Ground Broken On The New $37.1 Million Pu'u Kukui Elementary School in Wailuku

Filed under: Uncategorized — Clint Hansen @ 9:41 am Groundbreaking of Pu’u Kukui Elementary By Wendy Osher Article from: wwww.mauinow.com Maui broke ground today on a new $37.1 million elementary school that will serve the growing Central Maui community  of Wailuku. Pu’u Kukui Elementary School, which is roughly translated as “Hill of Enlightenment” is expected to  accommodate an estimated 550 students in grades K-5. The 98,562 square-foot facility will sit on 14 acres of land  provided by Kehalani Mauka, LLC, and is scheduled for completion by August 29, 2012. During today’s ceremony,  Governor Neil Abercrombie emphasized his commitment to education and the critical role of Hawai’i’s keiki. DOE  Superintendent Ronn Nozoe, Sen. Pres. Shan Tsutsui, and Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa join in digging shovels into the  ground at the groundbreaking of Maui’s newest elementary school. Photo by Wendy Osher.“Two of our most important goals right now are to grow jobs in our economy and invest in young people,” said Gov. Abercrombie. “By building a 21st  Century campus at Pu’u Kukui Elementary, we will be doing both. Our administration is investing our dollars into putting  our children first,” he said. Senate President Shan Tsutsui of Maui took a moment to thank the late Rep. Bob Nakasone  who was among those who worked to secure a $14 million appropriation during the 2007 legislative session to plan,  design and construct the new school. “It was his (Nakasone’s) vision, his commitment to public education and really  supporting our keiki, that drove projects like this back to our community here on Maui,” said Sen. Pres. Tsutsui. Tsutsui  said the project will bring hundreds of much needed jobs to the island of Maui for the next several months. He said over the long term, it will result in a positive impact not only on the surrounding community here, but for neighboring schools as well. Senate President Shan Tsutsui (left) and DOE Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe (right) were among the dignitaries in attendance at the groundbreaking of Wailuku’s second Elementary School. Photo by Wendy Osher.  State  and county leaders stood alongside DOE represenatives as groundbreaking got underway for the new Pu’u Kukui Elementary  School on Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.  Governor Neil Abercrombie poses for a photo with construction crews at the  new Pu’u Kukui  Elementary School in Wailuku. Photo by Wendy Osher. “We need to not only treat this as a new building,  but as a building block on a different way to deliver education, so that the rest of the state can follow us,” said Wesley Lo,  the Department of Education Representative for Maui. The Governor expressed a similar sentiment saying, “We’ve got  to recognize what’s happening across the state, but particularly on Maui. It’s so exciting to be on Maui. You can see  change–you don’t have to talk about it–you can see the change that’s in the air,” said Gov. Abercrombie.“It’s clear to me that  as far as Maui is concerned and perhaps symbolically for the whole state, this is a new start. This is a new day,” he said. The campus will consist of eight buildings and a covered play court. Buildings include four classroom structures, an  administration builidng, a library/media center, and a student center. The Department of Education will also seek LEED  (Leadership in energy and Environmental Design) Silver Project certification. Under the designation,  the school will be  fitted with an air conditioning commissioning program, and natural day lighting design for energy conservation. “This school, this commitment, is an investment in our young people,” said Gov. Abercrombie, “and I’m happy to be a part  of it.”

UH economists say ‘recovery has slowed, but not stopped’ - Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor's Information - The Maui News

UH economists say ‘recovery has slowed, but not stopped’ - Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor's Information - The Maui News

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

Exciting News For The Hansen Ohana and Our Clients ~ Maui Estates International Awarded Affiliate Status By Christie’s International Real Estate

Christie’s International Real Estate Strengthens Position in Hawaii With the Addition of a New Affiliate in Maui
Maui Estates International LLC Joins Leading International Network of Luxury Real Estate Brokers

New York, New York—Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate network, has awarded Affiliate status to Maui Estates International LLC. The firm has two branch offices, located in Kapalua and Wailea Resorts, and will exclusively represent the Christie’s brand on the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai, including the international destinations of Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Wailea, Makena, Hana, and all of Upcountry.

Wholly owned by Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, Christie’s International Real Estate is represented in more than 40 countries. Maui Estates International LLC joins this carefully selected organization of brokerages with proven records of success in both high-end property sales and exemplary client service.

