Total Spending By Visitors To Hawaii Has Grown Every Month Since May 2010: Maui Visitor Spending And Arrivals Continue Growing

Maui Visitor Spending, Arrivals Continue Growing By Sonia Isotov Article From: Mauinow.com “Continued growth in visitor spending is a strong indication that Hawaii’s tourism economy is improving,” said  Mike McCartney, the president and chief and executive officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), in a  written statement today. For the state, visitor spending rose 15.1% to $11.3 billion during the first 11 months of 2011. On Maui, visitor  spending rose 12.9% to $249.5 million during the same 11 month period. Statewide, total visitor days for all visitors rose 4.9% and total arrivals remained ahead (+3.4%) of last year at  6,600,776 visitors, according to preliminary statistics released today by the HTA. On Maui, total visitor days  for all visitors rose 4% and total arrivals remained ahead (+4.2%) as well. The HTA expects to end this year  with year-over-year growth in visitor expenditures. Total arrivals in November 2011 rose 2.6% compared to last November to 566,672 visitors, and Maui  received 165,239 visitors compared to 162,153 visitors last November, or a 1.9% increase. For the month of November 2011 alone, total visitor spending grew 8.2% (up $73.5 million) from November  2010 to $972.5 million, while visitor arrivals were up 2.6% from a year ago. Total spending by all visitors has  risen every month since May 2010. Higher daily spending ($186 per person, up from $179 per person in  November 2010) contributed to the growth in total visitor expenditures. “The HTA’s focus on Asia and emerging markets is paying off with growth in visitor spending and arrivals  from Asia, including Korea, China and Japan. In November, air seat capacity from Japan increased 10.5%  due to increased service and an additional 5,796 charter seats to Hawai’i. The average daily spending from  Japanese visitors also increased, resulting in a 20% growth in visitor expenditures,” added McCartney. Total arrivals by air only in November 2011 increased 3.6% to 555,630 visitors. Japanese arrivals grew  4.7%, the third consecutive month of increases. Arrivals from Canada (+5.1%), US West (+0.6%) and US  East (+2.0%) were also higher compared to November 2010. Arrivals by cruise ships fell 32% from  November 2010 to 11,042 visitors. For the first 11 months of 2011, total expenditures by Canadian visitors rose 26.5%, supported by strong  growth in arrivals (+18.8%) and higher average daily spending. Total expenditures by US West (+6.9%) and  US East (+9.5%) visitors continued to increase while US West (+1.9%) and US East (+2.0%) arrivals remained  above year-to-date 2010. Total Japanese visitor expenditures increased 8.1%, even though arrivals were  lower (-5.4%) than the first 11 months of 2010. “The growth from these markets are helping to offset the drop in spending from the US West and US East  that may be attributed to an increase in prices, as well as a recovering US economy,” explained McCartney. November was also the month of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week (APEC) which the  HTA used to promote Hawai’i as a global meetings destination and highlight the Hawaiian Islands’  centralized location in the Asia-Pacific region. McCartney said, “As anticipated, overall arrivals during  November showed modest growth compared to 2010, but the recent increases in arrivals and spending  from Japan and other Asia are also indicators of the significance of the Asia-Pacific region and the potential  long-term impact that APEC will have on our community.” “It is also important to note that the visitor data for November 2011 does not include APEC attendees who  arrived via private planes or government transportation that is not captured by our research, as well as  ancillary business spending that includes security expenses, equipment rental fees, meeting rooms,  private parties and other expenses,” said McCartney. “As we head into 2012, we anticipate seeing an increased shift of our visitor profile with a growing number  of visitor arrivals from the Asia-Pacific region. With new flights by Air Australia and Asiana Airlines, as well  as increased service by Hawaiian Airlines to South Korea, we see potential to capitalize on opportunities  and will continue developing these markets while building on recent gains that will help to provide jobs  and stimulate our state’s economy.”

