Puna, Hawaii (Hilo, Volcano, Leilani Estates: school, square footage, live in)

[GirlinAZ]

Originally Posted by NanawaleJulie

As a lot owner of Nanawale, they require looking at your building permits/plans and it has to be ok'd prior to building. The main thing they are looking for, I think it that you follow the convenants which are super simple. They mostly want the dwelling to be a minimum of 880 sq. ft. You should have received a copy of the covenants and if you do not have them, you can contact the HOA and they can send you a copy. (I think they also may be available either on their website or via an email through them by adobe reader.
I plan on building there as well. I know that to make the community up to par, I would want to follow the covenants. I really do not think that they are asking a whole lot at this time, as I have seen some real serious fighting going on here locally, [I am currrently living in the Scottsdale area of Phoenix, and talk about restrictions!] I had one friend have their "secret police" send her notice after notice about a weed that was hidden in her rocks that needed to be pulled. It was a mess. There are also subdivisions that micromanage who can park near your home, etc. I am going to see if I can find the link to the current covenants. Bless you all. [my potential neighbors!]
Julie

Here is a link to the website of the HOA and the building question: what do I need to do first?:
template.htm (broken link)

[YurtGirl]

Puna is the district just East and South of Hilo. If you picture the Big Island to look like the profile of a Dog's head facing East, then Puna is the nose area. (I don't know if that makes sense or not, it really looks just like my dog's profile oddly enough). What kind of state housing will you be working with? We've just started working on something that sounds similar, I wonder if it's related... At any rate, the rabies requirements are the biggest pain with the animals. Check out this site, Animal Quarantine Information — Hawaii Department of Agriculture
for more information on that. There are places with land for them, Oceanview not being one of the better ones... it's a lot of lava. Excellent views but typically smaller lots on a steep grade without a lot of privacy. There is not near as much rain there as in Hilo, much more hot and dry. There is no Costco on the Hilo side yet, but, sadly, there is a Walmart and Home Depot. To ship household goods (you may want to wait and see if you're going to stay a while, some people don't like it and leave rather quickly) you will need to contact a shipping company, i.e. ABF or Matson. Shipping containers are the way to go if you have a whole lot to ship, some people even ship their car with all kinds of other household things this way. If you don't have enough stuff for a full container then search for others in the same boat who typically advertise to share the cost. Another way to go is to ship a pallet, I think it can be 4'x4'x4'. Hope this helps~
M

[YurtGirl]

Staph is EXTREMELY serious. Even with strong antibiotics some strains are resistant and very vigorous. I would urge your son not to use measures that have not been thoroughly proven effective. It is also highly contagious, another thing he should take into consideration. He needs to wash his hands well and often to protect the people around him.

[William Kester]

[quote=YurtGirl;1052420]

"There are better places with land for them, Oceanview not being one of the better ones... it's a lot of lava. Excellent views but typically smaller lots on a steep grade without a lot of privacy. There is not near as much rain there as in Hilo, much more hot and dry. "

Oceanview lots-HOVE-are actually one acre in size. Hawaii Oceanveiw Ranchos, nearby are three acres in size.

Bill

[cynmkolohe]

Also keep in mind that many people in Ocean View purchase two or three of the 1 acre lots together and build away from neighbors. As an example, on one particular street, there are 10 side-by-side lots available for sale that would be ideal for someone seeking privacy. There are legitimate concerns with the area if you are commuting or if there is a long drought period, but certain advantages as well. The lava fields appeal to many people--there is a beauty to the vastness and simplicity of the landscape. Ocean View and the land around Waikoloa with views of the mountain are some of my favorite areas on the island, but Ocean View is much more affordable. As always, a good idea to explore a few homes already built to see what a little imagination can produce!

Another thought...as Hilo and Kona 'overflow' into these areas, there will be more commerical development. Property zoned commercial is also available on the highway for potential restaurants, shopping, etc. It's all about supply and demand...and timing.

[leilaniguy]

One of the reasons lots in Oceanview (HOVE,) other than high altitude and remoteness are cheaper than other areas is the dimensions. These parcels are called "spaghetti lots" here because they were surveyed with only 60' road frontage X 726' long. Basically, you're buying a narrow alleyway with no privacy from close next-door neighbors unless you buy 2-3-4 lots.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

One other thing to watch out for in HOVE is that electricity and phone do not go to all of the lots. Coverage is spotty. Water is all rain catchment, as it is for almost all of the subdivisions in Ka'u (except Discovery Harbour and Volcano).

[Hawaii Beth]

Originally Posted by pukaboy

Welina me ke aloha,
I too, fell in love with Hawai'i and will spend every waking moment in the pursuit of moving there. I am in the healthcare industry so Hilo or Kona are pretty much it. I read that the healthcare/hospitals are poor compared to the mainland . Any input there? Which town is better for the hospitals, or do you know of any others. I mean instead of Honolulu (too much like LA). Mahalo.

If you are a doc with a speciality, Kona is desperate. Negotiate with the hospital - you hold the cards. If you are in nursing you can go anywhere pretty much once they replace the docs.
South Kona is the best with Kealakekua Bay, little communities, rich gated communities - take your pick. Everything is expensive so if you have good credit purchase something. Rent easily = mortgage payment.
Read back issues of West Hawaii Today online to follow the exodus and search for docs and the Hospital politics.

[cynmkolohe]

Hawaii Tribune-Herald :: Hilo, Hawaii Pahoa Fire Station progress.

Update on Puna development--good news for the area!

[SYDNEESTAR]

This is by far the most informative site i have ran across, and i have been searching for months for info! Very helpful!
i am moving over as soon as my dog's quarantine is over. I have talked to alot of people, but none that are as honest or willing to be so helpful...
does anyone know of the cost of buying fencing materials over there - like would it be cheaper to buy it here and ship it there? either chain link or privacy fence... whatever, just to keep my dogs in...