Hawaii Kai Homes

Links for Hawaii Pet Owners

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:42:42 -0600

I found a great site, Sugar Mill Vet Center on St Croix, which furnishes links for pet owners. Since many parents consider giving the gift of a pet for Christmas - but pets are also being "donated" in the thousands to shelters nationwide because of owners' financial difficulties - here are some sites which will give you more information and help you consider the needs of our furry best friends.

Choosing a New Puppy

Breeds of Dogs

Heartworm Society

Behavior Problems

National Animal Poison Control Center

Cat Fancier's Assn

USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

Novartis Animal Health

Rainbow Bridge

American Animal Hospital Assn

US Veterinary Schools

Humane Society

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

American Assn of Feline Practioners

Vet Information Network

Hawaii Resources:

the Pet Web Page on my site

Hawaiian Humane Society

Hawaii State Dept of Agriculture (pet quarantine information)

Hawaii Dog Parks

Hawaii Dog Clubs

Let's be responsible pet owners this holiday season. Contact me with any questions on bringing pets into Hawaii and our animal care resources.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Kai and Oahu Economic Recovery Forecast

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:34:13 -0600

A new forecast released by the University of Hawai'i Economic Research Organization says some smaller Asian economies are leading a rebound, but that larger nations, notably the U.S. and Japan, will have less growth.

"The anticipated slow pace of global growth will likely mean a sub-par recovery for Hawai'i," said the report being released today. The forecast concentrates on global economics and is a predecessor to one focusing solely on Hawai'i that will be released next month. One positive is the stronger yen against the dollar, which might result in higher Japanese tourist spending.

Experts agree that Hawaii's rebound from the economic doldrums will depend on the state's leading industry, tourism. "Growth has also returned to the U.S. and Japan, but the depth of the decline, lost household wealth, and lingering credit problems mean that full recovery will take a number of years," the UHERO forecast said.

Wishing You Were in Hawaii Kai? Try Google Street View, now on Oahu and Maui

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:40:15 -0600

Google announced that O'ahu and Maui are the latest venues covered by Street View, which allows Web users to go from a map view of a spot on Oahu or Mau to zoom in and see what it looks like from ground level. Hawai'i is the 50th state to get the Google Street View technology (the the year of its 50th anniversary of statehood).

The Hawai'i images were captured this summer by a car rigged with an 8-foot-tall stalk topped with a ring of cameras. Now you see your own house, and can rotate the image to see houses on the other side of the street.

Laura Melahn, Google product marketing manager, said in the Google blog, "Being born and raised on O'ahu, I like to think we saved the best for last. With our imagery of O'ahu and Maui, you can now take a virtual vacation to white sandy beaches, revisit special places from your honeymoon, or plan your next getaway. We've worked with the Hawai'i Visitors and Conventions Bureau to create collections in our new Street View Gallery featuring Hawaii's best beaches and hometown favorites of President Obama."

To use the feature on Google maps, drag the orange man icon on the upper left corner onto the spot on the map you'd like to see from ground level. When you open Google Maps, click on "Welcome Hawaii" and the Gallery opens. You can enjoy photos of Sandy Beach (see my earlier post on the high surf there this weekend), Hanauma Bay, Makapuu, and more. To use Google Earth, download Google Earth 5 or open the program. Then zoom in to your favorite Oahu or Maui location, visit Hawaii Kai, and you'll see why it is such a special place. Call or email for "on location" 1st hand information about life in our beautiful Islands.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Kai and South Shore Enjoy Rare Surfing

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:08:19 -0600

We often think of Maunalua Bay as Hawaii Kai's main water resource, but Sandy Beach is also in Hawaii Kai, and a rare combination of a strong high pressure to the north and low pressure to the west caused strong surf yesterday all along Oahu's eastern shores. (photo courtesy of Honolulu Advertiser)

Waves of 5 feet inside Hanauma Bay were reported. At Sandy Beach, only the most experienced surfers braved the surf yesterday. Lifeguard Lt. J.R. Sloane said, "It's very rare that we get a swell like this out of the northeast direction."

Lifeguards closed Makapu'u to swimmers. The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning through 6 p.m. today for east-facing shores of O'ahu and Kaua'i. Surf is expected to be 12 to 18 feet and will gradually decrease, but will remain elevated through the weekend, according to the weather service.

All islands are affected. The surf kept a Young Brothers barge from docking at Kahului Harbor on Maui. The ship will try again today after it attempted to enter the harbor twice yesterday. In Hilo, on the Big Island, Bayfront Highway was closed in both directions near Hilo Bay from Waianuenue Avenue to Pauahi Street because of high surf. The high surf prompted Kaua'i officials to issue a warning to beachgoers not to go near wet sand or in the water at all north or east side beaches from Ha'ena, Hanalei and Ke'alia where surf was reported at 15 to 25 feet.

Watch a short video of the surf in Kailua Bay in the Honolulu Advertiser report, and see more photos.