Restaurant Week in Wailea is Back~November 6-12th

Restaurant Week Wailea Returns November 6 – 12, 2011 Back by popular demand, Wailea Resort is proud to announce the return of its very successful dinner promotion, “Restaurant Week Wailea”. This celebration of Wailea’s finest cuisine will take place at 16 participating resort  restaurants throughout Wailea starting Sunday, November 6th, through Saturday, November 12th. Wailea Resort has long been known for its award winning culinary talent, delectable restaurants and celebrity  chefs; and have once again created some remarkable three course, pre-fixe menus for just $29*, $39* or $49*  per person (*depending on the restaurant – beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Some restaurants have  enhanced this promotion, by creating wine pairings to enjoy with your meal, at a very special price “Restaurant Week Wailea continues to be a popular promotion for the restaurants and diners”, said Bud Pikrone,  General Manager, Wailea Community Association. “Earlier this year in May, over $4,800 was raised from  Restaurant Week Wailea for the Maui Food Bank and having it again this November is perfect timing to raise  more money for the Maui Food Bank as the Holidays approach” said Pikrone. Each participating restaurant has agreed to make a contribution to the Maui Food Bank for every pre-fixe  entrée sold during Restaurant Week Wailea, as part of the resorts community giving. This pre-fixe menu is not valid with any other discount, coupons or promotion being offered at participating  restaurants. Diners may contact each restaurant direct for reservations, as advance reservations are strongly  recommended or visit www.opentable.com for select restaurants* which offer online dinner reservations. No tickets, passes or coupons needed ~ simply make your reservations and enjoy! 16 Wailea Resort restaurants are participating: Capische?* (Hotel Wailea) (808) 879-2224 DUO Steak and Seafood (Four Seasons) (808) 874-8000 Gannon’s (Wailea Gold & Emerald Course) (808) 875-8080 Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Grand Wailea) (808) 875-1234 Joe’s in Wailea (Wailea Tennis Club) (808) 875-7767 KAI Wailea (808) 875-1955 Kō* (Fairmont Kea Lani) (808) 875-4100 Longhi’s* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 891-8883 Mala Wailea* (Wailea Marriott) (808) 875-9394 Matteo’s (808) 874-1234 Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman (808) 891-2322 Mulligan’s on the Blue (Wailea Blue Course) (808) 874-1131 Nick’s Fishmarket Maui* (Fairmont Kea Lani) (808) 879-7224 Pita Paradise Bistro Wailea (808) 879-7177 Ruth’s Chris Steak House* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 874-8880 Tommy Bahamas* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 875-9983 OR visit www.opentable.com to book reservations with participating restaurants* * Participating restaurant offers online reservations through OpenTable.com. Reservations are free and  confirmed instantly 24 hours a day. No phone calls, no waiting. ***Information courtesy of the Wailea Community Association

Interesting Opportunity For Maui Meadows Volunteers

Smart Grid Project Recruiting 200 Maui Meadows Volunteers By Wendy Osher Article From: www.Mauinow.com The Maui Smart Grid Project will demonstrate and evaluate new technologies that will help residents better  manage and reduce energy consumption during periods of high demand. It will also assist Maui Electric  Company (MECO) operate the electricity grid more efficiently. Volunteers are being sought from the Maui Meadows neighborhood in South Kihei to participate in a pilot project to help Hawaii reduce its dependence on  imported oil. The Maui Smart Grid Project is recruiting up to 200 volunteers for the program with all project  technologies to be provided and installed at no cost to participants. The technologies that will be evaluated by the Maui Smart Grid Project are designed to give customers more  control over their energy use, increase energy efficiency and allow for greater integration of clean energy  resources. The project is also designed to reduce Hawai’i’s dependence on imported oil, which the state relies  upon for about 90% of its energy needs. “Maui is the perfect location for this kind of smart grid research.  Approximately 26% of the energy on its relatively small electrical grid comes from renewable resources,” said  Dr. James Griffin, project director for the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawai’i, one of  the project’s lead organizations. Under the program, participants will have a smart meter installed in their home as well as access to a  personalized, secure website displaying information on energy use measured by the new meter. Participants will also have the opportunity to try additional smart grid technologies in their home, such as an  in-home energy use display and a smart thermostat. The technologies will provide project participants with  more information on, and control over, how and when they use energy. In addition to the home-based  equipment, Maui Electric Company (MECO) will assist in the monitoring and management of the delivery of  electricity to customers. “Improving each island’s electricity grid through new smart grid technologies is a key element of Hawaii’s  landmark clean energy goals,” Griffin said. “Through the experiences of Maui residents in this project, we  will learn valuable lessons about the best ways to modernize Hawaii’s electricity system.” MECO President Ed Reinhardt said initiatives like the Maui Smart Grid Project are vital to successfully balancing  service reliability and as-available sources of power like solar and wind. “The success of the Maui Smart Grid Project will give our customers greater control of energy use in the home  and help MECO manage demand during peak usage times, reduce outages, and enable quicker restoration of  power,” said Reinhardt. Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said the first step in reducing energy use is to understand how our choices affect  energy use. “Volunteers in this project will see how much electricity is used when they turn on their computer,  television, or lights. The Smart Grid project has great potential,” said Arakawa. The project team will host a community meeting in the next couple of months to provide further details on t he project and answer questions from community members. To learn more about the Maui Smart Grid Project and to sign up, visit: www.mauismartgrid.com or call  808-270-6803. The US Department of Energy is funding the Smart Grid initiative as part of a nationwide set of  demonstration projects. In addition to HNEI and MECO, other project partners include the Hawaiian Electric  Company (HECO), Silver Spring Networks, GE Energy, County of Maui, Maui Economic Development Board  (MEDB), Sustainable Living Institute of Maui at the University of Hawaii-Maui College, HNU Energy, and SRA  International. *** Supporting information courtesy, Maui Electric Company.

