Island Wide Halloween Events For All Ages Saturday Through Monday

Halloween Round-Up: Saturday Through Monday By Madeline Ziecker Excerpt of Article from: Mauinow.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Paia Maui Pranksters Costume Ball at Charley’s Restaurant. The ball starts at 10 p.m. Entrance is $5 with a costume and $10  without. Best his and hers costume will win $100 each. Kihei Devil’s Night Party at Ambrosia Martini Lounge. Starts 10 p.m. No cover for those in costume with music by DJ Decka, $2 off of all tequila and costume prizes. Kahului 3-Night Halloween Party: Glo & GOREfest Costume Contest at Kahului Ale House. Starts 10 p.m, no cover. Glow sticks and  glow-in-the-dark clothing encouraged. Scary movies will play on 30 TVs as fog layers the floor. Winner of the Kahului Best Costume Contest will collect $400. Halloween drink specials include $7 Glowing Ghost drinks, $5 Graveyard shots, $4  Candy Corn shots, $3 Freddy Krueger shots and $2 Trick-or-treat shots. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 Kihei Wild + Wicked Art Show & Costume Party at the Tiki Lounge. Starts 8 p.m. Art pieces will be sold in support of Plant A  Wish Foundation. Kahului 3-Night Halloween Party: Anythig GLOWS Masquerade Party at Kahului Ale House. Starts 10 p.m. $10 cover after  10 p.m. Featuring DJ Jamn J and DJ Blinky. Free body painting from 9-11 p.m. Halloween drink specials include $7  GHOSTinis, $5 Fried Brain shots, $4 Candy Corn shots, $3 Freddy Krueger shots and $2 Trick-or-Treat shots. MONDAY, OCTOBER 31 – HALLOWEEN NIGHT Paia The New Mastersounds, Freeradicals Projekt, and DJ Boomshot at Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon. Starts 9 p.m.  Sell-Out Expected – Buy Tickets In Advance. Howl 1031 at Moana Bakery & Cafe. Starts 9 p.m. $20 cover. Costume and all-night DJ dance party. Cash prizes  will be offered to the best dressed. Kihei Sexy & Scary at Ambrosia. Starts 10 p.m. DJ CIA, $4 “brain hemorrhage shots” and “spooky juice drinks” in house. Halloween Night With DJ Slackin’ at the Tiki Lounge. Starts 10 p.m. will drink specials all night. Halloween With MOTHxp at Three’s Bar & Grill. Starts 8 p.m. for all ages and at 10 p.m. for 21 & over. Lahaina Halloween “Back on Front” Keiki Costume Parade on Front St. Parade starts at 4:30 p.m. with Maui’s keiki in their best  costumes. Comments Off

Visitor Spending on Maui Continues to Grow~Momentum Is Anticipated To Continue Into 2012

Maui Visitor Spending Grows, Arrivals Flat By Sonia Isotov Article from: MauiNow.com Total expenditures by Maui visitors in the first nine months of 2011 increased by 15.1%, compared to the same  period last year, to $2,370.5 million, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Total visitor days for Maui visitors only rose 4.2% and total arrivals (+4.5%) continued to surpass last year at 1,640,498 visitors. For the month of September 2011, total visitor expenditures for Maui grew 16.4%  ($225.9 million) from September 2010 to $194.0 million. Contributing to the increase was higher daily  spending by all visitors ($194.9 per person, up from $176.2 per person in September 2010) and a 4.7%  growth in total arrivals to 159,359 visitors. “Visitor spending grew to more than $1 billion in September, an increase of 19.7%, with visitors from every  major market area spending more and staying longer than in 2010. We are also pleased that these increases  are being seen throughout all of the four major islands, with year-to-date total visitor expenditures reaching  $9.3 billion in 2011,” said Mike McCartney, president and chief executive officer, Hawaii Tourism Authority,  in a written statement. Total visitor days for all visitors rose 4.2% and total arrivals (+2.7%) continued to surpass last year at  5,446,393 visitors. Contributing to the statewide increase was higher daily spending by all visitors ($199  per person, up from $176 per person in September 2010) and a 4% growth in total arrivals to 560,707 visitors. After six straight months of losses, Japanese arrivals grew slightly by 0.8%. Arrivals from US West (+2%) and  US East (+4.4%) also increased following three months of declines. Continued McCartney, “September’s growth included the continued increase in Japanese visitor spending,  as well as an increase in visitor arrivals, the first of such increases in six months. And we are hopeful that  the uptick in arrivals is a sign of recovery of the Japan market.” Statewide, arrivals by air only in September 2011 rose 4.7% from last September to 553,068 visitors, with  increases from all top four visitor markets. Arrivals from Canada climbed 23%, the fifteenth consecutive  month of double-digit growth. “We anticipate this momentum to continue through the fourth quarter of 2011 and into 2012, with increases  in airlift out of Japan, Canada, Korea and Australia through new and established airlines. We are excited to  welcome Asiana Airlines with direct service from Honolulu to Incheon, Korea, Strategic Airlines servicing  both Brisbane and Melbourne to Honolulu, and Allegiant Airlines servicing the US West region, into the  Hawai’i market,” said McCartney. “We are very encouraged with the increases in visitor spending, arrivals and air seats as we head towards  the end of the year. Together with Hawaii’s visitor industry partners, we will remain vigilant and focused to  reach our targets, set at $12.6 billion in visitor spending and 7.5 million visitor arrivals for 2011.”