These conditions remind us we live on an island in the middle of lots of water, but it's still beautiful, and gives our surfers plenty of challenges. Contact me for Relocation Information for Hawaii Kai, or if you are on Oahu visiting, let's talk about buying opportunities.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Kai, Honolulu, HI Sales for October, 2009

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:50:08 -0600

View from Plaza Hawaii Kai Plaza Hawaii Kai

The condo market in Hawaii Kai adjusted downward slightly in October, from 21 sales to 16. Low sale was $365,000 for a 1 bedroom/1 bath in the Heritage House on the 10th floor, and high sale, $615,000 for a 2 bedroom/2 bath in Plaza Hawaii Kai on the 9th floor.

For single family in Hawaii Kai, 26 sales closed both in September and October. This past month, the low sale was a 3/2 zero lot line detached home in Kalama Valley, and the high sale a $2,500,000 sale of a view home on almost .5 acre in Triangle.

To learn more about these condo complexes and neighborhoods, request the free reports for each on my site. I can give you current sales statistics on any community in Hawaii Kai.

Wouldn't you like to wake up to one of these views every day?

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Benefits from Generosity of Omidyars

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:30:06 -0500

EBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife, Pam, have given the Hawaii Community Foundation a $50 million gift, believed to be the largest single gift from a living donor in the state's history.

The money will be used to start several community initiatives over six years, as well as support Pierre and Pam Omidyar's ongoing interests through the foundation's Omidyar Ohana Fund.

"Pam and I are privileged to call Hawaii home," Omidyar said in a statement. "Given the economic crisis and hardships throughout the state, we felt it was especially important at this time to expand our philanthropy in the islands."

The couple has supported several local causes and organizations in the Islands. They helped to launch Kanu Hawaii, backed the expansion of Mao Organic Farms in Waianae and most recently launched the Ulupono Initiative, which makes nonprofit grants and for profit investments aimed at sustainability.

Pam grew up in Hawaii Kai and attended Iolani School. She said, "That experience was a strong reminder of the important role community plays in every aspect of life here in the islands." Pierre attended Punahou School in the 8th and 9th grades, from 1979 to 1981. They moved back to Oahu in 2006.

The Hawaii Community Foundation plans to use the first $16 M for 3 initiatives:

1. The Omidyar Ohana Fund will provide a $4 million grant toward the Community Stabilization Initiative, an $8 million, six-year plan to help families and individuals get through the recession through use of government resources, credit counseling and mortgage prevention services. The balance of the cost must be matched by other donors, foundations and government agencies over the next six years.

2. $6 million over six years will go to the Omidyar Innovation Fund, a grant program to be launched next year that will seek to spur innovation in Hawaii's social sector and will provide matching funds for qualifying organizations.

3. The third initiative is a $6 million, six-year challenge grant, to be matched by other donors, for building a sustainable complex at Punahou School to be named the Omidyar Kindergarten-First Grade Neighborhood.

All three of the first initiatives have a matching component. Punahou School will do its own fundraising for the K-1 campus, while the foundation will work on raising donations to match the others.

The Hawaii Community Foundation, a statewide grantmaking organization that works with local nonprofit organizations, has provided more than $160 million in grants and contracts between 2000 and 2008.

The Omidyars have been very active and generous in philanthropy work. They have founded the Omidyar Network, Humanity United and HopeLab. The Omidyar Network plans to spend $30 million over three years to support global entrepreneurship, especially in India and sub-Saharan Africa.

All of Hawaii will benefit for years to come from the gifts by the Omidyars. Mahalo nui loa for your Aloha.

Contact me to learn about our island lifestyle and to consider a real estate purchase while our prices and rates are low. When folks like Pierre and Pam Omidyar choose to make Hawaii home, to come back home, we must have somethng special to offer.

(resource: Pacific Business News)

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Kai as a Community: our Sense of Place

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:34:17 -0500

A recent poll released by Gallup and the Knight Foundation found several qualities which create a passion for the community by its residents, and Hawaii Kai fits them all.

The study, "Soul of the Community," looked at 26 places and surveyed a random sample of more than 10,000 people (Hawaii Kai wasn't included - I guess the study heads didn't want a vacation on our islands). They found that residents are most attached to their communities when they have fun places to gather (the ocean, the beach, the marina), there's a welcoming atmosphere (Aloha), and there are beautiful and green spaces (the ocean, the beach, the marina, the parks) to enjoy.

As reported by RisMedia, "'While the pain from the recession is deep, other factors far outweigh economics when it comes to determining how emotionally attached people are to their communities,' said Warren Wright, managing partner for Gallup, in a news release. Positive feelings about a community, however, do have a connection to local GDP growth over a longer-term period, according to the report.

"The study, in its second year, explores the connection between economic growth and residents' emotional attachment to their communities. Gallup has shown that increasing an employee's emotional connection to his or her company leads to better financial performance of the organization."

One of the purposes of the study was to help local planners idenitfy what residents want from their communities. Katherine Loflin, lead consultant on the project, said, "Have you ever gone somewhere and said ‘I could live there?'" I have to add, have you visited Hawaii Kai? That's about the first thing you will think of when you come.

