The lost people of Fern Forest (new house, buying, tenants)

[offgrid]

I was just checking out lots in the Fern Forest Area and came across so many sad cases of people living in shacks,tents,cars. Small homes with 6-8 in a bedroom. Some friendly some scared some just plain old crazy but it seemed like I was in Nicaragua or El Salvador. It had the sense of danger wherever I went. Truly an air of paranoia emitted from the many people I met. Some not afraid to show you the owned shot guns as I walked around and tried to say Aloha.

If you would like to help some of the people. They need basics,food,building materials,soap,toothpaste,books,toys,shoes for kids etc.

This group ventures up there and helps often if you would like to Volunteer.
www.bilacfernforest.blogspot.com

I won't be buying up there because you would have to have a fulltime guard for your property but that is true in a lot of poor places.

I can't believe Fern Forest is in America.

[cynmkolohe]

Thanks for sharing your observations, offgrid.

There are a few places on the island where it is very wise to exercise caution in wandering about...and some places where you want to be very, very cautious about entering someone's property without an invitation. I remember seeing one sign, while out with clients, that instructed visitors to "Stop Here, Call, and IF WE DON'T ANSWER, WE ARE NOT HOME."

[onehaolewahinedakine]

Aloha Off-Grid,

I think you are stereo-typing a little there! I am a professional living in Fern Forest, and know many others who are hard-workers. They don't approve of the drop-outs who live more towards the back of the sub-division... and you know who I mean! Of course, when housing is so expensive, and there are many "old-hippies" who get stuck in the economic changes we're experiencing, you're going to have a drift in the direction of the last cheap lots. However, there's a LOT of new building going on (did you see the new house going for $350K?)...and folks coming in with alternative/off-grid spirit, but more "solid."

I find it's the Last Place "above" the: huge developments, traffic, bull-dozed lava-flowing, vog-banking, Starbucks strip-malls, Coqui frog noise, drought/ fire, permit-requirements, subdivision codes, mainland attitudes, and general growth that will come to Puna more-and-more (as the Baby Boomers cash- out and hit retirement). Only 10-20% of all these subdivision lots are built now... give it 25 years! Fern Forest will get nicer, more stable...but will be one of the last places left! It has a really good conservation orientation... Glenwood doesn't even have Post Office/Zip! There's almost no traffic yet. That's a Blessing. And if newcomers have to help others out... Community.

[kani-lehua]

what is the zoning for fern forest?

[cynmkolohe]

Fern Forest...or technically, Fern Forest Vacation Estates, is A-3A. This translates to Agricultural, 3 acres.

[kani-lehua]

Originally Posted by cynmkolohe

Fern Forest...or technically, Fern Forest Vacation Estates, is A-3A. This translates to Agricultural, 3 acres.

thanks that's what i thought. we have property there as well and it's a big mess with the title.

[Anaki&Monika]

Kani-lehua,

My wife and I own property in Fern Forest. You mentioned problems with title. Could you explain?

[kani-lehua]

Originally Posted by Anaki&Monika

Kani-lehua,

My wife and I own property in Fern Forest. You mentioned problems with title. Could you explain?

i sent you a direct message. the title is in question due to the deaths of several "tenants in common."

[offgrid]

Originally Posted by kani-lehua

what is the zoning for fern forest?

I believe a VW bus would be upscale even more so if it ran.

[kani-lehua]

Originally Posted by offgrid

I believe a VW bus would be upscale even more so if it ran.

well, i was thinking about getting one of those retired buses?! plenty of windows and sleeping areas.