Puna, Hawaii (Volcano, Nanawale Estates, Pahoa: new home, to live, shop)

[David Ellis]

I saw on this morning's news that the volcano is erupting. Since that's been going on for a quarter century, I'm wondering why it's differenr enough now to warrant mention on the Today show?

[leilaniguy]

I think it was just a slow news day. Surface flows always look impressive.

[Kalona]

I wonder if it has something to do with the earthquakes we had here this morning one was centered in the Kialuea Caldera in Volcano (4.7) and the other very near by (I think 4.0).. I think a few miles east of Volcano. Perhaps the quakes made the lava flow more news worthy. They both made my cabin on stilts sway and move considerably... a wild ride better than coffee in the morning!

I will check USGS and the Volcanoes National Park website to see what they have to say about the lava flow increasing as a result... or not.

Kalona

[Tiger Beer]

Here is a Forum by a local HILO online paper. Has a "LIVING ON THE BIG ISLAND" forum

Hawaii Tribune-Herald Forums :: View Forum - Living on the Big Island

[GirlinAZ]

How often do you have to fill your water catchment tanks? (how often is there a draught) thanks

[bigPAPA]

hi every one on this forum, I have gotton a lot of good information on puna here,thanks to all for your input.
I am thinking of buying some land in puna and perhaps building a pole house. So my question is how hard is it to dig footings on lava the poles need to be imbedded quite deep and if anyone has had experience with this type of construction.
Maybe a better question would be what type of house foundation would be best for the area.
Ive read that the typical precast concrete block with the 4x4 wood piers is not very good for earthquake and hurricane force winds. Ive noticed this type of construction is typical of a lot of homes in the ilands.
On the other hand pole houses are more resistant to these natural forces.
Also can anyone give me a average cost for a septic system and water cachtment?
It seems like everyone Ive called in hilo seems to not want to give a price over the phone or wants to see my blueprints. Maybe Im just talking to the wrong people.

Mahalo for any suggestions or advice.

[leilaniguy]

Originally Posted by NanawaleJulie

How often do you have to fill your water catchment tanks? (how often is there a draught) thanks

in the past 8 years I have filled my catchment twice, once in a prolonged drought, and another time my tank liner split from old age. It was about $80 for 4000 gallons. Otherwise, rain has always been enough. especially for Julie; I saw your lot today, it is nearly level, with medium size Ohia trees, some uluhe ferns, no junk trees, a nice lot, it is rocky, average. There is a new house under construction nearly next door.

[leilaniguy]

Originally Posted by bigPAPA

hi every one on this forum, I have gotton a lot of good information on puna here,thanks to all for your input.
I am thinking of buying some land in puna and perhaps building a pole house. So my question is how hard is it to dig footings on lava the poles need to be imbedded quite deep and if anyone has had experience with this type of construction.
Maybe a better question would be what type of house foundation would be best for the area.
Ive read that the typical precast concrete block with the 4x4 wood piers is not very good for earthquake and hurricane force winds. Ive noticed this type of construction is typical of a lot of homes in the ilands.
On the other hand pole houses are more resistant to these natural forces.
Also can anyone give me a average cost for a septic system and water cachtment?
It seems like everyone Ive called in hilo seems to not want to give a price over the phone or wants to see my blueprints. Maybe Im just talking to the wrong people.

Mahalo for any suggestions or advice.

You might check with the County of Hawaii building code about pole buildings, I believe there are specifications about wood not touching earth, rock or cement without a metal plate intervening. A catchement will cost upwards of $1500-$2000, a nice one more. A cesspool, (on 1 or more acres) will cost somewhere above $2000, a septic system on smaller lots, between $5000- $8,000.

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by bigPAPA

hi every one on this forum, I have gotton a lot of good information on puna here,thanks to all for your input.
I am thinking of buying some land in puna and perhaps building a pole house. So my question is how hard is it to dig footings on lava the poles need to be imbedded quite deep and if anyone has had experience with this type of construction.
Maybe a better question would be what type of house foundation would be best for the area.
Ive read that the typical precast concrete block with the 4x4 wood piers is not very good for earthquake and hurricane force winds. Ive noticed this type of construction is typical of a lot of homes in the ilands.
On the other hand pole houses are more resistant to these natural forces.
Also can anyone give me a average cost for a septic system and water cachtment?
It seems like everyone Ive called in hilo seems to not want to give a price over the phone or wants to see my blueprints. Maybe Im just talking to the wrong people.

Mahalo for any suggestions or advice.

There is a condominium complex on Kauai made up of pole houses. If you google Hanalei Bay Villas you will find a number of them being offfered as Vacation Rentals. They're not set in lava, but if you can find an original owner, you might find some information you could use.

They also went through two hurricanes in the last twenty years, so there is info there.

Hank

[bigPAPA]

Leilaniguy, I appreciate the info and I will call the county for more info on wood touching the ground, I never thought about that.
You should write a book about puna area we all have had some helpful input from you Im sure. Thank you again.

Also HankDfrmSD thanks for your input as well.