She continued, "What keeps residents passionate about their communities are some of the things they'd show off to visitors: elements that make for a fun social life, beautiful features, or the historic town square-things that root people in a community." Hawaii Kai offers the opportunities for social life - mainly water sports, but many other activities from bridge to dog walking in our new Dog Park to running the Honolulu Marathon. We have the beauty - no one will argue that. And we have the Hawaii Kai Towne Center and the Koko Marina Center. So we fit all the requirements of a great place to live and call home.

Other findings of the survey include:

*Residents more satisfied with their jobs are more likely to have an emotional connection with their community.
*The community should be open and welcoming to college graduates.
*Having fun places to gather help community attachment.
*A creative and diverse workforce is a positive attraction.

If you are looking for a place to grow roots, for a community with a distinct and very strong Sense of Place, come visit Hawaii Kai. Now is the time to consider a real estate investment - we have a Buyer's Market here just like the rest of the country. You can find some great bargains. Contact me to discuss our community - I've lived and worked here for more than 20 years and wouldn't go anywhere else - or to get a free Relocation Package for Hawaii Kai.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Wellness Policy Successful for Hawaii Schools

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:36:16 -0500

Secondary schools in Hawai'i were cited in a new national report as the leaders in cutting back on sales of junk foods and beverages, such as candy and soda. The report, "Availability of Less Nutritious Snack Foods and Beverages in Secondary Schools," was published this week in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Data were collected from 40 states from 2002 to 2008.

Last year, the report says, 88.2 percent of students in Hawai'i secondary schools could not buy candy or salty snacks from vending machines or at a school store or snack bar. By comparison, only 18.2 percent of secondary school students in Utah could not buy candy or salty snacks at school.

In Hawai'i, Dave Randall, education specialist for health and physical education for the state Department of Education, attributed the high percentage of schools not offering junk food to the state's stringent wellness policy, which was developed according to nutrition guidelines from the Institute of Medicine. A 2004 federal law required school districts to implement a wellness policy, but gave wide latitude in how strict the guidelines should be, Randall said. "As a department, we wanted to aim high," Randall said. "The group that was brought together to put together the wellness guidelines wanted to do what was best for kids."

The guidelines for the Wellness Policy should be fully implemented by 2011, and include requiremens for physical education and school lunches.

Come join our healthy Island lifestyle. Contact me for information about how you and your family can enjoy Hawaii Kai.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Kai and Oahu Real Estate Sales Statistics for September, 2009

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:23:25 -0500

The Honolulu Board of Realtors has released sales figures for September, which show a positive trend upward.

Total number of single family sales for the island were 244, compared to 215 in Sept. 2008. Median sales price was $600,000, vs. 590,000 a year ago. Total sales for the first nine months on Oahu were 1,788, a decrease of 16.2% over 2008. Median price year-to-date was $575,000 for single family, a decrease of 8%.

For the condo market, 345 sales recorded in Sept., compared to 305 last year. Median sales price for the condos was $305,000, vs $296,000 a year ago. Total sales of condos for the first nine months on Oahu were 2,338, a 26.32% decrease from last year. Median price was $300,000, a decrease of 7.7% from 2008.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, provided the following
commentary on Oahu's housing market:

"Home sales in 2009, to-date, were essentially at a 10-year low. One reason for the much lower sales can be explained by stricter mortgage underwriting guidelines. In addition, Hawaii suffers from the credit freeze that is taking place in the jumbo market and for second home purchases. However, the biggest reason for such low sales activity is likely due to fear of further home price declines.

"Consumer psychology appears to be decisively turning for the better as the housing market has been showing signs of bottoming, if it is not already past a bottom point. Affordability conditions are now at multi-year highs thanks to lower home prices and very low mortgage rates on conforming mortgages.

"The first-time homebuyer tax credit is also helping. It is no surprise, therefore, that home sales have begun to rise nationally for 5 straight months. The increases were beyond the normal seasonal uptick in spring and summer."

These statistics from the Board do not reflect sales for new construction, but only existing properties.

For Hawaii Kai, 25 single family homes sold in September with a median sales price of $830,000, compared to 7 sales last year, and a median price of $665,000. Year-to-date, 127 homes have sold in Hawaii Kai, vs. 121 last year. In 2009, median price has been $766,000 vs. $830,000 last year.

For condos, 21 sales closed in September vs. 15 last year; the median price hardly changed, $510,000 in 2009 vs. $511,000 in 2008. Year-to-date, 133 condos have sold, with a median price of $489,000, vs. 152 sales in 2008, and a median price of $541,500.

Inventory has declined from a year ago. There were 74 single family homes active in Hawaii Kai in September, vs 101 last year, and 46 condos vs. 59 last year.

Island-wide, median sales prices have risen for single family homes from $539,500 in January to $600,000 in September; for condos, there has been no change, $305,000. Median days on market has decreased for single family from 71 in January to 54 in September; condos from 59 to 51.

There are many positive signs in the Hawaii Kai and Oahu real estate markets. For a more detailed review of the September or year-to-date sales, or for a community analysis, please contact me for an in-depth report.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Residents use Aloha to mitigate Hawaii's Budget Cutbacks

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:26:08 -0500

Most states are facing big problems as they draft their budgets for the next fiscal year, and Hawaii is no exception. The state has had to impose employee furloughs, pay adjustments, and given state agencies much smaller budgets to work with. This has certainly meant readjustments in state services, but also - not surprisingly - an outpouring of help and Aloha from our residents.