Maui Ranks High On List of Best Adventure Vacations in the US

Maui Ranked #4 Best Adventure Vacation in the USA By Sonia Isotov Article from: www.mauinow.com According to US News and World Report’s list of “16 Best Adventure Vacations in the USA, the Hawaiian Islands ranked at the top with Maui ranking #4, Kauai #3, and Hawaii Island #7. The ranking cites Kauai’s “acres of misty rainforests, plummeting waterfalls and jagged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean;” Maui’s “plethora of heart-pounding options from sea kayaking to mule riding;” and Hawaii Island’s “black volcanic deserts, tumbling waterfalls, lush rainforests and five volcanoes.” “The US News and World Report’s Best Adventure Vacations ranking naming Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island in the top ten is a great recognition for our state,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in a written statement. “This honor is a testament to the things that make Hawaii special – our people, place and culture, and the commitment of our visitor industry in providing visitors with a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.” “The natural beauty of our islands shape the many activities our visitors participate in, from soft adventure to the  more extreme,” said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, in a written  statement. “We’ve been working hard marketing Hawaii’s rich active adventure experiences and are pleased to see three Hawaiian Islands in the top 10. We encourage visitors to keep exploring all six unique islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island.” The Best Adventure Vacation list is a part of the 2011-2012 US News Best Vacations rankings, which are updated annually. The rankings reflect how strongly a destination is recommended by an independent collection of published travel writers and by US News Travel website users. In total, more than 100 top destinations were considered in the current rankings. The top 16 Best Adventure Vacations in the USA are listed below: 1. Yellowstone 2. Yosemite 3. Kauai 4. Maui 5. Puerto Rico 6. Grand Canyon 7. Hawaii, the Big Island 8. Outer Banks 9. Portland, OR 10. US Virgin Islands 11. Key West 12. San Francisco 13. San Diego 14. Seattle 15. South Padre Island 16. Miami Beach

Major Hawaiian Company~Alexander & Baldwin Doubles Yearly Earnings

Alexander & Baldwin doubles yearly earnings
A stagnant fourth quarter is outweighed by ocean cargo service, real estate sales and sugar operations
By Andrew Gomes
Article from: Star-Advertiser

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. profit was flat in the last three months of 2010, but bigger gains earlier in the year enabled the diversified Honolulu-based company to more than double full-year earnings.

Fourth-quarter net $20.2 million

Year-earlier net $20.1 million

A&B reported 2010 net income of $92.1 million, up from $44.2 million the year before. The gain came on revenue of $1.6 billion, compared with $1.4 billion in the same comparable period.

Fourth-quarter net income was $20.2 million, barely up from $20.1 million in the 2009 fourth quarter. Revenue for the same period totaled $461.4 million, up from $362.9 million.

Profits for the quarter and year were principally driven by ocean cargo service from China by subsidiary Matson Navigation Co., real estate sales and a turnaround in Maui sugar cane operations.

Stan Kuriyama, A&B president and chief executive officer, characterized last year’s earnings as a rebound from 2009 and said he expects improved results this year as the economy strengthens.

“We begin 2011 with an improving economic environment in Hawaii and on the mainland,” he said in a statement. “Hawaii has been led by major gains in the visitor industry, which contributed to higher employment levels and real personal income. These emerging signs of economic recovery are encouraging and provide us with greater confidence for continued improvement in 2011.”

The biggest chunk of operating profit for A&B in the fourth quarter came from real estate sales that included an industrial complex in California and unimproved land on Maui.

