Law Affecting Remodel & Tear-Down of Historic & Older Homes

Many Hawaii homeowners and realtors were dismayed last year when we heard about the new requirement for remodeling or tearing down properties 50 or more years old. Under this law, Act 228 of the 2008 Legislative Session, owners wishing to tear down or remodel such a structure, had to provide photographs of their property to the State Historic Preservation Division prior to being issued a building permit. There was no distinction made as to the condition or stuctural integrity of the building, or any other factor, other than age. On the East side of Oahu, this affected many, many people, as most homes here are at or rapidly approaching the age that would be covered under the law.

As you can imagine, many problems and criticisms arose from the law, including imposing an unfair burden on homeowners in getting and paying for these pictures and, of course, further delays in getting permits. This law was not meant to create a bottleneck, or even prevent destruction of historical properties, but rather just a way to preserve history through pictures. However, it made an already cumbersome permit process a bit more cumbersome.

Governor Lingle, has apparently agreed with the critics of Act 228, and effective April 14, 2009, repealed this law. She stated,” Act 228 further impeded the issuance of building permits at a time when we should be doing all we can to facilitate construction activity in order to stimulate the economy and create jobs.” Thank you, Governor Lingle, but I have to wonder — why do some of these laws get passed in the first place?

Kailua Home for Sale: Fun and Funky Tropical Paradise in Kailua

Thursdays are the days for Oahu Realtors Broker’s Open in Kailua. I try to get out every week, so I can get a jump on the best deals for my clients who are looking to buy Oahu real esate and to keep up to date with the Oahu real estate on the market. 

My favorite Oahu home for sale for this week is located just a few homes from famed Kailua Beach and has deeded beach access. What makes this home unique and my favorite this week are three things: (1) a HUGE lot, almost 13,000 sq ft - there is plenty of room for a pool and lots of grass, great kids yard or wonderful if you like to do a lot of entertaining (2) tropical, fun, bamboo/tiki style decor - well, this is not for everyone, but it certainly works well in this location, and (3) an open & breezy floorplan - many of the rooms open to the outside. Great for truly indoor/outdoor lifestyle like we have here in Kailua. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It is very unique in its use of bamboo on the walls and ceilings. I have never seen anything quite like it.

Here are some photos.

Back of this Kailua Home from the Huge backyard.

Remodeled Kitchen - Travertine Floors Throughout. Nice glass mosaic tile backsplash.

Living Area of Kailua Home for Sale. Wonderful, open floor plan. Note the liberal use of bamboo on the ceilings.

Dining Area, looking into remodeled kitchen.

Master bedroom, enhanced with unique bamboo garden wall, flows out to the spacious backyard.

A better look at the Master Bedroom’s Bamboo Wall Decor - these photos really don’t do it justice. There is a rock garden at the bottom that you can’t see, and the background for the bamboo is a woven material. A faux bamboo forest.

This is what I call the TIKI Bedroom - You can’t really see it, but the tikis flanking each side of the daybed light up from the inside. Note the elephant bamboo wainscoting behind the bed, and on the rest of the walls.

ROOM WITH A VIEW - Besides the intricate bamboo and thatch ceiling, and wainscoting, this room features a wall mural that looks a lot like Kailua Beach. This room also opens out to the gorgeous backyard.

Here is a look at the giant backyard. The home also has a 3 car garage and 4th bedroom. The yard faces the street and home is back on a private lane.

Funky, Fresh, Tropical - Is it for you? Please contact me if this property appeals to you and you would like to see this in person, Aloha - 808-721-8088. Listing courtesy of C21 All Islands.

Conveyance Tax Increase for Sellers of Luxury Homes on Oahu

UPDATE: The Governor Did Sign This Into Law.
____________________________________________

Yesterday, the Hawaii Legislature passed House Bill 1741 which (among many other things) aims to increase the conveyance taxes on the seller for the sale of properties priced at $2 Million and more. If Governor Lingle signs this bill, conveyance taxes will go from the current tiered structure, for owner-occupied homes, ranging from 10 cents to 30 cents per 100 dollars in purchase price:

OLD
10 cents per $100 - Property Price $0-$599,999 (15 cents for non-owner occupied)
20 cents per $100 - Property Price $600,000 - $999,999 (25 cents for non-owner occupied)
30 cents per $100 - Property Price $1M and up (35 cents for non-owner occupied)

to a new structure, that raises taxes to 50 cents to a dollar per $100, for owner-occupied purchases fo homes priced at $2M or more, and 60 cents to $1.25 for purchasers of these homes living elsewhere.