For instance, several libraries have had to reduce hours and even faced closure. But 2 fundraising drives, aimed at helping to keep them open, have collected more than $130,000 in the last month, and already have lifted the "closed" sign off one Big Island library.

The state Public Library System's "Keep Your Library Open!" campaign had taken in $59,884 as of Friday. A companion drive, "Keep the Doors Open!," administered by the Friends of the Library of Hawai'i, has collected $71,776. Donations have come from a variety of sources, from anonymous individuals who dip into their own wallets to preschool classes and cafeteria workers who have organized their own fund drives. The money will be used for basic necessities, from buying books to paying utility bills.

Friends of the Library of Hawai'i Executive Director Byrde Cestare said her organization undertook the fund drive as a separate initiative from its ongoing efforts to raise money for library programs not otherwise included in the operating budget. "In normal times, we would not be supplanting state funds," said Cestare. "But these are extraordinary times."

Other examples of folks working together to find solutions to our budget shortfall have been seen in our schools. Teachers have been given furlough days, but the YMCA has promised child programs all day for those days, parents have offered to pay teachers separately to teach on those days - and there have been many more ideas considered.

Hawaii Kai does have public schools, and a very cohesive community. It is heartwarming to see the spirit of Aloha truly at work throughout the state, as we work together to support our community services. Contact me for real estate opportunities on our island, and to learn more about our Hawaii Kai lifestyle.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Running Benefits Oahu Schools

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:05:52 -0500

Most runners on Oahu know the Honolulu Marathon (in December) out and back course turns around in Hawaii Kai, and our weather favors all outdoor activities. Running is one of the major ones in our islands. But the sport also brings financial results, as well as physical ones.

The 10th Anniversary of the Nike 5K Run for Kids in Waikiki this week raised $150,000 for Oahu schools. 100% of the entry fees for the run and 1 Mile walk will be donated to schools to support their play, physical education and athletic programs and to purchase play equipment. More than half of the entrants were younger than 18.

The top five fundraising schools were:

• Ma'ema'e Elementary School's 560 runners raised $8,400 for their school.

• Maryknoll School's 543 runners raised $8,145.

• Mid-Pacific Institute's 330 runners raised $4,950.

• Kapolei High School's 325 runners raised $4,875.

• St. Andrew's Priory had 263 runners, raising $3,945.

These results are pretty amazing. In a year of teachers facing pay cuts and furloughs, and libraries open fewer hours, and more state budget restrictions, residents getting together to help our schools and get exercise at the same time is a great example of our island Aloha. Contact me to learn more about our Oahu lifestyle and ask for your free Relocate to Hawaii Kai Package.

(resource: Honolulu Advertiser)

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Oahu Real Estate Market Report for August

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:15:40 -0500

For those of you buyers who want to use your tax credit before it expires Nov. 30, now is the time to start looking! After 2 months of gains in numbers sold, single family home sales on Oahu decreased in August, by just a small percentage. The median home price, which is the point at which half the sales were for more and half for less, fell 10.9 percent to $566,000 in August from $635,000 a year earlier. As of August this year, the median single-family home price is down 9.4 percent, to $570,000.

In the Oahu condominium market, sales were up 1.7 percent, to 351 last month from 345 a year earlier. The last time condo sales rose year-over-year was in March 2006. However, the median condo sale price in August fell 11.6 percent, to $290,000 from $328,000 a year ago. The last time the median was as low was in October 2005. For the first eight months of this year, the condo median price was $305,000, down 7.6 percent from the same period last year.

Many Realtors and market followers believe the Hawaii real estate market has just about bottomed, in terms of volumes. Sellers are now reviewing multiple offers and inventory has started to decrease.

Last month on O'ahu, there were 1,624 single-family homes for sale. That was the lowest level for any August since 2005, near the peak of the market, when inventory was at 1,060. Inventory in August 2008 was 2,119 homes, and has ranged between 1,653 and 1,928 during the first seven months of this year. If no new homes were added to the market, it would take 6.1 months to sell the current inventory, which is down from 8.4 months a year earlier, 6.5 months in July and - a high for any month this year - 15.8 months in February.

Condo inventory last month was 2,140 units, which was the lowest for any August since 2005, when there were 1,097 condos for sale. Inventory in August 2008 was 2,743, and has ranged between 2,279 and 2,582 earlier this year.

While there are many variations in real estate sales by area on Oahu, these trends generally hold true in Hawaii Kai. We have a more stable market than some areas, and a limited supply, unlike Ewa, where there are still new developments.

There are many factors in our Oahu and Hawaii economies which will adversely affect our real estate market, such as possible wage cuts and furloughs for state workers, rise in unemployment, and flat personal income. But prices are low, rates are low, and buyers - you can get government help to purchase. Don't lose this opportunity. Contact me for details on our Hawaii Kai real estate market.