“Maui Estates International has established a reputation for integrity, discreet client service, and exceptional professionalism that has won the company respect beyond the Hawaiian shores,” says Zack Wright, Senior Vice President of Christie’s International Real Estate. “The brokerage is comprised of an exceptional team of Maui’s top real estate professionals, each of whom has extensive domestic and international marketing and sales experience. We are delighted to welcome Maui Estates International to the Christie’s International Real Estate network.”

Maui Estates International LLC Owner and Principal Broker Mary Anne Fitch states, “We look forward to our affiliation with Christie’s and the tremendous exposure it will generate for the clients we represent. Maui Estates International and Christie’s share the common goal of providing the highest possible level of service to our clientele. Together, we believe that we will exceed client expectations in every transaction.”

Bob Hansen, Broker-In-Charge (Wailea Office) of Maui Estates International LLC adds, “The Hansen Ohana Team is very pleased to be affiliated with Christie’s. We look forward to this mutually beneficial and wonderful opportunity for us to introduce Christie’s luxury clientele to the many beautiful and unique features and facets our islands have to offer. Whether buying or selling, our multi-generational top-performing team looks forward to this new opportunity to provide the unsurpassed service and experience that our clients know and expect to those considering making their Maui dreams reality.”

ABOUT MAUI ESTATES INTERNATIONAL LLC

Mary Anne Fitch’s team and the Hansen Ohana Team have successfully closed over US$1 billion in sales on Maui, primarily in the luxury estate market. Their clients benefit from strong negotiation skills and unsurpassed knowledge of the Maui real estate market to enhance client service satisfaction.

Free Foreclosure and Fraud Prevention Event August 27th

Hirono Hosts Fraud, Foreclosure Education Seminar

By Sonia Isotov

Article from: www.MauiNow.com



With homeowners struggling to protect themselves against foreclosure and fraud prevention, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono has organized a free event August 27 to help educate the public about helpful resources available in Hawaii and on Maui.



The event will be held at the Maui Waena School in Kahului on Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend this free presentation on foreclosure prevention assistance, make an appointment to meet with a housing counselor, or just gather information.



Presentations will be made from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. by the following organizations on several pertinent topics:



■Act 48, Hawaii’s new foreclosure law and the Mortgage Foreclosure Dispute Resolution Program [Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs]

■Foreclosure Prevention Assistance [Hawaii Home Ownership Center (Oahu) and Hale Mahaolu Homeownership and Housing Counseling Program (Maui)]

■Avoiding Foreclosure Scams [Legal Aid Society of Hawaii]

Other organizations that will be participating are the following:



• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawaii

• Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Home Ownership Assistance Program

• Fannie Mae

• Freddie Mac

• Hawaii Maoli

• Hawaii State Judiciary, Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Hawaiian Community Assets

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Program



The RSVPs are appreciated but not required by email to Hirono.HawaiiOffice@mail.house.gov, call (808) 541-1986.

No Tsunami Threat to Hawaii After 6+ Japan Quake

By Wendy Osher
Article from: http://www.mauinow.com/

There is no tsunami threat to Hawaii following a large magnitude quake near the east coast of Honshu, Japan. The quake was initially reported to be 6.8, but the USGS has the magnitude listed at 6.5. The quake occurred at 7:36 p.m. HST on Thursday, August 18, 2011 (or 2:36 p.m. Friday, August 19 at the epicenter).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a statement indicating a destructive Pacific-Wide tsunami is not expected and there is no threat to Hawaii, based on all available data.
The quake was measured at a depth of 24.3 miles.

It was located 61 miles SE of Sendai; 64 miles NE of Iwaki; 70 miles E of Fukushima; and 175 miles NE of Tokyo.

Maui July 2011 Sales Statistics

Maui July 2011 Sales Statistics

Brief Maui Statistics Overview:
July’s Sales Volume – July’s Residential Sales declined to 65 homes sold, while Condo Sales declined to 97 units sold. Land sales came in at 13 lots sold, same as June.  July’s Median SALES prices – Home median prices declined to $410,001, while Condo median prices rose to $325,000. Land median price rose to $400,000.