More International Exposure For Maui As The Maui Makani Windsurfing Classic Returns To Ho'okipa October 27th~November 1st

Boost Expected With Return of Maui Makani Classic By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com One-hundred world class windsurfers converge at Ho`okipa Beach Park next week for the championship leg of the  American Windsurfing Tour. The Maui Makani Classic kicks off on October 27 and runs until November 1, marking a  return of the sport to Ho`okipa, the international mecca of the windsurfing world. “There is no better place for windsurfing than right here on Maui, and we are proud to be hosting world class events  once more,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “What Halloween does for Lahaina, big windsurfing events will do for Paia.  We’re going to get our economy going one town at a time if we have to,” he said. Competitors will be traveling to Maui from more than 20 counties including Argentina, Chili, China, South Korea,  Morocco, Ireland and Japan. The event is also expected to attract hundreds of spectators from Maui and abroad. In an effort to help with traffic congestion, free event parking will be provided at the Old Maui High School in  Hamakuapoko, with free shuttle bus services provided by the Maui County Veterans Association and the Disabled  American Veterans. No parking will be allowed on the sides of the highway. In addition to the windsurfing competition, other Makani Classic events to include the following: ■Makani Classic opening night party at the Kahului Ale House, October 26, 8 p.m. ■Makani Classic Opening Ceremony, Ho`okipa Beach Park, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. ■Goya and Quatro Party, Pauwela Cannery in Haiku, 6 to 10 p.m. ■Fourth Friday in Paia, 6 to 9 p.m. ■Maui Ultra Lounge Party, Neil Pryde in Kahului, 6 to 9 p.m. ■Pizza with the Pros, Flatbread Pizza in Paia, 6 to 10 p.m. ■Makani Classic closing ceremonies, hosted by Maui Babe and held at the Maui Tropical Plantation, featuring  entertainment, food, cash bar and award presentations, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m., tickets $10 per person. For more information, visit: www.americanwindsurfingtour.com.

16th Annual XTERRA World Championship Race in Kapalua This Sunday October 23, 2011

XTERRA Moves From South Maui to Kapalua By Wendy Osher Article from: MauiNow.com The 2011 XTERRA World Championship makes a venue change this year, moving from the volcanic vistas of South Maui  to the verdant terrain of the Kapalua Resort. The new locale is situated along the northwest coast in the backyard of the  22,000-acre Maui Land & Pineapple Company property. The world’s premier off-road triathlon event will utilize the Village Walking Trails at the old Village Golf Course for the running  and biking portions of the event. The swimming leg of the race takes place at D.T. Fleming Beach located just north of The  Ritz-Carlton Kapalua resort. The brand new course boasts equally grueling conditions with a 1.5-kilometer (1 mile) roughwater swim, followed by a  29.5-kilometer (18.3 mile) mountain bike on the lower slopes of the West Maui Mountains, and a 9.8-kilometer (6.1-mile) trail run. The 16th Annual XTERRA World Championship field includes a capacity field of 650 athletes from 28 countries and 42  US states including professionals and amateurs. The championship race takes place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2011. Event organizers say the first place athlete is expected to finish at approximately 11:30 a.m. The spectator area will be along Fleming Beach and the Transition Area/Finish Line on the poolside lawn at The Ritz-Carlton  Kapalua. Event parking is at the ball field behind the preschool at Kapalua. Leading up to the Championship event, is a series of amateur events on Saturday, October 22, including: Duke’s Beach  House XTERRA 10K, the Hula Grill XTERRA 5K, and the Kimo’s Keiki K for kids ten and under. The 10K and 5K races are open  to all, and benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui County.