(resources: Honolulu Board of Realtors, Honolulu Advertiser)

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Finn Helping Wounded Warriors at Kaneohe Marine Base

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:21:16 -0500

Finn, a yellow Labrador retriever, is now stationed at the Wounded Warrior Battalion at the Kane'ohe Marine Base. His assignment is to bring joy and boost the morale of the soldiers, a job that took two years of rigorous training.

A highly trained service dog, Finn spends his days in a comfortable air conditioned lounge filled with brown leather sofas, computers, a television and game table. The wounded warriors there are recuperating. Finn brings a touch of home and a feeling of belonging to something outside yourself. He is beautiful, smart, and caring, and has made a big difference in the lives of the soldiers.

As reported by the Honolulu Advertiser, "Cpl. Masato Takaki, 21, said the atmosphere in the barracks has changed since Finn arrived. The dog means more responsibilities for the soldiers but they all love it. "'Everybody is more relaxed with him around," he said. "Everybody plays with him. He loves the attention.'"

The Wounded Warrior barracks was designed to aid in the recovery of war or other injuries or illnesses. It's a place for rehabilitation, recuperation and transition back into the force or civilian life, said Sgt. Karlo Salgado, who is in charge of the barracks and takes Finn home at night and on weekends.

Finn is the first service dog to be placed in a barracks in Hawai'i, said Susan Luehrs, executive director for Hawaii Fi-Do, a nonprofit group that obtained, trained and donated Finn for this particular duty. Hawaii Fi-Do works mostly with labradoodles, a cross between a Labrador and a poodle, but the Marines wanted a manly dog, she said. Finn was one of two Labs being trained for Marine use. His brother, Frank, went to a Kane'ohe Marine, Luehrs said, and a third young yellow Lab donated by veterinarian Mark Caspers and his wife is also being trained for barracks duty.

The organization is working with Congress to pass legislation that would pay for training and upkeep of these animals, Luehrs said. Typically it takes two years and costs about $20,000 to train an animal, not including the price to purchase a puppy.

Visit Hawaii Fi-Do to donate and for more information, and contact your senator or representative to support legislation for their work.

Finn is one more example of our Aloha spirit in action. Come see for yourself the spirit of the Islands.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Honolulu Ranks in Top 10 Cities to Find a New Job - Hawaii Kai is an Easy Commute!

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:54:16 -0500

US News & World Report just released a recent study of national job markets. While Hawaii has certainly been affected by the economic downturn, our unemployment rate is lower than that of many states, and now we learn that Honolulu is one of the Top Cities for New Jobs.

As reported by Realtor.org, "The underlying strengths of the top cities vary considerably. Some of the stronger cities are state capitals and have lots of government jobs. Others have abundant natural resources, stable housing markets, growing health care sectors, or are in close proximity to military bases.

"But overall, what separates these communities from those that have been hit harder is a steady economy that protected them from steep unemployment."

Listed in alpha order, Honolulu ranked 4th. I rank it first, because of our Aloha Spirit. Here are the others:

Anchorage, AK - Arlington, VA - Columbus, OH - Houston, TX - Oklahoma City, OK - Salt Lake City, UT - Shreveport, LA - Tallahassee, FL - Wichita, KS

Hawaii Kai is a short commute from downtown Honolulu and, of course, not all jobs are in Honolulu. Hawaii Kai has one of the most stable real estate markets on the island. Sign up for my Free Relocation Package and contact me for real estate market information for all areas on Oahu. Why live in the ice and snow or thunderstorm alley when you can live in Paradise?!

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Kai Public Schools

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:26:34 -0500

While a lot of parents who live in Hawaii choose to send their children to private school, a study just released gave some good news about high school students continuing on to college. About 51 percent of Hawai'i's 2008 public high school graduates continued on to college, with a third entering a four-year university. Kalani High School sent the most students to college, about 79 percent. Kaiser High School in Hawaii Kai had 64% continue.

Ron Nozoe, a Honolulu complex area superintendent, who oversees the Kalani High School complex, among others, noted that the school had the highest college-going rate in the state, but also that a majority of those students went to a community college. According to the report, 40 percent of Kalani's graduates in 2008 went on to a two-year college, while 39 percent went on to a four-year college. "The college-going culture has to start when they are very young. ... The expectation has to be there early on," he said. Statewide, the goal is that 55 percent of working-age adults will have a post-secondary degree by the year 2025. The national average is 60%.

Just announced today is a new Step Up Program, an effort in the public school system to get students to strive toward a more rigorous, voluntary high school diploma, known as the "College and Career Readiness" diploma. The diploma will be offered for the first time to the new freshman class, the class of 2013, and requires students to earn credits in advanced science, math and writing. The regular diploma will still be offered.

Hawai'i president M.R.C. Greenwood said students who earn the recognition diploma with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 will receive automatic acceptance to a University of Hawai'i campus. Hawai'i Pacific University and Chaminade University have offered similar guarantees. "It's estimated that by 2014, 90 percent of the fastest-growing careers will require some post-secondary education," Greenwood said.

