hawaii kai news: Roy Yamaguchi of Hawaii Kai Competes for Top Chef - 07/23/09 01:28 PM
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 … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaii Teachers Win Presidential Awards for Excellence - 07/10/09 12:07 PM
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 … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaiian Airlines Joins with Nature Conservancy - 07/03/09 01:20 PM
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 … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaii Leads US in Income Growth - 06/23/09 03:23 PM
Personal income in Hawai'i grew at the fastest rate of any state in the first quarter, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 0.8%.  Hawaii's rise was driven by earnings growth in the federal civilian and military sectors because of first-quarter pay raises as well as some initial hiring for the 2010 Census.  The average personal income nationally fell 0.5 percent as earnings in 37 states declined.
When adjusted for inflation, the state's personal income actually declined and is expected to continue to fall during the year.  State employees will be furloughed in a measure to cut … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: U of Hawaii Medical School Awarded Highest Accreditation - 06/09/09 01:53 AM

The John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawai'i has been awarded the maximum eight-year accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, a national accrediting organization.
To achieve this ranking, the school was evaluated by site inspections; clinical educators and practioners, underwent extensive reviews of records; and interviews with faculty, staff, and students.
This is a validation of the quality of the UH School of Medicine and something about which our entire community can be proud.
If you are considering relocation to Hawaii Kai or anywhere on Oahu, visit my web site to request a free … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaii Joins other states in Banning Hand-held Devices - 06/06/09 07:18 AM
Going into effect July 1, Hawaii's new law affects 1) only Oahu and 2) bans "hand-held mobile electronic devices" while driving. "Hands-free" devices will be allowed.  Many residents are unaware of the new law or think police will give warnings for awhile.
But, Honolulu police plan to ticket drivers who are not in compliance with the new law.  The Honolulu Advertiser reported yesterday that "Maj. Thomas Nitta, commander of the HPD's traffic division, said his officers will ticket drivers caught with electronic devices in their hands while driving. It will then be up to the drivers to prove to a judge … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaii Taxes to Increase July 1 for top bracket earners - 05/10/09 01:31 PM
The legislature, in their final days, overrode Gov. Lingle's vetoes and passed four measures that will increase taxes to balance the state budget.
Democratic legislators increased state income taxes on the wealthy, the hotel-room tax, the conveyance tax on the sale of luxury and second homes, and a tax on tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco and cigars.
Lingle vetoed the tax increases, saying they would discourage investment, hurt small-business owners and hamper the visitor industry at a time when it is struggling.
On Thursday, the state House and Senate gave final approval to a two-year state budget that … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: No Sharks in Hawaii Kai Waters and other Shark News - 05/02/09 02:10 PM
There's been a lot of controversy the last couple of weeks over a dive operator's proposal to begin shark-feeding tours in the waters of Maunalua Bay.  Happily, the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board voted this week to adopt a resolution calling for a total statewide ban on shark tours (read my blog about the details on my web site).  As Relocation Specialist for Hawaii Kai, I feel better knowing our waters are safe for all users, and - although there are sharks in Hawaiian waters naturally - at least we aren't encouraging them to come close to shore.
But speaking of sharks, … (1 comments)