Starting in November Wailuku Friday Events Extend to Lahaina, Paia and Makawao

By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com The County of Maui Office of Economic Development will unveil a new initiative this week that will expand the successful  Wailuku First Friday event into a four-Friday-per-month, island-wide event. “Wailuku merchants have done a fantastic job revitalizing their businesses with their First Friday celebration,” said Mayor  Alan Arakawa. “It’s time we duplicate their success in other towns across the county,” said Arakawa. Following in the footsteps of Wailuku’s successful “First Friday,” and Paia’s “Fourth Friday” celebrations, Maui County is  now partnering with coordinators in Lahaina and Makawao for similar events. The overall concept of The Maui Friday Town Parties will be unveiled early next month, along with a website and logos  for each town event. “These events will spur local people and visitors to go to our small towns and enjoy the historic and unique nature of  these business communities,” said Mayor Arakawa. The Maui town party schedule starting November 4th will be as  follows: Wailuku – First Friday, Lahaina – Second Friday, Makawao – Third Friday, Paia – Fourth Friday. ***Check back for details to be unveiled by the county in the first week of November.

Show Support For Clint Hansen's Proposed Opening of Maui Paintball

Filed under: Uncategorized — Clint Hansen @ 4:48 pm On November 22, 2011 I am getting my long awaited (years in the making) meeting with the Maui Planning Department  for my proposed opening of Maui Paintball. To help show community and visitor support for this endeavor please  CLICK HERE and sign my on-line petition. In addition to my love of the sport I feel that opening this facility would be  of tremendous benefit to those of us who are fortunate enough to call Maui home and those who come to visit. This  will be a fully insured and properly supervised enterprise on approximately 10 acres in Olowalu. Thanks to everyone for their support and please feel free to call me at 808-280-2764 or email me at  Clinthansen33@gmail.com with any questions. Mahalo and Aloha, Clint Hansen, Realtor (S) The Hansen Ohana

Another Great Reason To Be On Maui In January~Watch The PGA Live At The Kapalua Plantation Course

Hyundai Golf: Charities Benefit From New Ticket Structure By Wendy Osher Article From: Mauinow.com The Hyundai Tournament of Champions revises its ticketing policy for 2012, and will be charging for adult entry this year,  with charity in mind. The event launches a new program in the coming weeks called Golf for Maui Charities. Under the program, 501-c3  non-profit organizations can promote the sale of tickets, with 100% of net proceeds going back to their charity. “The new ticket structure for 2012 allows the Hyundai Tournament of Champions to have significant impact on the  local economy and our charitable partners,” said Tournament Director Nancy Cross. “We are excited about the upcoming launch of our Golf for Maui Charities program. We hope charities will get involved  with this fantastic opportunity in a time when fundraising has become more difficult than ever,” said Cross. All 501-c3 organizations interested in being a part of Golf for Maui Charities, should contact the Hyundai Tournament  of Champions tournament office at (808) 665-9160 or toll-free at (888) 665-9160 for more information. In 2011, event organizers offered free admission in addition to a host of other complimentary activities. When the event returns in January of 2012, the free entry will be reserved for those 18 and under who are accompanied by a ticket-paying adult, as well as military (active duty, retired and reserve) personnel and their dependents. There will be an opportunity for all spectators to gain free entry on one day only, Thursday, January 5, 2012 for the  Pro-Am Round. The four rounds of professional competition run from Friday, January 6, through Monday, January 9 at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort, marking the official start of the PGA TOUR’s 2012 FedExCup season. In advance of this new program, general admission tickets for competition rounds on Jan. 6-9 are on sale now at  www.pgatour.com/Hyundai. Advance prices for single any-day tickets are $15 plus applicable fees with weeklong  grounds tickets selling for $40 plus applicable fees. ***For Military: Military tickets can be downloaded free of charge by visiting www.birdiesforthebrave.com and clicking on the Ticketing link. All military and their dependents will need to show their valid military ID along with their  downloaded ticket in order to gain complimentary admission.