As President Obama has repeatedly emphasized, not everyone necessarily will go on to get a four-year degree or even a two-year degree. But there is a certificate or training program or something after secondary school that is going to be important for their future and the means to get there has to be available to all students.

If you are considering a move to Hawaii Kai, and want information and resources on our schools, visit my web site and contact me for a free Relocation Package - or call or email for information on any of our Oahu schools.

(resource: Honolulu Advertiser)

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Economic Outlook for Hawaii and Hawaii Kai

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:09:40 -0500

The state just released a revised economic forecast, predicting that the slump may not be as bad as originally forecast. The improved outlook is due to inflation being more subdued than state economists had anticipated, while Hawai'i's biggest economic stimulus - tourism - is expected to be worse than before and result in increased job losses.

As reported by the Honolulu Advertiser, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's new report projects that gross state product adjusted for inflation will decline 1.1 percent this year. That's an improvement from the 1.6 percent decline forecast in their May report.

A report released earlier this month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Honolulu's Consumer Price Index rose a scant 0.3 percent from July 2008 to June 2009. This was the smallest gain in 11 years, and compares with a 4.3 percent gain for all of last year. The state expects a 3.0 percent decline in the average job count this year. In DBEDT's May report the decline was projected at 2.1 percent.

Visitor spending is expected to decrease by 11.5 percent this year, the new report said. That contrasts with the May report expecting a 7.9 percent decrease. The worsened tourism industry picture is partly a reflection of vacation prices falling and partly due to visitors shortening their trips a bit, on average.

"We do not believe it is prudent to predict an economic recovery yet, and all indications are that any recovery will be gradual," DBEDT Director Ted Liu said in a press statement. Next year is when the state expects the local economy to stabilize, followed by modest growth in 2011.

Read more statistics in the Honolulu Advertiser article.

What price Paradise? Believe me, it's worth every penny! Contact me for a Free Relocation Report and real estate market statistics for any area in Hawaii Kai.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Walkability Helps Hawaii Kai's Home Market

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:56:15 -0500

In June, 2008, I wrote a post about the Walk Score, and how high Honolulu scored. A new study, Walking the Walk, compared home sale prices with Walk Scores, and found that homes in more walkable neighborhoods, especially in densely-populated cities, sold from $4,000-$34,000 higher. The data included 90,000 recent home sales in 15 markets.

What is a Walk Score? From the source, "Walk Score measures the number of typical consumer destinations within walking distance of a house, with scores ranging from 0 (car dependent) to 100 (most walkable). By the Walk Score measure, walkability is a direct function of how many destinations are located within a short distance (generally between one-quarter mile and one mile of a home). Our measure of walkability reflects the convenience and proximity of having shopping and cultural activities close at hand, as well as the value households attach to mixed-use neighborhoods."

From Wikipedia, "Walkscore.com ranks communities nationwide (and soon, globally) based on how many businesses, parks, theaters, schools and other common destinations are within walking distance of any given starting point."

Other findings of the survey, according to NewsGenius (where you can read the full Walk study):

A one point increase in Walk Score was associated with an increase in value up to $3,000

The property value premium for walkability seems to be higher in denser urban areas and those with extensive transit systems

These are the 13 walking destinations scoring walkscore points: grocery store, coffee shop, movie theater, park, bookstore, drug store, clothing and music store, restaurant, bar, school, library, fitness, hardware store

I ran Honolulu - zip code 96801 - and got a Walk Score of 98 out of 100. Hawaii Kai scored 34, because it shows neighborhoods like Kalama Valley and Mariners Ridge which are not close to the "hub businesses" of Hawaii Kai. Our office, East Oahu Realty, scored 63 out of 100 - still a better score than most "outlying communities" in the country.

Now we have a study showing what we knew all along - that being able to walk to the beach and grocery and bank and Roy's Restaurant and the Hawaii Kai Bandstand - all make living in Hawaii Kai even more pleasurable. And that is reflected in the stable, and sustained, home values of our community.

Contact me for information on Hawaii Kai. It's a Buyer's Market here in Paradise.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
808-226-2537
www.barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Ala Moana in Honolulu Celebrates its 50th

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:57:42 -0500

Many of you who have vacationed in Honolulu undoubtedly shopped at Ala Moana, one of the world's largest shopping centers. The state of Hawaii isn't the only thing that turned 50 this month - Ala Moana did too. In those years, it has grown from 680,000 square feet of retail space and 80 merchants in 1959 to 2.1 million square feet and 290 merchants today.

The Honolulu Advertiser reported, "Don Graham, a Dillingham company executive who managed the Ala Moana project, said the expectation in 1959 was to grow the mall over time to as big as 1.5 million square feet. 'Now it's 2 million square feet," the 95-year-old Graham said yesterday. "All the things we planned were accomplished.'"

Throughout the rest of the month, anniversary festivities are scheduled, such as bringing back 50 performers who have danced, sung and demonstrated on centerstage over the past 50 years. The mall will showcase 50 garments spanning the past half-decade in an exhibit with the Hawai'i Fashion Incubator and University of Hawai'i called "Fifty Years of Fashion in Hawai'i."