NEW
10 cents per $100 - Property Price $0-$599,999 (15 cents for non-owner occupied)
20 cents per $100 - Property Price $600,000 - $999,999 (25 cents for non-owner occupied)
30 cents per $100 - Property Price $1M - $1,999,999 (40 cents for non-owner occupied)
50 cents per $100 - Property Price $2 M - $3,999,999(60 cents for non-owner occupied)
70 cents per $100 - Property Price $4 M - $5,999,999(85 cents for non-owner occupied)
90 cents per $100 - Property Price $6 M - $9,999,999($1.10 for non-owner occupied)
$1 per $100 - Property Price $10 M and up ($1.25 cents for non-owner occupied)

So, for a $2 Million owner-occupied home the conveyance tax would increase $6,000 to $10,000, or 67%. For a non-ower occupied home of $2M the tax would increase from $7,000 to $12,000, or 71%.

For a $10 Million owner-occupied home the tax would increase from $30,000 to $100,000, or 233%. For a non-ower occupied home of $10M the tax would increase from $35,000 to $125,000, or 257%.

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/Bills/HB1741_sd1_.pdf

You may ask, why is the SELLER responsible for more taxes when the BUYER is an investor? Good question - that is a factor that Sellers may wish to consider and possibly, negotiate with an investor/buyer in a transaction.

Stay tuned to hear what happens.

Kailua Magazine 2009 Edition - Get it Before it's Gone!

One of the things I look forward to the most with my annual subscription to Honolulu Magazine is the Kailua edition that comes out every April.

Last year, I was fortunate enough to be interviewed for the magazine’s article, “Wanted: Kailua” by Catherine Toth, on Kailua real estate. They even featured a home that I sold and my clients in the article.

This year, the Kailua section featured the history of three very different Kailua families and 13 fun new things to do in Kailua. In the article “Kailua Generations,” by Jenny Quill told stories of the Kanentake, Rodrigues-Pope and Peters families of Kailua. I found intriguing the historic photos, including a 1952 picture of Mount Olomana, and wonder what it must have been like here, in the “old days.”

In the article on new things to do in Kailua, the writer, Ashley Hamershock, featured several new restaurants, merchants and activity providers, under the headings drink, eat, move and shop. I have tried several of the new places first-hand and found them to be quite good. In particular, Bob’s Pizzeria, Crepes No Ka Oi, and Kailua Town Pub and Grill, all casual eateries, with pretty good prices. Of the merchants, I’d recommend Little Sprouts, the new Eco-boutique for kids, featuring green clothing and products, and the Sweet Paradise Chocolatier, with delicious and beautiful chocolate treats, even some handpainted tropical delights.

The last Kailua article in the magazine was my favorite, however, because it so distinctly depicts much of my experience living in Kailua. Entitled “New Year’s Day,” the writer, Rachel Ross, describes what makes Kailua so special. Stranded o New Year’s Day with a flat tire, she hangs out for a while at the historical Kalapawai Market, just Mauka of the kitesurfing part of Kailua Beach, while the owner rides his bike home to get a pump to help fix her tire. She people watches (looking for Obama), interacts, and lives, even if for a brief moment in a “small town meets cosmopolitan” experience, which I completely understood. This is this specific location where I have my coffee almost every morning, so perhaps gives part an explanation of why I am so in love with Kailua.

I Love Kailua Town Festival - 2009

This 17th Annual Event, hosted by the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle, Kaneohe Ranch and the Castle Foundation, promises to be a great time for residents from all parts of the island and visitors too. Held in the center of Kailua town, on Sunday, April 27 from 11 am to 4 pm, this event is Kailua’s biggest party of the year. Kailua Road, from Kuulei Road to Hahani Street, will be closed off to automobiles for the event. Thousands are expected to attend, enjoying food, music, live entertainment, and handmade arts and crafts of local artists. You can also buy plants and learn more about many local businesses.

The event benefits the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle. This organization, founded in 1948, focuses on keeping Kailua beautiful, green and clean, and is dedicated to planting trees, shrubs and flowers in parks, public spaces and along streets of Kailua. At the festival, they will be selling “I Love Kailua” buttons and t-shirts, so don’t forget to pick one or two up to help support the cause. You will need a button to purchase food and get “A Taste of Kailua.” Buttons are already on sale at various Kailua merchants for $3 each. Children 12 and under are free.

