Puna, Hawaii (Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Volcano: to rent, vacation home, schools)

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by 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.

Both Orchidland Estates and Orchid Isle Estates (aka "Glenwood Gardens") are in Puna. Orchidland is near Kea'au and it's directly across from Hawaiian Paradise Park (the largest subdivision in the area). Some parts of Orchidland are prone to flooding during heavy rains; however, it's relatively safe, and most of it's probably Lava Zone 3. In addition, the ocean's approximately 6 miles away from Orchidland.

Orchid Isle Estates is near Glenwood and it's probably subject to some flooding during heavy rains. In addition, it's probably a little less safe than Orchidland, most of it's probably in Lava Zone 3 as well, and it's about 17 miles away from the ocean.

[someday]

for some reason i thought both were the same,i guess its good to ask.the property i was looking at has buildings on it with no permits,what kind of trouble can this be or become? plan to go to hawaii soon to scout out property for retirment use.do not want all sunny days do want fruit trees and flower gardens.would like to be somewhat close to the ocean (wifes scared of tidel waves and such.) not afraid of the rain and would like a couple of acres. orchidland estates looked pretty good.went to orchidland estates web blog and some are saying meth houses are causing some problems there.i own a fishing resort in a small town in wisconsin and we have the same problem go figure. any help please.

[FranSchaefle]

Hello all -- I enjoy reading the board, and reviewing the information.

I have a job offer for teaching (Special education ) for Hawaii, and I've indicated specific preference for the Big Island. I also have worked as an administrator in the educational system here in IL. Realistically, I know that we are looking at the Hilo side of the island, as housing is much more expensive in other areas. I will be taking a pay cut as Hawaii DOE only gives 6 years experience. Are there schools, or areas that I should steer clear of in regard to schools? Is there much gang influence in any of the schools (away from Oahu)? What seems to be two or three of the problem areas that any of you perceive in the education system there? How well is it funded?

I have a concern about taking a position, as they can guarantee the position, but not the necessary locations until May/June. School starts the end of July. We had hoped to be able to visit during March/spring break and possibly begin the process of purchasing a home (looking in the Puna area), but do not know if that will be feasible if I do not know in what school I will be teaching. How realistic is it to think we might be able to rent for 6 months when relocating? What are areas to stay away from in regard to renting? How much would a 2-3 bedroom home or condo/apt run on a lease? I also have a 12 year old going into 8th grade next year, and would want to assure he was going to an adequate school. We will greatly reduce our household to ship, but may have to ship and store until we find adequate housing. Are there storage lockers/ facilities easily accessible? We also plan to ship at least one car, and possibly purchase another one and ship it as it seems to still be a little less costly to ship than to buy over there? Is that an adequate assessment for cars? We would be making payments on the 2nd car.

I am also very concerned about the idea of catchment water vs county or private water. Can you help me understand the pro's and con's of each? My husband will need to have consistent internet for his job. We will have to finance, so I imagine that the Lava zone 2 or 3 is required, and that we will not be able to finance a home that is not permitted.

Thanks for your time in reading this lengthy missive. Aloha, Fran

[geos]

Originally Posted by 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

Why not build something volcano resistant:

http://www.aidomes.com/
http://www.monolithic.com/
http://www.domesintl.com/

[leilaniguy]

This is for FranShaefle: Aloha Fran, regarding Puna schools, try googling Keaau high school, it may give you an idea of what has gone on there lately, not so good, a bombing, pooh-poohed by the lax administration as "boys-will-be-boys", and more recently a brass-knuckle beating of a student, other incidents also. I wouldn't call it gang related, but there are problems there. Pahoa High is better, but not much. A charter school would be a better place of employment for you, and a better place of enrollment for your 8th grader. There are no condos in Puna, few apts. but many single family homes, lots of rentals, starting under $1000. HPP, Leilani, Kapoho, Hawaiian beaches are all generally good areas. There is a storeage facility in HPP subdivision. If you have a UV filter on your water system, catchment is comparable to public/private water. I can't say if shipping a car is more cost effective than buying here. Definitely visit/stay here awhile before you make your permanent move.

[RRWineGuy]

Originally Posted by leilaniguy

Aloha! the largest hospitals are in Hilo and kona, but there are smaller community hospitals in Kau (Pahala) Hamakua (Honokaa) and Kohala (Kamuela) there are also public clinics in Hilo, Pahoa and Keaau. The Kamuela hospital has the best reputation on isle. Personally, I've gotten better care at Pahoa clinic and a chiripractor than at Hilo medical center.....

I've been a fan of Puna for several years and will probably move there soon. Three years ago, I needed to get a blood test while on vacation there. I went to the main hospital in Hilo. We are spoiled by fantastic medical facilities in Dallas, so I felt that I was a bit in a third-world facility in Hilo. The blood test, for which I get instant results from my Dallas doctor, required two days for processing. I even have a home test kit that takes less than a minute. The hospital room that I was in had hand painted - hospital green, of course - furniture and was badly chipped. A local radio station stated that they were having a fundraising event for the hospital. I hope things have improved.

[RRWineGuy]

Originally Posted by leilaniguy

Here are some of the package home suppliers in Hilo and Puna; Bamboo Technologies, Big Island Package homes, Castleblock, Honsador Lumber, HPM Building Supply, Teak-Bali, Trojan Lumber. This website doesn't allow posting of url's, but most of these businesses have websites, you can find them with search, just type in "Hilo Hawaii" after each company name.

Thanks - useful info for my home planning. Google is too oriented to real estate sales to be of much use without the more refined components! Mahalo.

[RRWineGuy]

leilaniguy
I own two contiguous lots in Seaview Estates (Puna) and am planning to build. No lots are that large, so why not conserve land for the garden? Yet most people place their catchment tanks on the surface of the ground/lava instead of burying them. Do you know why folks do not place the catchments underground with a cover at surface level?

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by RRWineGuy

leilaniguy
I own two contiguous lots in Seaview Estates (Puna) and am planning to build. No lots are that large, so why not conserve land for the garden? Yet most people place their catchment tanks on the surface of the ground/lava instead of burying them. Do you know why folks do not place the catchments underground with a cover at surface level?

The main reason that folks go with an above-ground catchment tank is that it's usually cheaper.

Another advantage of an above-ground catchment tank is that it's usually easier to detect leaks (especially after earthquakes), and it's less likely to be contaminated by a septic system drainfield or cesspool. For more information on catchment tanks, here's a link...
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/RM-12.pdf

[leilaniguy]

I agree on all counts. An above-ground catchment is about 1/4 or less the cost of a buried or ferrocement tank and more sanitary. Some folks put a deck, lanai or housing up over the tank to utilize the space.