People who have photos taken at the mall over the past 50 years may submit their pictures in a contest in which a $250 mall gift card will be awarded. For details on these and other events, visit http://www.alamoanacenter.com.

Eleven of the original tenants of Ala Moana center are still in business: Crack Seed Center, Dairy Queen, Sears, Watumull's, Shirokiya, Reyn's, Slipper House, Foodland, Longs Drugs, Territorial Savings Bank and the U.S. Post Office. Visit Ala Moana online, or better yet, come visit us in person.

Contact me for a free copy of my Relocation Report, and let's discuss the Buyer's Market in our Islands.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Kaiser High in Hawaii Kai

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:39:49 -0500

Although many of Hawaii's public high schools struggle to meet the benchmarks for adequate yearly progress under the No Child Left Behind act, Kaiser High in Hawaii Kai was one of 3 to demonstrate progress this year.

John Sosa, Principal of Kaiser, said one of the reasons is the more homogenous population of the students at Kaiser. There isn't a significant portion of students coming from economically disadvantaged homes or requiring special education, said Sosa. "We don't have a lot of subgroups because our population is pretty straightforward. When you have higher numbers of different subgroups, like most high schools do, you have a harder time making your AYP."

Aside from some high schools' larger, more diverse populations, Sosa said high schools also have to overcome student apathy about the Hawai'i State Assessment test. "The problem is, there is nothing in this for the kid. It doesn't count toward graduation requirements, it won't help them get into college. It's a standalone assessment that has no connection to the student," Sosa said.

Meanwhile, education officials say that the U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and President Obama have placed less emphasis on NCLB's AYP, or "status model." Instead, they say the focus has been on showing steady growth. Glenn Hirata, head of the DOE's system evaluation and reporting section, explained, "What we're seeing is a move toward a more realistic and achievable goal with the new administration."

Many residents of Hawaii Kai do send their children to private schools, but it is encouraging to know Kaiser High ranks in the top 3 of the state in meeting these goals.

If you are considering relocation to Hawaii Kai, contact me for school information and my free relocation package (or request one online).

Barbara Abe, Realtor
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
808-226-2537
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Topsail Schooner visits Honolulu

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:59:27 -0500

The beautiful square, topsail schooner, the Lynx, is moored at Kewalo Basin in Honolulu until Aug. 9. Tours of the 122' boat are available for a donation to the Lynx Education Foundation, a nonprofit from Newport Beach, California. The ship works with 70 to 100 schools a year, sailing up and down the West Coast and occasionally to Hawai'i. This is Lynx's fourth voyage to the Islands.

The vessel arrived July 17, after competing in the Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii. While the Lynx finished last, the more modern, lighter boats did better in the light winds. The voyage took about 17 days.

According to the Honolulu Advertiser, "The Lynx is patterned on a privateer or naval schooner from the War of 1812, and displaces 114 tons with a top speed of 11 to 12 knots. The original Lynx was built in Maryland and commissioned in the opening days of the war against the British. It was captured in 1813, taken to Nova Scotia and pressed into service in the British navy. The Lynx was considered one of the swiftest and most maneuverable vessels of its day.

The new Lynx, which Captain Craig Chipman calls 'an interpretation, not a replica' of an 1812 privateer, was launched in Rockport, Maine, in July 2001. It can spread more than 4,600 square feet of sail and its 6-pounder guns are fit to fire.

"The Lynx honors the spirit of the original vessel in its design and fittings but has been modified to meet Coast Guard regulations and safety requirements."

Chapman likes the gypsy aspect of commanding the boat the best he admitted, and enjoys being a "sea gypsy," Lynx leaves Honolulu for Ko Olina, Kauai, and then sails to California to arrive in Newport Beach for the school season.

Hawaii Kai is just minutes from Honolulu and Kewalo Basin, and this is certainly one of the more educational and worthwhile events available to enjoy here in our islands. Contact me to discuss our buying opportunities in Hawaii Kai.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
barbara@barbarashawaii.com

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Roy Yamaguchi of Hawaii Kai Competes for Top Chef

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:28:51 -0500

Roy Yamaguchi, personable, talented, successful chef of Roy's Restaurants, started in Hawaii Kai 21 years ago, competed yesterday on the TV series Top Chef shown on the Bravo Network.

Roy owns 37 restaurants, a James Beard award, and is known worldwide for his excellent Fusion cuisine - a blend of Asian Cuisine and European technique. He competed against 23 culinary peers, in a format of 4 chefs to an episode for 6 episodes. Last night were the Quickfire and Elimination challenges. The 6 chefs who win in the first round will compete until a winner is chosen,

The Quickfire challenge, "Aisle Trial," found the chefs competing against each other in a grocery store. The Elimination contest, "Trick in a Box," challenged them to make a meal based on ingredients in a mystery box.

Yamaguchi's all-star competition was Michael Cimarusti, Jonathan Waxman and Art Smith. Smith was once personal chef to Oprah Winfrey. Other contestants are Chefs Hubert Keller, Suzanne Tracht, Rick Bayless, Anita Lo and Michael Chiarello-who have already won opening round competitions.