Operating profit from property sales totaled $17.8 million, down from $20.4 million a year earlier when the company sold the Honolulu office building Pacific Guardian Tower, a California retail center and several unimproved parcels on Maui.

In A&B’s real estate leasing division, fourth-quarter operating profit was lower than a year earlier — $8.4 million compared with $10 million — because of lower tenant rents and changes in the property portfolio from sales and acquisitions.

Average occupancy at A&B Hawaii properties in the quarter was 91 percent, down from 95 percent a year earlier. The decline was due in part to A&B’s acquisition last year of a Kapolei industrial complex that is 74 percent occupied. Occupancy for A&B’s mainland property portfolio was 86 percent, up from 83 percent.

At Matson, fourth-quarter operating profit was $11.6 million, down from $13.5 million a year earlier. The decrease was largely due to $19 million in start-up losses for a new China-California cargo service using leased vessels. Higher fuel costs also contributed to the reduced operating profit, A&B said.

Matson container volume to Hawaii was up 8 percent to 37,100 in the fourth quarter from 34,200 a year earlier, but the gain reflected an extra week in Matson’s 2010 fiscal year.

Hawaii automobile shipments slipped in the quarter to 19,800 from 20,600 a year earlier, which A&B said was principally due to the timing of rental car replacements.
A potential big expense for Matson this year could be replacing two interisland barges, though A&B said it hasn’t made a decision. The company has budgeted $45 million as a potential partial payment for the barges this year should it make the move.

A&B expects its China service to be the main driver of better Matson returns this year given that Hawaii’s economy and construction industry are forecast to modestly improve.

The only A&B division to increase operating profit in the fourth quarter was agribusiness, with a $4.6 million return that compared with an $800,000 loss a year earlier. The reversal was primarily due to subsidiary Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. achieving higher production, sales and prices.

A&B projects sustained profitability from its sugar operations this year. The company also expects improved financial results to come from a deal announced in December to turn over its Kauai Coffee Co. to global premium coffee seller Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group of Italy.

The deal, which involves Massimo Zanetti buying the Kauai Coffee brand, leasing A&B’s plantation and retaining all employees, is expected to close in March.

Maui Memorial Medical Center Adds Two New Interventional Cardiologists To Staff

MMMC poised to be among state’s largest heart programs
Improving viability
By CLAUDINE SAN NICOLAS, Staff Writer
Article from: The Maui News

WAILUKU – With two new interventional cardiologists on staff, Maui Memorial Medical Center recorded its first angioplasty just three days into the new year.

Two more procedures – used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries – were successfully done at the end of last week, with the number of angioplasties projecting to run as high as 200 on Maui by the close of 2011.

“This is huge,” said Maui Memorial Chief Executive Officer Wesley Lo. “It’s something we’ve been working to do for a long time.”

Last November, Drs. Colin Lee and Joseph Chambers – colleagues who attended the same medical school – joined the cardiology and cardiovascular team of physicians at Maui’s only acute-care hospital.

“The center is poised to become one of the largest and most comprehensive heart programs in the state,” read an announcement of the latest development at Maui Memorial’s Heart Brain and Vascular Center.

Lee and Chambers spent their first eight weeks at work meeting with staff and orienting medical personnel to the angioplasty procedure and what it can do for patients.

Angioplasty is a common medical procedure, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, that may be used to:

* Improve symptoms of chest pain or discomfort.
* Reduce damage to the heart muscle caused by a heart attack.
* Reduce the risk of death in some patients.

Lee and Chambers each have more than 20 years of experience in angioplasty, treating thousands of patients on the Mainland. More than a million people annually in the United States undergo angioplasty, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

Under Lo’s leadership, the hospital received final approval for a state certificate of need in July 2007 to offer cardiac procedures including angioplasty and open heart surgery.

Maui Memorial estimates that as many as 400 cardiovascular cases have been transferred off-island annually in the last two or three years because of the hospital’s inability to provide acute interventional care such as angioplasty. The medivac expense alone costs approximately $18,000 per patient, Lo said.
With angioplasty now offered at Maui Memorial, Lo said residents can be treated near their homes and be spared the transportation costs of being flown elsewhere. Angioplasties are covered by most medical insurance plans, and Lo’s office has already contacted the state’s major health insurers to inform them of Maui Memorial’s newest cardiac services.

In developing its cardiac unit, Lo brought on board cardiac surgeon Dr. Pat Cochran to lead the heart center and a team of cardiovascular doctors. Cochran served as the standby surgeon while the first angioplasty was performed at Maui Memorial.