Restaurants participating in “A Taste of Kailua” are A Cup of Tea, Agnes’ Portguese Bak Shop, Baskin Robbins, Big City Diner, Buzz’s Steak House, cakelava, Chip n Cookie, Cinnamon’s, Crepes No Ka Oi, Down to Earth, Formaggio Grill, Great Harvest Bread Company, India Cafe Curry Express, Kalapawai Cafe and Deli, Laikai Catering Company, Los Garcias Mexican Restaurant, Na ‘Ono, Pikinini Donuts, Pinky’s Pupu ar and Grill, Tat’s Shaved Ice, The Bistro, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Tokoname Restaurant, and more.

Entertainment for 2009 will include a stage devoted to the theme “I Love Hula.” Performers at the festival include: Harry Koizumi, Mihani Souza, Keiki Hula with Pattye’s Hula Studio, Coconut Joe, PJ Smoketrain, Kamakakehau Fernandez, and the Navy Pacific Fleet Band.

Park in the two-level structure in front of Long’s Drugs, or think green and walk or ride your bike! Extra bike racks will be available too. See you there!!! I Love

Top Leeward Oahu Schools - 2008 Best Public School Report

Out of the top 50 public schools in Hawaii, nine Leeward Oahu schools were listed in Honolulu Magazine’s recent rankings. In fact, the #1 Top-rated School in all of Hawaii was a Leeward Oahu school. This is the list:

#1 Momilani Elementary

#9 Palisades Elementary

#28 Manana Elementary

#29 Leihoku Elementary

#33 Holomua Elementary

#35 Iroquois Point Elementary

#49 Pearl City Highlands Elementary

Now that I mentioned Leeward Oahu, I should probably list the Central Oahu schools, as well. Ten (10) central Oahu schools were named in the Top 50 for all of Hawaii in the Honolulu Magazine Report.

#2 Mililani Mauka Elementary

#8 Mililani Ike Elementary

#14 Pearl Ridge Elementary

#24 Nimitz Elementary

#25 Webling Elementary

#30 Moanalua Elementary

#37 Waialua Elementary

#39 Moanalua Middle School (this is the second best rated Middle School on Oahu, Kaimuki Middle School, in the Honolulu Area is the only one rated higher)

#47 Moanalua High School (this is the top rated High School on Oahu)

See previous 2 posts for more Hawaii public school information and for the Honolulu and Windward Oahu lists.

Mahalo!

Oahu Public School Rankings - Another Resource

I just posted regarding Honolulu Magazine’s recent ranking of Oahu public schools.

Another resource, Schooldigger.com, also has rankings for Oahu public shcools. In this case, they don’t use student, teacher and parents satisfaction scores to affect the rankings. They do use the same standardized test scores, however.

The rankings come out a bit different. For a comparison check out:

http://www.schooldigger.com/go/HI/schoolrank.aspx?Level=1&findschool=0003000183

Just enter the name of the school to find its place in the rankings.

Honolulu Magazine Rankings for Oahu Public Schools - 2008 Public Schools Report

It’s out again. The 4th annual list of Hawaii’s top public schools. This is a report on 258 public schools in Hawaii using DOE data, as well as satisfaction scores from parents, teachers and children.

According to this report, the two top rated public schools in Hawaii were #1 Momilani Elementary School, located in the Pearl City area, and #2 Mililani Mauka Elementary School, in Mililani, Central Oahu. Mililani Ike Elementary ranked #8 and Palisades Elementary in Leeward Oahu, ranked #9.

The top public schools in Honoulu (all were among the top 50 for the state) were:
#3 Noelani Elementary School (Manoa Area),
#4 Aina Haina Elementary School,
#5 Waikiki Elementary School,
#6 Ma’ema’e Elementary School(Alewa Heights),
#11 Hokulani Elementary School (University/St Louis),
#13 Nu’uanu Elementary School,
#15 Manoa Elementary School,
#16 Lanakila (Kamehameha Hts/Liliha),
#17 Koko Head Elementary School (Hawaii Kai),
#18 Kahala Elementary School,
#16 Ali’iolani Elementary (Palolo/Kaimuki),
#20 Wilson Elementary School (Waialae Nui/Kalana Iki),
#26 Kaimuki Middle School,
#36 Liholiho Elementary (Kaimuki), and
#42 Wailupe Valley Elementary School (Aina Haina).

Honolulu Magazine’s Top rated schools for Windward Oahu were:
#7 Sunset Beach Elementary School (Northshore),
#31 Kaelepulu Elementary School (Kailua)
#38 Enchanted Lake Elementary School (Kailua)
#40 Aikahi Elementary School (Kailua)
#44 Kainalu Elementary (Kailua) and
#46 Ka’a’awa Elementary School (Kaaawa/North Windward).

