Incentives for Energy Efficiencies in Hawaii - 12/31/09 07:37 PM
Thanks to an article in Realtor.org, about replacing those old appliances in your home with energy-efficient ones, and getting government rebates, I learned of DSIREUSA, the web site listing State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.  Find Hawaii Residential Incentives with this link.
Examples of energy efficiency programs in Hawaii are
Honolulu Real Property Tax Exemption for Alternative Energy Improvements
Personal Tax Credit for Solar and Wind Energy
Loan Program for Solar Water Heat
Solar Water Rebate Program
Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program
There are more, so be sure and look at the site to save on your 2010 taxes.  Make a … (1 comments)

Hawaii Kai Marina Festival of Lights Boat Parade 2009 - 12/24/09 01:27 PM
The 13th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade was held last Saturday in the Hawaii Kai Marina.  Thousands came from all over Oahu to watch because the Hawaii Kai Marina is unique - as the heart of a residential area - and the only marina on the island with a boat parade.
42 boats entered, a record, and competed for cash prizes donated by Hawaii Kai merchants and businesses.  Music was provided by the trio, Maunalua, and a hula danced by Ka Hale I o Kahala Halau Hula. 
The Festival of Lights Boat Parade was sponsored by the Hawaii Kai Marina Community … (0 comments)

Hawaii Kai Turnaround for Honolulu Marathon - 12/18/09 02:27 PM
The Honolulu Marathon was held last Sunday, and for the second straight year, Patrick Ivuti took commanding charge of the race.  Ivuti, 31, successfully defended his men's title in the 26.2-mile event with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes and 14 seconds, nearly a minute in front of countryman Nicholas Chelimo, who finished in 2:13:10. William Chebon followed in third place (2:14:59) and six-time winner Jimmy Muindi finished fourth (2:17:17), as the Kenyan contingent took the top five places.
After setting a blistering early pace and running off the race "rabbits" and his main rivals, Ivuti faltered a bit in … (0 comments)

Pet-friendly Businesses in Honolulu - and Hawaii Kai - 12/10/09 08:20 PM
Honolulu does not rank in the top of pet-friendly cities.  Dogs, for instance, are not allowed under state law to dine at outdoor restaurant tables, although many restaurants and cafes allow dogs to sit outside with their owners.  A majority of public places are not accessible to people and their pets.  But the Hawaiian Humane Society is advocating ways to make Oahu a more dog-friendly place -- from rental housing to parks, restaurants, offices and public places.
On Oahu about 60 percent of households own a pet, with 43 percent of them owning a dog, according to a Humane Society survey.  … (1 comments)

Eddie Aikau Surf Tournament Held Yesterday, 1st Time Since 2004 - 12/09/09 11:03 AM




The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau big-wave surfing contest ran yesterday for the first time since 2004.  Eddie Would Go - you see bumper stickers and T-shirts everywhere on Oahu - is the motto of the competition.  He was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay, and was lost at sea in 1978 while attempting a solo rescue mission for the capsized voyaging canoe Hokule'a.  He was regarded as one of the best big-wave surfers at Waimea Bay.
Contest rules state that it can run only on a day when wave-face heights are consistently reaching 40 feet, and … (1 comments)

November Sales Statistics for Oahu and Hawaii Kai - 12/02/09 08:45 PM
November statistics for Oahu are provided by our Honolulu Board of Realtors.  They produce a detailed, highly valuable 19-page report monthly.  Contact me for the complete copy of island-wide real estate activity.
Year-to-Date Activity, Single Family HomesIsland-wide, 2,318 sales have closed vs. 2,547 last year, a 9.0% decrease.  The median sales price this year through November has been $580,000 vs. $623,500 in 2008.The North Shore has seen the sharpest decline, down 22.2% in number of sales, and 12.5% in median price.  All 5 areas broken down in this analysis (Metro, East, Windward, and Leeward Oahu, and North Shore) have declined in … (2 comments)