Since Cochran’s hiring, two other noninvasive cardiologists have been added to the hospital’s staff – Drs. Jonathan Allen and Leslie Oberst. Dr. Koonlawee Nademanee, a renowned physician in cardiac electrophysiology, also is listed as part of the cardiac team and sees patients at Maui Memorial several times a year.

The first angioplasty procedure at Maui Memorial was completed Jan. 3 on 72-year-old Ruth Shorting, a visitor from Canada who experienced chest pains during a trip to Maui.

Shorting was admitted through the emergency room after reporting worsening chest pains. After a consultation with Oberst, Shorting was referred for a diagnostic angiogram with doctors determining that she needed an angioplasty.

Together, Lee and Chambers performed the procedure to treat what appeared to be a critical coronary blockage in Shorting.

The patient’s chest pain was resolved with no heart damage, and she was discharged after two days of observation.

Contacted in Canada, Shorting was grateful for her treatment.

“I could not have asked for a better hospital, and my daughter works in a hospital, so I know,” she said. “From the doctor’s office to the ER and procedure, everything just went so smoothly. It was just an amazing experience.”

Lee and Chambers described Maui Memorial’s cardiac center and its equipment as “state of the art.” They acknowledged that they had established medical practices and careers on the Mainland – Lee in Idaho, and Chambers in Oregon, but they wanted to come to Maui so they could focus on medicine.

“This is a rare opportunity because the services are needed. I figure why not do it where it’s important,” Chambers said.

For Lee, a 1974 Punahou School graduate, coming to Maui allowed him to fulfill a dream he had as a youngster to work and then retire on the Valley Isle.

“I’m really thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to the community,” he said.

Lo said the cardiac center and angioplasty procedures themselves could generate thousands of dollars for Maui Memorial, a state community hospital, and help reduce its annual budget deficits.

“This should have a major impact on us over time,” Lo said. “Certainly, it’s a start in the right direction toward improving our viability. Whether we’ll be entirely out of a deficit, I don’t know,” he said.

Lee and Chambers said angioplasties will require a referral from a patient’s primary physician. “We say to people this is not an easy fix,” Lee said.

About one in 500 angioplasties result in serious complications; and about one in 1,000 result in death, Lee said. The procedure takes about 90 minutes to complete. A patient would need to stay in the hospital for one to three days after the procedure.

Are You Looking For A Bank Owned Condo?

The list below contains vaction rentable and non-vacation rentable condominiums. Call Donna D. Hansen, Realtor (S) at 808-280-1650 or Bob Hansen, BROKER at 808-283-9456 for more information.

Interested in Bank Owned Properties??

Please contact Donna D. Hansen, Realtor (S) at 808.280.1650 or Bob Hansen, Broker, at 808. 283.9456 for more information on the Maui residences listed below.

Breaking A Bag Habit Takes Time ~ Remember To B.Y.O.B.

Breaking a bag habit takes time
Shoppers on Maui and Kauai switch to paper or reusable sacks to carry their purchases
By Rosemarie Bernardo
Associated Press
Article From: Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Some supermarkets in Maui and Kauai counties are hoping more customers will get into the habit of bringing reusable bags, as stores and shoppers experienced the first week of the new ban on plastic shopping bags.
For now, many retailers are absorbing the higher cost of providing paper bags.

“Paper bags are more expensive. It’s three or four times more (than plastic),” said Rod Sueoka, manager of Sueoka Store on Kauai.

Beginning last Tuesday, no business in Maui County, including restaurants, may provide nonbiodegradable bags to customers at checkout. Businesses are required to provide recyclable paper or reusable bags for sale or at no charge.

In Kauai County, all commercial businesses, including restaurants and takeout food businesses, are required to replace plastic with recyclable or biodegradable bags. Businesses that fail to comply with the new law face fines of up to $1,000 a day.

Sueoka’s, a family-run business in Koloa, provides paper bags at no charge for customers who don’t have a reusable bag. So far, a lot of customers have not brought bring their own reusable bags. Sueoka said he hopes they will get into the habit of bringing them to lessen the cost for retailers.

Kilauea Town Market charges its customers 19 cents for each thick, paper bag — a couple cents more than the wholesale cost to the retailer — since the ban took effect. A couple of customers have been bringing in some of their old plastic bags to carry out their groceries, said store manager Rosie Morimoto.