Maui Memorial Medical Center's New Helipad Now Operational

Hospital launches new helipad
October 13, 2011
Article From The Maui Weekly

Maui Memorial Medical Center’s (MMMC) new helipad became operational on Wednesday, Sept. 28, and by Thursday, Sept. 29, three cases had already been flown in. The helipad is an important milestone and signifies the culmination of many years of planning for the new cardiology service line, which was recently rolled out. MMMC is now the only Neighbor Island hospital treating emergency heart attacks, and the new helipad means that an important window of 15 to 20 minutes can now be saved to treat those heart and other critically-ill patients.

Maui Named Best Island in the World by the Readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine for an Unprecedented 17th Time

Maui is No Ka Oi For 17th Time By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com For an unprecedented 17th time, Maui has been named Best Island in the World by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler  magazine.With a score of 92.1, Maui was also voted Best US Island for the 21st consecutive year in the magazine’s 24th  Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.  The award was presented to Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau executive director Terryl Vencl by veteran actor Chris Noth (Law & Order, Sex in the City and The Good Wife) in an awards ceremony held  last night in New York City. During the presentation, Noth shared his love for Maui saying he visits the island regularly. His mother, a former CBS  television reporter, has also made Maui her home.“Maui continues to capture the hearts, minds and imaginations of  visitors the world over,” said Vencl. “Recent branding studies reveal our visitors seek variety, choice and adventure, planned or spontaneous. They want to know lots of options are available, but want to have the freedom to be as active or relaxed as they choose. I believe this  coveted award speaks to that,” said Vencl. Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa added, “Maui has so much to offer. It is an island of incredible beauty featuring unparalleled service, top-notch activities, excellent restaurants, a wide variety of  accommodations and the friendliest folks anywhere.” “This is a proud moment for the visitor industry and our people of Maui,” said Arakawa. The island of Kaua’i placed second this year with a total of 90 points, followed by Kiawah in South Carolina, which earned  third place with 86.6 points. The Big Island of Hawai’i (now being re-branded as “Hawaii Island”) earned fourth place  honors with 85.8 points. Maui’s sister island of Lana’i rounded out the top six with a score of 84.6. Other top island destinations worldwide include winners in the following geographical categories: Asia (Maldives, 87.5),  Caribbean/Atlantic (Bermuda, 87.4), Asia/Indian Ocean (Bora Bora, 87.0), Europe (Bozcaada and The Turkish Aegean  Islands, 84.2) and Canada (Vancouver Island, 81.5). Maui and Lana’i also fared well in the Top Hawai’i Resorts category, capturing top honors for various properties. Topping the list was Travassa Hana (95.0) followed by Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (93.9). Oahu’s Trump  International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk (93.7) placed third and Hawaii Island’s Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (93.4) ranked fourth. The island of Lanai captured fifth and sixth place respectively as Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay scored 93.4 and  Four Seasons Lanai, The Lodge at Koele finished with 93.1. Other Maui resorts making the Top 20 included 11th place Grand Wailea (89.3), 12th ranked Fairmont Kea Lani (89.0.) and 13th place Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (87.8). The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua (86.9), captured the 14th spot. *** Supporting information courtesy Maui Visitors Bureau.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving From Our Ohana To Yours

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Valued Friends, Family and Clients Why do Canadians and Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on different days? One reason for Canadian Thanksgiving arriving earlier than its American counterpart is that Canada is geographically further  north than the United States, causing the Canadian harvest season to arrive earlier than the American harvest season. And  since Thanksgiving for Canadians is more about giving thanks for the harvest season than the arrival of pilgrims, it makes  sense to celebrate the holiday in October. So what are the differences between Canadian and American Thanksgiving, other  than the date? Not much! Both Canadians and Americans celebrate Thanksgiving with parades, family gatherings, pumpkin pie and a whole lot of turkey! What will you be doing to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? We’re looking forward to a great dinner with our family visiting from Vancouver and are very grateful for our valued friends, family and clients. Article excerpt from: http://www.kidzworld.com

