May 2008 Newsletter

Kauai, No Ka Oi "None Better",

Along with southern swells, red-bellied cardinals, pristine weather, and the precious lei, this year May brings a bevy of new changes to our island environment. Together with the sights, sounds and smells that make May spring eternal, there are many distinctions from years gone-by. Besides our sluggish Real Estate Market, other strange changes are ushering in the season. Interisland transportation is undergoing a metamorphosis un-thought of just a few short years ago. Both ATA’s trans-pacific and Aloha Airline’s interisland and mainland passengers have taken their last flights. The abrupt shutdown of both carriers has had chilling effect on tourism and kept locals guessing at what might be in next in store for our already struggling transportation industry. On the flipside, the Super Ferry has resumed operations between Oahu and Maui. However, their success is not yet certain. Governer Lingle says thet the Hawaii Economy is strong.  This is evident as the sale of a two-acre beachfront estate in Kailua set the record for highest sale less than one month into the new year.

News from the Kauai Board of Realtors: As you are aware, the Vacation Rental Bill passed a few months ago. The Planning Department was directed to create a form necessary to apply for non conforming use certificate (NCUC) for those eligible SFTVR’s in operation outside the Visitor Destination Areas (VDA) before the ordinance was passed. In addition, the Real Property Tax Office was required to have a form for ALL those Vacation Rentals IN THE VDA to register by. The form that is currently available from the Planning Department, which, in connection with Real Property Tax Office, has decided to incorporate both into 1 form, has generated a significant amount of questions regarding what is being required. Imai Aiu, Kauai County Deputy Planning Director, met with KBR’s counsel to discuss the form and the reasoning for the requirements called for. In addition, the Deputy Planning Director discussed with counsel many of our questions and concerns regarding the form and the legislative intent of the ordinance. Those matters are currently being reviewed by the County. Deputy Planning Director Aiu has graciously offered to meet with members to answer questions who wish to clarify the procedures at a general meeting, Monday, May 5, at 3 PM at the Kauai Hilton.

As local residents, we are happy to share the season with our many friends. The Humpbacks were here in record numbers this year. Of course they have just begun their exodus to the cooler climate of Alaska halving calved while in warmer waters. The Hawaiian Monk Seal can be seen taking a stretch and a little nap upon our sandy beaches. Indeed their similarity to the human race is uncanny. By clicking the links you can find recent information on Land Use issues and many more. We can not wait for the beautiful summer days we know lay ahead. In fact, we know the calm waters of Hanalei Bay will soon be beckoning us “e komo mai’ come and enjoy. Nothing sounds more pleasurable than a day of lingering on the beach warmed by the tropical sun. Paradise calls. We look forward to seeing you, here, soon. Kauai, no ka oi.

Our new listing in Waipake, pictured above offers Epic Ocean & Tranquil Mountain Views!  Priced at only $795,000 for three acres. Click Here for more information on this outstanding opportunity

MLS DATA
	MLS #	Tp	St	DOM	Taxkey	Tnr	Price	Location	Land area	Details
	207916	T	A	64	4-2-6-4-49-3	FS	$679,000	Koloa Makai #3		1,306 #3 3/2
	179902	RC	A	678	4-5-1-5-128-1	FS	$1,150,000	Wailapa Road	2.20 ac	2,200 4/3
	210159	LC	A	13	4-5-1-6-26-2	FS	$795,000	4327 Kapuna Rd. #2	3.00 ac
	188592	T	A	511	4-5-4-5-24-63	FS	$675,000	Nihilani At Princeville Resort #21C		1,972 #21C 2/3
	198759	RS	A	285	4-5-4-15-16	FS	$749,900	3834 Haulani Pl	11,020 sqft	2,048 3/3
	204531	LN	A	148	4-5-4-20-5	FS	$420,000	5125 Kapiolani Lp	9,624 sqft