Her advice to customers: “You have old tank tops at home, sew the bottom together,” she said, recommending converting cotton tops to hold items.

Retailers have heard a number of customers say they miss the plastic bags because they would reuse them to line small trash containers in their bathrooms or to pick up after their dogs during walks.

On Maui, shoppers at Ah Fook’s Supermarket, a family-run market at the Kahului Shopping Center, receive a 5-cent credit when they use a reusable bag. Shoppers who do not have a reusable bag are charged a nickel for a paper bag. Though most customers are aware of the ban, they still forget to bring reusable bags, general manager Raymond Hew said.

Like Sueoka, Hew hopes more customers bring reusable bags to lessen the paper bag cost to retailers.

Gary Hanagami, executive director of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said, “If a consumer is going to need paper, it’s going to cost the retailer more. It will then be passed on to the consumer.”

Incentives like the 5-cent credit at Ah Fook’s and reusable bags sold at discounted prices are being offered by retailers to help change consumer habits.

“Our retailers understand there’s an environmental problem, especially on the neighbor islands because we don’t have HPOWER,” Hanagami said.

At the family-owned Pukalani Superette in Makawao, Maui, 95 percent of the customers are aware of the new law, but a majority “have not got into the habit of bringing (reusable bags),” said store owner Myles Nakashima, anticipating that it will take a few months for customers to adjust to the new law.

For Pukalani customers, shoppers who spend $20 worth of items can buy a reusable bag for 50 cents. If the total is under $20, reusable bags can be purchased for 99 cents, 26 cents more than the wholesale cost to the retailer.

Nakashima suggested customers leave 10 reusable bags in their car, as customers have told him they left their bags at home after putting away groceries. “I got a dozen of them in my car,” he said.
Paper bags are provided at no charge to Pukalani customers who don’t have reusable bags. But the free paper bags will likely be temporary, as the store plans to eventually charge customers because of the higher cost for paper bags. “I don’t think we’ll be able to keep this up,” Nakashima said.

Don't Miss Out. Call the Hansen Ohana for more information!

Click on the link below for a list of Bank Owned Homes on Maui or call 808-879-3667.

There are many ‘good’ reasons to make Maui home

By TRICIA MORRIS
President Premiere Mortgage

Entering the New Year in the midst of the Hawaiian season of Makahiki, a time of peace, spirituality, games and celebration, I watched the news as our friends in New York City tried to dig out of a massive Northeast snowstorm and I once again realized why we live on Maui.

Although today the temperature is 81 degrees with light trade winds cooling the heat of the day while naturally freshening the air, it wasn’t that we were warm and the city was cold. The lovely days and nights on Maui are a blessing and not a prize to be kept from the enjoyment of others.

As the real estate market moderates, prices are increasingly bringing smart buyers into the market. Realtors tell me it is not unusual to receive multiple offers on their best properties, as the realization grows that a good deal won’t last long.

Value and investment opportunities are good reasons to be in the real estate market as our recovery slowly continues to build strength. They are also excellent reasons to buy on Maui. But, there is more to the Maui story. Maui is also a location for friends and family to come together and share memories like no other.

Some say, “You do not choose Maui, Maui chooses you.” She chooses you with her diverse, talented and energetic people. Maui is in recovery faster than the rest of the state and has steadily improved relative to the mainland.

Maui chooses when the generosity of the community is shown time and time again as those in need or perhaps facing a life crisis are helped by their neighbors and friends, including the efforts of countless members of the Realtors Association of Maui.

The lingering sunsets choose you. Long walks on the beach, the full moon settling into the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, the return of playful whales each winter, all are offered to those who live on Maui.

Want to go out to dinner? The variety to choose from is as diverse as the people of Maui themselves. A quick list—not meant to be all-inclusive—might include Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, Greek, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, French, Filipino, with even more in between. Add to that world-class resorts that include award-winning restaurants and Maui brings a wonderful variety of tastes to the senses.

The Maui lifestyle is a healthy life style. Farmer’s markets have blossomed in recent years until now not a day goes by where there is not a Farmer’s Market open and doing a brisk business somewhere on the island. Hawaii is the leading state in terms of longevity at 81.7 years compared to 78.0 years nationally, according to Kaiser heath state facts.

Maui also supports several successful markets offering organic vegetables, meat, fish, poultry and many other fine products. The market for fresh locally grown produce and locally produced products is expected to continue to grow as the island embraces the idea of sustainability and more reliance on local resources.