The grand prize is $100,000 for the winning chef's charity of choice-along with some great publicity. Yamaguchi competed for Hawaii-based non-profit Imua Family Services, which helps children with special needs on Maui and Lanai.

The winner last night - as reported by Hawaii Magazine, was Art Smith, "who took his Multi-grain Risotto with Crispy Rice Salad to the Quickfire round, and Fried Chicken Two Ways and Mango Pie to the Elimination round. Roy Yamaguchi took his Pasta with Fried Egg and Asian flavors to the Quickfire round, and Short Rib Kal-Bi and Mahi Mahi to the Elimination round. "

Be sure and enjoy Roy's when you visit Hawaii Kai. And by the way, it's right next to my office in East Oahu Realty, so stop in and say "hi."

Barbara Abe, Realtor
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
808-226-2537

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

1st Anniversary Celebrated of Hawaii Kai Dog Park

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:48:16 -0500

The 5th Annual Hawaii Kai Dog walk, held June 7, was a great success, even more so because it marked the 1st Anniversary of the Dog Walk held in the now-permanent Hawaii Kai Dog Park. This year's theme was "Off Leash & Lovin' It". The registration fees support Hui 'Ilio and proceeds after expenses went to support of the maintenance of the Dog Park and other dog park groups on the island. This year the city agreed to use part of the park for activities - booths and vendors - which contribute greatly to the fun atmosphere of the walk.

The 2.3-mile course starts and ends at the Hawai'i Kai Park and Ride - site of the Hawaii Kai Dog Park. The Route extends along Keahole to Hawaii Kai Drive and then to Kalanianole Highway and back to the Park and Ride.

The Hawai'i Kai Dog Park was developed by Hui 'Ilio Hawai'i and the Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation, through a public-private partnership. It is a public, city dog park owned and operated by the City & County of Honolulu.

Hui Ilio is the "adoptive park partner" whose responsibilities are to recruit and train volunteer park rangers, and to help with weeding, landscaping and other park improvements. Volunteer park rangers monitor the park and assist new park users to ensure that everyone will have an enjoyable dog park experience. Volunteers also help with maintenance projects such as landscaping and weeding.

Volunteers are always needed for the Park - contact hui-ilio@hawaii.rr.com .

Come join us any evening - dogs and people meeting to enjoy each other and our beautiful community of Hawaii Kai.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
www.barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Kai Relocation Packages Now Available for mid-year sales

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:18:48 -0500

I've finished the Complete Hawaii Kai Relocation Package and the Hawaii Kai Condo Relocation Package with sales data through June, 2009, and updates on new waterfront condo complexes that have sold this year.
Request your free copy at my web site, MovetoHawaiiKai.com, or for condos only, the Condo Page. Or just call/email for your free copies.
If you want additional information on real estate throughout Oahu, but specifically on Hawaii Kai, just let me know. It's my home, and I've been a Realtor here for more than 20 years.
Aloha,
Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaii Teachers Win Presidential Awards for Excellence

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:07:16 -0500

Two Hawai'i public school teachers were among more than 100 science, math and engineering teachers and mentors honored by President Obama with Presidential Awards for Excellence.

Liane Tanigawa, who teaches science at Pearlridge Elementary, and Seanyelle Yagi, math coordinator at Ka'ewai Elementary, will receive their awards at a White House ceremony in the fall.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country.

Winners of the Presidential Teaching Award receive $10,000 awards from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for a White House ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

Although many parents choose to send their children to our private schools, and our public schools are very challenged now with budget cuts, we are so proud of the high level of the teachers in our public school system. Tanigawa and Yagi set a high standard for children and other teachers alike to follow.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

(resource: Honolulu Advertiser)

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Hawaiian Airlines Joins with Nature Conservancy

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:20:19 -0500

Hawaiian Airlines and The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii have formed a partnership that will include having airline employees volunteer for conservation projects.

Hawaiian Airlines also will promote The Nature Conservancy's message of environmental preservation through its onboard "Hawaiian Skies" video program, as well as other communication channels. In addition, Hawaiian is providing The Nature Conservancy with a $10,000 gift to support its Corporate Council for the Environment - money that will be used for educational outreach programs. The partnership is part of the airline's 80th anniversary celebration.

The volunteer effort kicks off July 18 with Hawaiian employees helping remove invasive foreign plants from the Waikamoi Bird Loop on Maui. Other projects are planned for the Big Island, O'ahu and Kaua'i.

(Read more at the HonoluluAdvertiser.)

The Nature Conservancy since 1951 has been using science and partnerships to protect Earth's most important natural places. It is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. Their accomplishments:

Protected more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide - and we operate more than 100 marine conservation projects globally.
Have more than 1 million members.
Work in all 50 states and more than 30 countries - protecting habitats from grasslands to coral reefs, from Australia to Alaska to Zambia.
Address threats to conservation involving climate change, fire, fresh water, forests, invasive species, and marine ecosystems.

Hawaii is such a special place, and such an endangered one with constant threats from species disappearance to Maunalua Bay pollution, that Hawaiian Air's commitment is very encouraging and exemplary. Our thanks to Hawaiian Airlines.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com