Early First Whale Sighting in Maui Waters on Thursday

First Whale Sighting in Maui Waters By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com The first humpback whale sighting in Maui County waters this season was reported yesterday morning  off the eastern coast of Lana’i. According to the Pacific Whale Foundation, a pair of humpbacks was sighted at 8:35 a.m. on Thursday, October 6, about 2 miles off the coast by the raft, Great White.  The sighting was confirmed by the nearby Ocean Discovery vessel, operated by the Pacific Whale Foundation. Captain Bryson Oliveira confirmed the pod included one adult whale and one smaller whale that appeared to  be a yearling. The Maui sighting comes a week-and-a-half after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric  Association reported the first state sighting of the season near Honaunau Bay, Hawaii Island on September 26. “We were jumping up and down when we heard the news,” said Merrill Kaufman, Chief Operations Officer at  Pacific Whale Foundation. “It is always a cause for excitement when we discover the whales are back.” For the past two years, the first sighting off of Maui was reported on October 20. Humpback whales return to Hawai’i each year as part of their winter migration to give birth and care for their  young. An estimated 12,000 humpback whales are believed to make the journey, according to the Pacific  Whale Foundation. The agency celebrates the start of whalewatch season on Saturday, November 26, when whale sightings  are guaranteed through mid-May. *** Supporting information courtesy, Pacific Whale Foundation.

Casino Night Fundraiser for the J. Walter Cameron Center on Saturday October 15th

Casino Night: Gamble and Win Big for A Cause

By Kristin Hashimoto
Article from: Mauinow.com

Do your fingers itch for the gambling tables and die of Las Vegas? From 5 p.m., on Saturday October 15 at the King Kamehameha Clubhouse, legal gambling tables such as: black jack, roulette, craps, bingo, and poker tables will set the scene for a night of fundraising fun for the J. Walter Cameron Center.

Anyone with an affinity for architecture might want to check out the clubhouse, as it is a design from the renowned American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. From 5:30 p.m., a no-host cocktail bar and auction will open. Pupus will be served and door prizes and live entertainment will keep the energy up throughout the night.

Tickets are $125 each and will go to a worthy community cause. The Cameron Center is home to 20 of Maui’s profit and non-profit health education, rehabilitation, day care, and human service agencies. This benefit will help the center in their continued provision of meeting spaces for hundreds of Maui’s community groups, clubs, social services and local businesses for nominal fees, throughout the year.

For more information on the J. Cameron Center and their casino night fundraiser, visit www.jwcameroncenter.org, or call 244-5546. The King Kamehameha Clubhouse is located at the King Kamehameha golf course at 2500 Honoapiilani Highway in Wailuku.

Front Street in Lahaina, Maui Named to Top 10 Great Streets for 2011 by the American Planning Association

Maui’s Front Street Named to Top 10 Great Streets for 2011

By Wendy Osher
Article From: www.Mauinow.com

Maui’s Front Street has been named to a national list of the 10 Great Streets for 2011. The selection was made by the American Planning Association (APA), under the organization’s Great Places in America program.

The recognition comes just weeks before a Halloween event returns to Front Street in full capacity on October 31st. The Halloween festivities have drawn tens of thousands of people to the street in its heyday.

The extended closure of the street was denied in recent years amid controversy over cultural sensitivity, skimpy costumes and lewd behavior. This year, county officials say concerns have been addressed, and are hoping the return will generate an economic boost for business.

The Great Streets award recognizes places that exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value.

APA selected Front Street for its history, amenities, revitalization efforts, and continuous use by multiple generations for a variety of purposes. The picturesque views and mild climate were also considered as contributing factors.

“The planning success of Front Street is due to years of effective partnerships between non-profit organizations, government leaders and countless community members. With everyone striving to balance Front Street’s historical, cultural and commercial needs we will ensure that this special seaside treasure lives on,” said Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran.

Through the Great Places in America program, APA recognizes unique and exemplary streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces. These authentic places showcase diverse architectural styles, promote community involvement and accessibility, and foster economic opportunity.