An example of this trend is the increasing use of photovoltaic installations on the roofs of building (both commercial and residential) to generate electrical power for their needs. And no, you’re eyes aren’t playing tricks on you; those really are windmills on the mountain with more planned in hidden spots Upcountry. Maui is one of the leaders in Hawaii in the use of wind power as an alternative energy source, saving millions of gallons of oil each year.

Maui offers a number of music, theater, film, dance and cultural options. Festivals fill the months, many with free admission and great local food. Top attractions and performers visit the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on a regular basis. One recent appearance was by the actor Hal Holbrook in his presentation of “Mark Twain Tonight,” complete with his uncanny appearance and the wit of the original Mr. Twain.

Grammy Award winning Hawaiian musicians entertain throughout the island in clubs, restaurants and resorts. The Maui Film Festival each year bring the stars out at night with wonderful films and award presentations. Clint Eastwood is one of the award winners in recent years.

Local theater is alive and well on Maui and we even have our own historic theater for plays, events and movies, in Wailuku on Market Street. The Iao Theater is reported to have been a location for the premiere of theDevil at Four O’Clock starring Spencer Tracy and Frank Sinatra and filmed on Maui in 1961.

Don’t forget the canoe races that captivate the island each spring, summer and fall. The competitions between the various canoe clubs on Maui and between Maui and the other islands is stiff but always done fairly. There is also windsurfing, paddle boarding (Maui is the home to the origin of the sport), kite surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, golf and tennis. If you enjoys sports, Maui may choose you if you aren’t careful.

With the New Year come new beginnings. Even in Washington, DC, they may start talking to each other and getting the work done. Maybe not everyone wins all the time, but we can do it together.

It has been a good year and this one will be even better. That’s the Maui message and a good one to choose to share —from our family to yours.

Happy New Year.

Hawaii’s Premiere Mortgage Company, with offices on Maui and Kaua‘i, offers extensive loan options through both broker and banking services. Tricia Morris and her team of professionals may be reached on Maui, in Kihei, at 874-8800, in Wailea, at 891-8900, in West Maui at 665-8800, on Kaua‘i at 808-822-2300, or toll free at (800)813-7711

Maui’s December 2010 Real Estate Statistics

Brief Maui Statistics Overview:

December’s Sales Volume – End of the year figures reflect a push to close transactions by year’s end. Residential Sales rose to 70 homes sold, while Condo Sales increased to 92 units sold. Land sales came in at 14 lots sold.

December’s Median SALES prices – Home median prices rose to $465,706 and Condo median prices rose slightly to $355,747. Land median price was $394,850.

Days on Market for Residential homes = 139 DOM, Condos = 171 DOM, Land = 190 DOM. (General DOM Note: this is the average DOM for the properties that SOLD. If predominantly OLD inventory sells, it can move this indicator upward, and vice versa. RAM’s Days on Market are calculated from List Date to Closing Date [not contract date]. As such, it includes approximately 60 days of escrow time.) Also – Short Sales transactions can often take 4-6 months to close thereby extending the marketplace’s average DOM.

Year Too Date: Residential unit sales rose (+17%), average sold price = $747,891 (+5%), median price = $460,000 (-8%) and total dollar volume sold = $608,783,134 (+23%).

Condo unit sales increased (39%), average sold price = $648,043 (-10%), median price = $377,500 (-16%). Total Condo dollar volume sold = $743,305,403 (+25%).

Land – NOTE: Land Lot sales are such a small sampling that statistics in this property class are not necessarily reliable indicators. Land lot sales increased (+14%), average sold price = $513,571 (-53%), median price = $405,000 (-19%), Total dollar volume = $56,223,494 (-47%).

Also, total sales for immediately past 12 months: Residential = 812, Condo = 1,148, Land = 127.

January 10, 2011 - Active/Pending/Contingent status inventory:

Jan. ‘11 Dec. Nov. Oct. Sept. Aug. July June May April Mar. Feb. Jan. ‘10

Homes 963 974 976 1,001 981 994 1,008 1,007 1,040 1,059 1,043 1,040 996
Condos 1,383 1,371 1,347 1,394 1,455 1,503 1,412 1,423 1,449 1,494 1,567 1,541 1,495

Land 569 601 596 601 620 604 601 591 579 585 568 561 522

Disclaimer: Zooming in on the figures of a specific geographic area or property type may lead to different conclusions than the overall view. Maui’s market place is much smaller than Oahu’s, and a few high or low sales have a greater effect on the statistical numbers without necessarily indicating a big market swing one way or another.
SOURCE: REALTORS Association of Maui - http://www.ramaui.com/

MLS Sales data - Information deemed reliable, however not guaranteed

**Additional statistics and graphs for 2010 are available for specific regions and for the island as a whole. If you would like additional graphs and/or information please email Clinthansen33@gmail.com

NEW LISTING!!

