Puna, Hawaii (Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Honokaa: relocating, real estate, hoa)

[BlnBrat]

Thanks so much for all of the great info. My wife and I have been to the islands many times and the big island has always been my favorite. I work as a firefighter, therefore I will be retiring at a relatively early age. Like a lot of people that have posted here, we have fallen in love with Hawaii and the Hawaiian way of life. My wife and I are looking at property in Leilani Estates… purchase now and build later as I get closer to retirement.

I have a couple of questions specific to Leilani Estates. First, we are considering lots in the upper portion (closer to the Highway). Are there any lots that we need to be aware of for flooding, etc.? Next, we have heard rumors of health problems, especially in Leilani Estates, due to low level hydrogen sulfide that leaks from the PGV. Have you ever experienced any health problems that are out of the ordinary? Do you know of problems with the PGV? Is this something that we should be concerned with?

Thanks for any advise that you can give. You seem like a genuinely nice person and I look forward to someday meeting you.

Mahalo,
Allen

[leilaniguy]

Aloha Allen, and thankyou. I live in upper Leilani 2 blocks from the highway. There is a small, low section of Kula Street, and the first 2 lots of Hapuu Street that flood periodically, but my lot and most of the rest of the area is A'a, crumbly, porous lava that drains fast. when PGV started years ago, there was an accident, a well blowout, but since then, no incidents. It is now constantly monitored. We however occasionally get hydrogen sulfide from the Vog, when the trades die and Kona winds come. Some people complain of headache, but most, including me, get mild hay fever-like symtoms, or none at all. The smell is probably the worst effect. Perhaps we'll be neighbors one day.

[BlnBrat]

Aloha LeilaniGuy and thanks one more time for the great info. It is very reassuring to converse with someone that lives in the area that we are thinking of buying in. If things go well we may very well be neighbors some day. If things do work out, I would like to find out your name so that I can shake your hand when I run into you in Puna.

Take care,
Allen

[Michael2006_LA]

Originally Posted by annswisher

We welcome all new comers to our beautiful island. True it is hard to find a good paying job here. My husband still works in Alaska. You may find that office jobs are still the best type of work on the big island. Probably a little more dependable and higher hr wage with benefits. As soon as u have to pay your own health insurance the cost of living goes through the roof. Not everyone likes the wet area of the Puna district but I have found it to be a very pleasant place to live. We moved here from AK six years ago and I love it. We had never visited this side of the island before we moved here and bought our home sight unseen. Of course it was previously owned by a realator so i think that might have helped. He was very honest and everything was as expected. We moved our truck and personal belongings for just over $3000. If I can help let me know. Ann

Aloha annswisher,

In your post you indicated $3000.00 for shipping. Which navigation company or carrier did you use? The least expensive quote I received for a 20 foot container and one automobile was $4782.00 from Matson Navigation. This is from Long Beach California to Hilo.

Thanks, Michael2006_LA.

[inpunatoo]

annswisher states she moved six years ago.

[sammy1k9]

leilaniguy,
Do you know much about the village Naalehu? What is the population? Also what are some of the fastest growing communities in the Puna area?
Are there Walmarts or stores like this nearby?

[sammy1k9]

Leilaniguy,
Do you know much about a village Naalehu? What is the popoulation? What are the fastest growing areas in the Puna district? Where are the closest Walmarts or shopping areas like this from Naalehu?

[leilaniguy]

It's like deja vu all over again...all over again.. Just kidding. Naalehu is in Kau district, the largest town there with about 1000 people. It is "downtown" for the nearby towns of Pahala and Oceanview. There is 1 theater, a few shops and stores, very "small town" type atmosphere. Keaau, Pahoa, Mountainview, Kurtistown, and Volcano Village are all growing fast in Puna, in that order. The closest WalMart to Naalehu is in Waiakea Plaza, Hilo.

[BlnBrat]

Aloha, We are thinking of purchasing and building in Lielani Estates and would like to get some exact prices for building. Can anyone recommend a GOOD reputable contractor or better yet, contractors (I like to shop).

Thanks,
Allen

[someday]

would like some info,is this place in or near puna?what kind of area is this?does this area flood,is it safe,what lava zone?how far is the ocean. seen something there that looked kind of neat. any feed back would be nice thanks.