Since APA began Great Places in America in 2007, 50 neighborhoods, 50 streets and 40 public spaces have been designated in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“Nearly five decades of preservation and revitalization efforts have uncovered and saved more than 1,300 years of culture and heritage,” said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP.

Front Street’s architecture and sidewalks reflect Lahaina’s chronological history starting with the Moku’ula archaeological site to buildings from the 1830s and later.

Moku’ula, located at the intersection of Front and Shaw Streets, is a sacred island that was was once home to high chiefs from the 16th to 19th centuries. The island was buried years ago and filled for a county park. Efforts are currently underway to restore the site to its former grandeur.

Lahaina also served as the capital for the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1802-1842 before government activities were moved to Honolulu.

“From its start as the home of Native Hawaiian royalty to its days as a whaling outpost and missionary stronghold, and later a plantation town, to its current status as a tourist attraction, Front Street has embraced its history while accommodating more contemporary uses,” said Farmer.

Royal tombs located in Wainee, just off Front Street, are a reminder of Lahaina’s royal past. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Front Street is characterized by wooden storefronts, second-story balconies, parks, art galleries, eateries, residential quarters, and views of the West Maui Mountains, Lahaina Harbor and the island of Lanai.

In 1965, Lahaina was listed on the National Register and, three years later, was the focus of an architectural style book designed to protect plantation-era vernacular architecture.

Front Street underwent a major $11 million facelift in 1997 that included widening sidewalks and burying most electric utility lines. Other planning efforts have addressed density and commercial development issues, and established sign guidelines.

The nine other Great Streets selected by the APA for 2011 include: Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA; U Street N.W., Washington, DC; Main Street, Galena, IL; Main Street, Nantucket, MA; Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO; Market Street and Market Square, Portsmouth, NH; Downtown Woodstock Streetscape, Woodstock, VT; King Street, Alexandria, VA; and Davis Street, Culpeper, VA.

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The Buzz~Compliments of Old Republic Title & Escrow of Hawaii

THE BUZZ
Compliments of Anne Diola
Old Republic Title & Escrow of Hawaii

There’s good news in real estate to report as we enter the fall season. In August, sales of existing homes rose 8.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.47 million in August. What’s important to note is that this rate is 20.2 percent above the 3.72 million pace of August 2010. Also, U.S. home prices were up for the fourth month in a row, according to the latest Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices.
Existing home sales increased from July to August in all regions:
Northeast – increased 2.7 percent
Midwest – increased 3.8 percent
South – increased 5.4 percent
West – increased 18.3 percent
Ron Phipps, President of the National Association of Realtors, reports that currently we are experiencing the best housing affordability conditions in a generation. Clearly, buyers are enjoying the benefits of today’s market and historically low interest rates.

JUST ASK
Q: I’m hearing about something called a “conforming loan limit” and how it’s changing. Can you tell me more about this?

A: The conforming loan limit determines the maximum size of a mortgage that the U.S. – specifically, the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – will guarantee. Before the housing bust in 2008, the government-insured loan limit was $417,000. This limit still applies across most of the country. But in areas with high home values — 250 counties, in all — the government increased those limits to bolster the confidence of cautious lenders.

Since 2008 the limit in affected counties has been $729,750. But as of October 1, the new limit has been reduced to $625,500. Home buyers in these counties can obtain non-conforming home loans (known as “Jumbo” loans), but the interest rates are typically higher and require a larger down payment. In a nutshell, the lowering of the loan limit can mean fewer loan options for buyers in affected counties.

MY TOWN
As the nights grow longer and days a bit cooler, you probably find yourself shifting from thoughts of barbeques and swimming pools to pumpkins, harvest festivals and trick-or-treating. As you get ready for October festivities, consider turning your pumpkin carving tradition into a family activity. Whether you’re 2, 22, or 102, carving pumpkins lets you express your creative self.
Disney’s FamilyFun.com site has lots of tips on pumpkin carving and buying (Hint: Visit your local pumpkin patch!). Check out their slide show of creative pumpkin carving and decorating ideas too for some inspiration. Kraft.com includes pumpkin carving stencils you can print and loads of Halloween-themed recipes. About.com is also a good source for carving tips and recipes. Did you know, for example, that you can use your Jack O’ Lantern as an air freshener? Just sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves on the bottom of the lid.
Spread out your newspapers, get a carving knife and pumpkin, and get ready to have some fun celebrating fall. Happy carving!