Enjoy phenomenal ocean views, a secret garden, and tranquil surroundings from this fantastic ground floor unit
 

Wailea Palms is a meticulously maintained complex with first class resort style amenities, including Wailea golf and tennis privileges for owners.

Unit 3801 is a great opportunity for discerning buyers looking for that special property to call home or be their home away from home.

For Showings or more information please call Clint Hansen, Realtor (S) at 808-280-2764

or email ClintHansen33@gmail.com

Fabulous Wailea Point Villa

Lovely ocean view secure ground floor two bedroom three bath condo with every amenity one could hope for. Turn key, beautifully furnished and vacation rentable. Pet friendly too!

Private garage, gated community, two fabulous complex gathering areas, one for fun and frolic with pools, spa, fitness center, BBQ area, kitchen area and the other a quiet pool. On site tennis court, badminton, etc.

Walk to fine dining and fabulous Wailea beach just steps away. Enjoy what luxury is all about. Wailea Maui, No Ka Oi

Call Donna D. Hansen, Realtor (S) @ 808.280.1650 or Bob Hansen, BROKER (R) B @ 808.283.9456

MAUI is Awarded “Travelers Choice Award” for “Islands Pacific, Worlds Best New Properties”

ABC-directory.com:
Conde Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the best cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, resorts, and car rental agencies worldwide. The awards appear in the November issue (on newsstands October 20) and are derived from the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice survey. This year, 25,008 readers voted on more than 10,000 properties and destinations.
“The big news is that, undaunted by tough times, our readers are still out there, discovering the coolest experiences and reaffirming an enduring passion for travel,” said Conde Nast Traveler Editor in Chief Klara Glowczewska. “It’s clear that our readers are as devoted to the worldwide diversity of travel as ever.”
The results of the 2009 Readers Choice Awards reveal some surprising news:
* The friendliest U.S. cities are Charleston, Savannah, and Honolulu
Hot List of the world’s best new properties:
Below are results for the top three winners in each category to visit
Top Islands Pacific
1. Maui2. Kauai3. Bora Bora
The full list of winners is on cntraveler.com at: cntraveler.com/readerschoice

Donna Hansen LIVE on Real Estate Radio!

Click on the Link below to hear Donna Hansen LIVE on Radio Real Estate Show, with Host Tom Lucas and Co-host Sheri Brown, who is a local realtor in the Vancouver area! It was on-air live the morning of Saturday, June 19th 2010. This show covers the Metro Vancouver, The Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island on-air, and the World On-Line.

Radio Real Estate Show is live every Saturday from 10-11AM (Vancouver Time) on AM 650 Radio, reaching each week over 17,400 homeowners, realtors, and real estate investors.

During the on-air conversation Tom, Sheri, and Donna discuss;
· The State Of Real Estate in Hawaii
· The Types of Properties that are selling
· Hawaiian Vacation Rentals
· A few names of our Hottest Listings

Sheri Brown’s link is www.sheribrown.ca
The Link to hear the station anytime is http://www.am650radio.com/player/player

The Radio Real Estate Show featuring Donna Hansen link is :http://advanteam.podbean.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/podpress_backend.php?podPressPlayerAutoPlay=yes&standalone=yes&action=showplayer&pbid=0&b=189826&id=1165413&filename=http://advanteam.podbean.com/mf/play/zdww6b/hawaiirealestatejune19.mp3

Donna sounds great and had a great time! Have a great day everyone!

Summer Business is Heating Up!

Happy First Day of Summer!

Every season brings change and summer tradionally means things will be heating up. They certainly are in Maui! Our economy appears to be taking a turn in the right direction with many indicators pointing to a lot of it being due to the International Buyers. Being that this truly is a global economy, we need to always be fully focused on the global activity all around us.

The Hansen Ohana is now practicing along with Maui Estates International. We have joined forces to better serve our valued clients and we are excited to be apart of the global market!

You can view all our current listings on our website, http://www.mauirealestate.net/

Enjoy your of Summer and dont forget the sunscreen!

A Hui Hou!