hawaii kai news: Tax Increase in Hawaii Awaits Governor's Signature - 04/24/09 01:47 PM
The House and Senate have passed a bill to raise income taxes on roughly the top 2.6% of the state's taxpayers.  It would create three new income tax brackets in filing categories and gradually adjust the state's highest tax rate from the existing 8.25 percent to 11 percent depending on income.
Single taxpayers who earn less than $150,000 a year, heads of households who make less than $225,000 a year and couples filing jointly who earn less than $300,000 a year would see no tax increase under the bill. Lawmakers estimate the higher income taxes would generate $48 million a year … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Ka Iwi Shoreline in Hawaii Kai - 04/09/09 01:23 PM
For more than 30 years, Hawaii Kai residents have fought to protect the Ka Iwi shoreline. 3 years ago, developer QRM Partners proposed to build 180 cabins on a portion of the coast, which was vehemently opposed (anyone who has driven/walked/surfed/golfed in this pristine area knows what 180 cabins would have done).  Several months ago, QRM sold its parcels in Ka Iwi to a Utah company, Management Solutions. 
Rep. Gene Ward (R-Hawaii Kai - Kalama Valley) recently indicated the new owner is considering a golf academy adjacent to the Hawaii Kai Golf Course on one of the two 90-acre parcels.  The other … (1 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaii Kai Community Awareness Day Focuses on Navigating Change - 03/24/09 05:07 AM
In May, 2004, the Polynesian Voyaging Canoe Hokule'a completed a month-long voyage of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).  The voyage was part of a multi-year educational effort called "Navigating Change," designed to encourage the people of Hawaii to be better stewards of our island home.
The curriculum for grades 4 and 5 included teleconferences between the canoe and classrooms.  NWHI is now a national coral reef ecosystem reserve, and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world, and the voyage was intended to show Hawaiians what the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Hawaii once were.   The voyage also allowed … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaii Kai Marina - 03/17/09 05:19 AM
The Hawaii DLNR (Dept. of Land & Natural Resources) has published the Recreational Renaissance Plan, which proposes new and improved facilities at area harbors and beaches.  The Plan is proposed as House Bill 980 House Draft 1, and defined as "a rebirth in the way we care for our land and ocean recreational spaces, our natural and cultural resources, and the residents and visitors at Hawaii's State Parks, small boat harbors, boat ramps, hiking trails, natural area reserves, forest reserves and beaches."  The bill creates a new fund within DLNR which would allow the department to respond more quickly to contracting … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaii Kai Real Estate Bike Tours - 03/13/09 09:17 AM
Even though this idea has been implemented by an agent from another firm, I thought it so timely that I wanted to share.  A realtor has organized real estate bike tours of Hawaii Kai on the 2nd Saturday of each month.
As explained by KITV.com, "These tours allow buyers to see more of the neighborhood, conveniently stop and ask questions and is a great opportunity to learn about the neighborhood. Viewing real estate on bikes saves gas, cuts down on traffic, reduces greenhouse emissions and is great for the health.
"The length of the tours depend on the number of homes open that particular … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Ka Iwi in Hawaii Kai - Finally a Plan to Protect this Scenic Shoreline - 02/09/09 12:18 PM
An article in the East Oahu Sun confirmed what many of the residents of Hawaii Kai have worked for, for years - Gov. Linda Lingle announced a plan to reclassify  Ka Iwi from urban use to conservation use.  The area - land between Queen's Beach and the Makapu‘u Lighthouse - is heavily used by hikers, surfers, biologists, beachcomers and more, and lies just a few minutes from residential Hawaii Kai.  Ka Iwi is the channel between Oahu and Moloka'i, and the easternmost tip of Oahu.  Watch a visual tour of this beautiful coastline by LostVirtualTour.
This 235 acres of state-owned land, the … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Chinese New Year Celebration in Hawaii Kai - 01/23/09 10:19 AM
Join us this Saturday at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center, 11 AM - 1 PM, to celebrate the Year of the Ox.  Festivities feature fireworks (of course), a kung fu demonstration, and a lion dance from the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Assn.
The lion dance is a Chinese tradition performed to chase away evil spirits and bring luck and happiness. Giving the lion a red li see or "lucky money" envelope with a donation represents the wish for good fortune and wealth in the coming year, and serves as a form of appreciation to the lion for its blessing.
The Wah … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Better Place Hawaii: the 2nd State to Commit to Oil Independence - 01/11/09 02:21 AM
"We want to get off oil," Hawaii energy official Ted Peck said when discussing the state's new partnership with Better Place LLC, which will lay the groundwork for large-scale electric car use by 2012.  The California company will install thousands of auto charging stations throughout Hawaii this year.  Better Place will also swap old car batteries for fresh ones for a small predetermined fee.
As explained on Better Place/Hawaii, "The state's partnership with Better Place will play a significant role in the economic growth of Hawaii and will serve as a model for the rest of the U.S. for how green technology infrastructure … (1 comments)

hawaii kai news: arbarHawaii Kai 2008 Christmas Boat Parade - 01/03/09 12:07 PM
The 2008 12th Annual "Festival of Lights" Boat Parade, hosted by the Hawaii Kai Marina Community Association, was again a huge success. People from all parts the island, including tourists, gathered to the three major Hawaii Kai shopping centers to watch 33 decorated boats troll around the marina waterways.
Winner of the "Best Overall Boat" went to Tom Hintnaus and his crew. Tom transformed his 24' outboard to a winning "Mark Twain" theme. His creative abilities have won him several grand prizes in past boat parades. Other winners included Bob Raben for "Best Electric Boat," John Gravener for "Peanuts Charlie Brown," Eddie Fraser for "Santa," … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: First-Time Buyer Tax Credit: Using it to Purchase Real Estate in Hawaii Kai - 10/15/08 11:36 AM
The homeownership tax credit that became law earlier this year is a great incentive for Buyers in an otherwise stressful economic atmosphere.  Combine the tax credit with our ample inventory of active listings, motivated sellers, and declining prices, and buyers of Hawaii Kai homes have plenty of reasons to consider a purchase.How the Tax Credit Works:  Limitations
Tax Years and Dates of Purchase
The First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit is part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (H.R. 3221) passed in July.  It benefits any individual or household that hasn't owned a home for at least three years. Taxpayers can take the credit on their 2008 tax … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaii Kai Real Estate Market Update Sept. 2008 - 10/06/08 02:50 PM
The grim economic news is even being reported here in Paradise, but things in Hawaii aren't so bad.  Of course, lots of people are upset about the stock market, but there are not so many foreclosures. 
The real estate market island-wide presents a thoroughly mixed set of numbers, because the areas vary so widely in price, inventory, and style.  Hawaii Kai is more stable than most, and - being such a prestigious address in East Oahu - holds its value.  These numbers are exerpted from our wonderful Honolulu Board of Realtors monthly statistics.  Contact me for a free copy.
 
Hawaii … (0 comments)

hawaii kai news: Hawaii Kai Real Estate Market Statistics through August, 2008 - 09/03/08 11:02 AM
Thanks to our Honolulu Board of Realtors, we agents on Oahu are so lucky to have complete and current real estate market statistics for the island ready by the first of every month.  Here's what our reports showed for Hawaii Kai real estate in August.
 
Single Family Homes
11 sales during August vs. 26 a year agoMedian sales price $779,000 vs. $854,500 a year ago114 sales during 2008 vs. 162 a year agoMedian sales price $852,500 vs. $872,000 a year agoYear-to-date, number of sales was down  29.6% and median price down 2.2% This compares to decreases of 26.8% and 2.8% island-wide.
Condos
17 … (0 comments)