FYI
On October 15th, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, drop by the Shops at Wailea for an amazing charity event called: “Sharing, Shopping, and Symphony”. This is sponsored by the Windermere Foundation and all funds raised will stay on Maui! There will be Live Entertainment, Silent Auction, Fashion Show, and more. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Anne Diola’s Contact Info:
Anne Diola
Account Executive
Old Republic Title & Escrow of Hawaii
33 Lono Ave, Ste 195
Kahului, HI 96732
W: (808) 281-8430
M: (808) 281-8430
adiola@ortc.com

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Kihei Community Association Meeting~Community Explores Maui Island Plan

Community Explores Maui Island Plan

Public discusses important policy document under review by Maui County Council.

Written By:Tom Blackburn-Rodriguez
Article from: The MauiWeekly

The Kīhei Community Association (KCA) meeting held on Tuesday, Sept. 20, was billed as a review of smart planning for South Maui.
The meeting began with an announcement by state Rep. George Fontaine, who said he was meeting with Maui Electric Company (MECO) President Ed Reinhardt to try and stop the utility’s plan to install 70-foot power poles along the mauka side of Pi‘ilani Highway as part of an effort to increase the supply of electricity for growth planned in South Maui.

Subsequently, the Maui Weekly recently learned that Rep. Fontaine appears to have been successful, stating that the MECO plan will be modified.

Rep. Fontaine disclosed additional information in a Thursday, Sept. 22, Facebook posting: “After meeting with MECO and hearing my suggestion of moving the lines further mauka above any view-plane and development, they agreed.”

“The route will now go from some midway point on Mokulele Highway, across A&B and ranch lands,” he added. “They need to work [out] what the new cost will be and easements. Once they complete it, they will present the new plan to the community. The president [Reinhart] also apologized to the community on how this was initially handled.”

Following Fontaine, the group discussed the potential impact of the proposed Maui Island Plan currently under review by the Maui County Council.

Among the guest speakers for the evening were environmental activist and former General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) member Lucienne de Naie and Kathleen Kern from the county Planning Department’s Long Range Planning Division.

De Naie said that much is at stake for South Maui, depending on the final form of the Maui Island Plan that is approved by the council.

She said the important issues affecting the area include: Hawaiian cultural heritage; shorelines, oceans and reefs; watersheds and wild lands; livable, walkable communities; housing opportunities; food and energy self-sufficiency; economic diversity; and adaptation to climate change.

De Naie is concerned that the council is engaged in softening the language of the proposed plan by removing words like “shall” and “must,” and replacing them with words such as “may” and “encourage” in areas relating to environmental and building practices, to name a few.

She also criticized the council for removing or placing in the index section maps tied to policy statements regarding topics such as preservation of the shorelines and hazard areas.

“Good maps equal good plans,” de Naie said. “We need to advocate that our maps connect to our Maui Island Plan.”

A panel moderated by KCA President John Miller brought de Naie together with Kern.

Miller reiterated his concerns to Kern. “The community has spoken about what we want and don’t want in South Maui, and what we want our community to look like. But, after all that, why do we get these monster plans that are so shocking, instead of what the community vision is asking for. What mechanism are we going to put in place to get the community we want?”

Kern replied that the Maui Island Plan is a policy document that is open to interpretation. “There is a difference between a policy plan and regulation such as zoning, etc.,” she said. “Ultimately, what governs things are the regulations.”

She recommended that as the community moves forward from the Maui Island Plan to the development of community plans that will put policy recommendation into effect, they correctly identify the zoning they want with specific design guidelines.

Kern, an architect who has previously worked on planning issues in Seattle, Wash., suggested that Maui might want to look at the Seattle planning model.

“In Seattle, after doing neighborhood plans, they began to develop neighborhood design guidelines,” said Kern. “Any large project has to go to the community design review board.”

Next month’s KCA meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 18, will examine commercial development in North Kīhei. KCA meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Kīhei Charter Middle School Campus, 41 E. Līpoa St. For information, call 879-5390 or visit www.gokihei.org.