FOR LEEWARD AND CENTRAL OAHU SCHOOLS - CLICK HERE

Charming Plantation Style Kailua Home for Sale - Sold $780k

Forget your troubles when you step inside the gate to this charming, beautifully landscaped 3BR, 2BA Kailua bungalow, with approx. 1457 sq. ft. living area. This enchanting Kailua home for sale was rebuilt in 2004 with new electrical, plumbing, roof, siding and more.

It has charming plantation cottage styling and upgrades include bamboo flooring, plantation shutters, crown molding, stained glass, rain chains, mahogany doors, and an art-glass chandelier. Enjoy the large kitchen with granite and slate, cooktop island, eating bar, vaulted ceiling and skylight.

Pleasant nights await you in the breezy master suite of this Kailua plantation style home, with French doors to a covered lanai that overlooks a tropical garden, and a large walk-in glass block shower. Additional features of this charming Kailua cottage are a home security system, landscape lighting, sprinkler system, Phantom screens, solar attic fan and custom stamped and stained patio. A large garage, with a loft and extra storage, completes the package.

Keolu Hills is located in Kailua, Oahu, 2 miles drive from famed Kailua Beach and just South of Lanikai. In this splendid location, you can walk to shopping and dining. This charming Kailua home is also located in the top-rated Enchanted Lake school district. Honolulu is less than 15 miles away, an easy and lovely commute.

Please call Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn for showings 721-8088

Honolulu Ranked in Top 10 of Most Secure Cities to Live in the US

In a recent report of Sperlings Best Places, which ranked the “Most Secure” large metropolitan areas in the US, our lovely city of Honolulu was ranked right up there.

This ranking system is based on crime statistics, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, environmental hazards, terrorism threats, air quality, life expectancy and job loss numbers. 379 municipalities were rated. Honolulu received a rating of #10 of metropolitan areas with 500,000 or more residents and 44th overall.

For more information about living in Honolulu, please contact me at 721-8088.

Honolulu Luxury Condo for Sale with Gorgeous Diamond Head Views

The Royal Iolani, Diamondhead Tower #2605

FEE AVAILABLE for $249,250 (together $654,250)

Interior Features	Incredible Diamondhead and City/Ocean views from Living Area, kitchen and both bedrooms, Oak laminate flooring, granite counters and ceramic tile in KI/BA. Master suite with 2 large closets, double vanity and dramatic sunken shower/tub and large, separate tiled shower. Stackable W/D in unit, maintenance fee covers all basic utilities and A/C!
Exterior Features	Only unit for sale in this tower with 2 PKG! 2BR unit in the preferred (because of the better views) Diamondhead Tower of the Royal Iolani. This is a premiere Honolulu building with 24/7 security, landscaped park-like grounds, pool, whirlpool, sauna, BBQs, fitness room, 2 recreation/party areas each with full kitchen. Some pets permitted. One of the best managed and maintained buildings in town. This corner unit does not face the street, but faces greenbelt of Iolani school, Ala Wai golf-course and the Ala Wai canal, so has a quieter and cleaner environment than most condos. Windows DO open. No lanai - BONUS for those afraid of heights, with pets or children, or who like to keep the outside out.
Additional Features and Amenities	2 Tandem Parking Spaces in Garage, near elevator. Plenty of guest parking. Elevator and security system have back-up power generator in case of outage. Garbage chute.

Spacious living area with oak laminate flooring

Another view of living space

Remodeled kitchen with new sand-colored granite counters/backsplash & ceramic tile, lighting, and stainless accents.

Good-sized guest bedroom with adjoining Jack-n-Jill style bath and sweeping Diamondhead & ocean views.

Master bedroom with city and ocean views, walk-in closet and double-sized mirrored clost.

Large Master bath with double vanity, new tile floors and faucets, and teak cabinets.

Master bath includes a large walk-in shower, as well as a spa-like sunken tub/shower combination.

Gorgeous, Jack-n-Jill style remodeled guest bath - one entry to guest bedroom, one to hallway.

View from living room window in afternoon.

Building exterior. Diamondhead Tower is on the right.

The Royal Iolani is situated on over 2.5 acress of park-like, landscaped grounds, with lawn area, dog run (some small pets allowed), benches and sculptures.

The Royal Iolani offers residents the use of 2 outdoor, covered recreation/party areas, complete with full kitchens, and tables and chairs. BBQ grills, whirpool, fitness room and pool area are nearby.

Listed by Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn. Please call 721-8088 for showings.

