Hawaii FYI- Installment 5: BUYER'S PROPERTY DISCLOSURE FOR ISLAND OF HAWAII Part II

In Part II of the Property Disclosure we look at the impact of living on a volcanoe and the impact of living with pests - Coqui Frogs!!

BUYER'S PROPERTY DISCLOSURE FOR ISLAND OF HAWAII

PART II


1.  Volcanoes:   The Island of Hawaii has several active and presently inactive volcanoes. Accordingly, there are times when air quality is affected by volcanic emissions known as "vog." Vog may affect persons with respiratory problems and may also affect water catchment systems if precautions are not taken. Buyers should contact the State of Hawaii, Department of Health, for information about recommended precautions as well as other professionals. In addition, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, has classified various "hazard zones" for lava flows. The locations of such hazard zones may affect the availability, limits and cost of property and/or liability insurance. Other effects of volcanic activity that may occur include lava tubes and periodic earthquakes.

2.  Lava Zone 2 (HOVE):   Buyers are advised that Hawaiian Ocean View Estates (H.O.V.E.) is located in Eruption Hazard “Zone 2”. The U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, has classified various "hazard zones" for lava flows. The locations of such hazard zones may affect the availability, limits and cost of property and/or liability insurance. Other effects of volcanic activity that may occur include lava tubes and periodic earthquakes.

3.  Wastewater Disposal:   Many properties in Hawaii have individual cesspools and/or septic systems as the method of wastewater disposal. The State of Hawaii, Department of Health and the County of Hawaii may require upgrades from cesspools to septic tanks or connection of new systems in certain situations. New regulations require septic or sewage treatment systems in most new homes. Buyers should contact the State of Hawaii, Department of Health, for information about requirements related to waste disposal for any property.

4.  SSSP Service:   Buyers are aware that the property is, or may be, serviced by the Hawaii Electric Light Company Special Subdivision Project Provision (SSSP) Program. Buyers should contact the electric company to determine when service will be available, and what the costs will be.

5.  Coqui Frogs:   Coqui Frogs, or Caribbean Tree Frogs, have been expanding into various areas of the Big Island. Because tree frogs are nocturnal, Buyers and their Realtors will not hear any chirping sounds that are associated with frogs during the daytime hours. During the Inspection Period, C-51 of the DROA, Buyers are advised to visit the subject property in the evening to determine the level of frog infestation, and frog chirping, and whether it is acceptable to Buyer. Buyers should be aware that the level of noise may vary, depending upon such factors as weather, temperature, time of night, increase or decrease in level of infestation, and other variables. In addition, the success or failure of any government eradication program may also affect the level of the chirping as well.

6.  Catchment Water Systems:   Some properties may be located in water catchment areas. County water is not available in some areas. Catchment water systems are dependent on rainfall, and trucked-in water is commonly used in these areas. Buyers are cautioned to use building materials that are free of heavy metals. When purchasing an existing residence with water catchment, Buyers are advised to test the water supply and plumbing, and any building materials used for construction of a catchment system for contaminants. You are strongly advised to seek the opinion of a water catchment company to obtain a professional opinion of the water catchment systems located on the subject property.

7.  Road Maintenance (HOVE):   Buyers are advised that H.O.V.E. has a Road Maintenance Association that maintains and services the private roads in this subdivision, and charges a mandatory annual fee.

8.  Agricultural Disclosure:   The Land Use Commission of the State of Hawaii has determined that any buildings located on certain lands designated by the State Land Use Commission with a Land Use Classification of “Agricultural” must be related to some kind of agricultural activity or use. The County of Hawaii as the enforcement and permitting agency for improvements built within the Agricultural Land Use Classification requires that a Farm Dwelling Agreement be obtained from the Planning Department.