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