Days on Market for Residential homes = 144 DOM, Condos = 203 DOM, Land = 242 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 to Date: Comparing January-July 2011 to January-July 2010 – Residential unit sales rose (+4%), average sold price = $780,238 (+2%), median price = $441,500 (-6%) and total dollar volume sold = $396,361,086 (+6%). This includes the bump up in sales last year due to 2009-2010 Federal Tax Credit programs and 2011 numbers may catch up as the year progresses. Condo unit sales increased (+1%), average sold price = $510,735 (-30%), median price = $325,000 (-23%). Total Condo dollar volume sold = $379,476,462 (-29%).
Land – NOTE: Land Lot sales are such a small sampling that statistics in this property class are not necessarily reliable indicators. Land lot sales decreased (-5%), average sold price = $620,277 (+18%), median price = $330,000 (-27%), Total dollar volume = $50,862,751 (+13%).
Also, total sales for immediately past 12 months: Residential = 835, Condo = 1,154, Land = 123.

August 7, 2011 – Active/Pending/Contingent status inventory:
Aug. July June May April Mar. Feb. Jan. Dec. Nov. Oct. Sept. Aug.
Homes 871 869 917 935 958 964 953 963 974 976 1,001 981 994
Condos 1,120 1,124 1,159 1,203 1,305 1,331 1,379 1,383 1,371 1,347 1,394 1,455 1,503
Land 531 515 532 547 554 557 566 569 601 596 601 620 604
Current Absorption Rate base on this month’s Active inventory divided by July Sales is:
Residential = 13.4 months, Condo = 11.6 months, Land = 40.8 months.

IN A NUT SHELL…… the good, the bad…..
AND THE ROAD AHEAD ……
Strong buyer-showing activity is now evidenced in actual reported sales, with multiple offers competing for wellpriced properties. Inventories have declined 13-20% over the past 12 months. Many short sales and REO (bank owned) properties will need to be absorbed as sales before we can move ahead to a more normal marketplace. Interest Rates are remaining near historic record lows which may help motivate would-be Buyers to go ahead and buy IF they can qualify. Current World and US events will have ripple effects on cost of living, consumer confidence, and our Real Estate Market.
FOR SELLERS: Sellers who don’t really need to sell (just “fishing?”) should stay off the market, and clear the marketplace for those who REALLY have to sell. UNLESS- you are motivated to Upsize, Downsize or Upgrade – While selling now will net less, your next property will cost less. Sharpen your pencil, talk to your CPA and Realtor® to explore the hidden benefits or consequences. Make no assumptions that will sting later.
To be successful, Sellers need to beat competing properties with better property condition, REALISTIC pricing, good marketing, and flexible, creative terms (Seller Second Loan, Agreement of Sale, Lease-with-option-to-buy, and Sale-with-lease-back to seller). Days on Market figures show that properties priced right will sell in a reasonable timeframe. “Priced Right” is still the determining factor. BEST Deals are selling, everything else is getting old. Pro-Active Sellers are getting their properties appraised, inspected and surveyed in advance to encourage knowledgeable offers from realistic Buyers. This can prevent unanticipated escrow fallout or Buyers whittling your price down during the transaction when previously unknown facts come to light. Unrealistic Sellers continue to be ignored by the market and miss current opportunities that later become woefully apparent. They may even end up in a Short Sale or Foreclosure situation that could have been avoided.

FOR BUYERS: Low interest rates may start to inch up. Buyers should get Pre-Approved so they can shop in confidence (fewer last minute disappointments due to non-funding loans). More “short-sales” and foreclosures are happening in the marketplace, yet they can be less of a bargain than they seem, requiring more hurdles to leap and more time (often 4-6 months) to close, if at all. Be prepared, but BE REALISTIC. Lenders are much more stringent on requirements for loan approval. First-Time Home Buyers – Many programs are available….. Attend a First-Time Home Buyers workshop, get familiar with the process, get qualified/approved, do your homework to get your own home. Many current owners never thought they would be able to own until they attended a workshop, discovered they could own a home, and are glad they did.  This low point in the market is your rare chance, so check it out carefully.

Disclaimer: Zooming in on the figures of a specific geographic area or property type may lead to different conclusions that looking at 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.

Statistics and Information Provided by RAM (Realtors Association of Maui)
***For questions or to discuss a specific property or unit please contact The Hansen Ohana at (808)879-3667***