I live and work in Hawaii Kai, and have been a Realtor for more than 20 years (!). I am knowledgeable, experienced, and enthusiastic about the real estate market on our island home.

For those readers who are dog lovers (I have two), I'm active in the all-volunteer effort to establish a dog park in Hawaii Kai. Here's the Google Map showing the location. And a photo of the ground-breaking, including our mayor, Mufi Hannemann (the tall guy in the middle):

If you have real estate questions, or want relocation information
for the area, please email barbara@barbarashawaii.com, or visit
www.barbarashawaii.com.

Check back often for new posts, and be sure to add your own!