Hawaiian Modern: the Architecture of Vladimir Ossipoff

The Honolulu Academy of the Arts will soon be featuring an exhibition about prolific Hawaii architect Vladimir Ossipoff (1907-1998). The exhibition will start in Honolulu on November 29, 2007 and will continue with various events through January 27, 2008. After Honolulu, the exhibition will travel on to New Haven, Connecticut and Frankfurt, Germany.

The guest curator for this important architectural event is Dean Sakamoto. An exhibition catalogue, really a book, “Hawaii Modern,” has been published by Yale University Press and the Honolulu Academy of Arts for the occasion. Contributors to the catalogue include notable architects and educators, such as Stephen Little, Dean Sakamoto, Karla Britton,  Kenneth Frampton, Marc Treib, Don Hibbard, Spencer Leineweber, Victoria Sambunaris, and Jenny Chang.

Among notable projects of Vladimir (Val) Ossipoff are commercial buildings such as the Honolulu International Airport. He is also well known for his residential projects and his adept incorporation of natural elements of weather, wind and landscape into open living space. Many of his homes amd commercial buildings remain standing on Oahu and other Hawaiian islands. In Honolulu, Ossipoff homes for sale command a premium and are coveted by their owners. 

Hawaiian Modern: The Architecture of Vladimir Ossipoff

If you are looking to buy an Ossipoff home in Honolulu, or an Ossipoff designed home in Kailua, or any other areas of Oahu, please contact me at 808-721-8088. I would love to help you find your Ossipoff home for sale.

~Aloha~

Luxury Portlock Waterfront Home Tops Sold List at $15,900,000

530 Portlock Road in the Hawaii Kai region of Honolulu

At $15,900,000, this Oahu luxury property is the most expensive home sold on Oahu (so far) in 2007, topping the $11 million dollar beachfront lot on Kailuana Place, in Kailua Oahu which was sold earlier this year in Kailua.

This custom-built (in 2005) beachfront property on Oahu has 4BR and 5BA, a roofed living space of over 10,000 square feet, lanais of over 2,000 square feet, and is situated on almost two acres of private, beautifully landcaped grounds. With too many gorgeous custom features to mention, including amazing views of Diamond Head, this is a truly spectacular estate property on Oahu.

This luxury Portlock home in Hawaii Kai was listed by MWA-SIR. If you are interested in buying another unique luxury home on Oahu, please contact Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn at 808-721-8088. ~ Aloha

Duck Road Home - Kailua Homes for Sale - Kailua Beach Homes

1206 Kainui Road, Kailua, HI 96734

4BR/3BA, 2249 sq ft. Prime Kailua Location, Walk to Kailua Beach (4 blocks).

Picturesque home on ‘Duck Road’ a short walk from Kailua Beach. Open floor plan
flows out to park-like tropical garden, covered lanai & 35-ft lap pool. Recently
painted int/ext in decorator colors, high-tech alarm system, wired for integrated
home theater/computer system, gourmet eat-in kitchen, granite counters, wood &
quartzite flooring, 2 masters, extra storage. Garage, sprinkler system, home warranty.
MUST SEE!!

Call Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn to see this gorgeous home! 808-721-8088

Front of Home. Walk to Kailua Beach from this Lovely Neighborhood.

Immaculate Tropical Landscape in Backyard, as well as Side Yard.

Gorgeous Remodeled Eat-in Kitchen Opens up to Main Living Areas.

Family Living Area, open to kitchen and with vaulted ceilings, leads out to the Backyard Lanai and Pool.

Spacious Bedrooms with Plenty of Storage.

Adorable bedroom, perfect for nursery or office, with lovely window seat.

Formal dining area and living room at entry of home.

Call Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn at 808-721-8088 to see this home.

Luxury Beachfront Portlock Home Tops Sold List at $15,900,000

530 Portlock Road in the Hawaii Kai region of Honolulu

At $15,900,000, this Oahu luxury property is the most expensive home sold on Oahu (so far) in 2007, topping the $11 million dollar beachfront lot on Kailuana Place, in Kailua Oahu which was sold earlier this year in Kailua.

This custom-built (in 2005) beachfront property on Oahu has 4BR and 5BA, a roofed living space of over 10,000 square feet, lanais of over 2,000 square feet, and is situated on almost two acres of private, beautifully landcaped grounds. With too many gorgeous custom features to mention, including amazing views of Diamond Head, this is a truly spectacular estate property on Oahu.

This luxury Portlock home in Hawaii Kai was listed by MWA-SIR. If you are interested in buying another unique luxury home on Oahu, please contact Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn at 808-721-8088. ~ Aloha