Jun
25

Governor signs bills on public land into law

Two important Senate Bills designed to identify land ownership, inventory public trust lands in the state and develop a public corporation to oversee public land usage have been signed into law by Governor Neil Abercrombie.

The first, Senate Bill 2, will create a repository for the land inventory. This is an “important tool that will help the State of Hawaii manage its public lands,” said Big Island Senator Malama Solomon, who also called Senate Bill 2 “a long-awaited initiative that has finally come into fruition.”

The second bill signed by Governor Abercrombie, Senate Bill 1555, establishes a public corporation which is tasked with overseeing an appropriate and culturally-sensitive land development program for the economic, environmental and social benefit for the people of Hawaii. This program would allow businesses to lease state lands. Revenue from such leases would go to a Department of Land and Natural Resources special fund allocated to help maintain those state lands. The overall purpose of the corporation will be to generate revenues that may be used to offset the regulatory functions of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. It will also be tasked with identifying public lands suitable for redevelopment, administer marketing analysis to determine the best programs to generate revenue for the public lands, enter into public-private agreements to appropriately redevelop the public lands. The new Public Land Development Corporation arm of the Department of Land and Natural Resources will also provide the leadership for the redevelopment, financing, improvement or enhancement of the selected redevelopment opportunities.

Of the two Senate Bills she initially introduced, Oahu Senator Dela Cruz said, “As the state faces a budget shortfall and departments such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources continue to see cuts in staff, it is imperative that we get this economy back on track. The DLNR will focus on the regulatory functions, while the Public Lands Corporation will focus on the revenue-generating functions. By creating opportunities through public-private partnerships, we can revitalize our state parks, redevelop our boat harbors and create revenue-generating opportunities that result into jobs. The endgame is to get the dilapidated infrastructure and underutilized land generating revenue, so that no taxpayer money will be directed to supporting DLNR and the department will no longer need to rely on the general fund.”

Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 1555 will go into effect July 1, 2011.

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Jun
09

Hana Ranch: 4500 Acres of Oceanfront Land

While many people dream of being a cowboy, many cowboys dream of being a Hana Ranch cowboy. Commanding ocean, mountain and coastal views, Hana Ranch is minutes from the Hana airport, itself a short fifteen minute flight from the main Maui airport. With Hana Ranch on the market, a once in a lifetime opportunity is presented to own one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Hana Ranch - Maui

With 4500 acres of pristine land bordered by three miles of ocean front property in the front yard and many miles of mountains in the backyard, this one of a kind property is as prestigious as the original Mona Lisa, but painted by a better artist. Situated in eastern Maui, Hana Ranch rises on a gentle slope from nearly three miles of oceanfront pastures to an elevation of 2200 feet, always looking out to the ocean. The land is divided on a north to south axis by Hana Highway, with 667 acres on the ocean side and 3833 acres on the mountain side of the highway. Ocean side pasture lands feature spectacular oceanfront and bluff properties, while the mountain side properties feature vast pasture land and forest land. When Kathy Bates wrote the words to “America the Beautiful” and spoke of “spacious skies” and “purple mountain majesties”, this is quite possibly the land she had envisioned. With sea and mountains, rolling plains and wilderness, Hana Ranch is the absolute realization of “America the Beautiful” in a single real estate offering.

Recognizing the extraordinary nature of Hana, the current owners of Hana Ranch have demonstrated their commitment to preserving this world class property by placing conservation easements on selected portions of the Ranch. A conservation easement agreement with the Maui Coastal Land Trust saves 41 oceanfront acres from development. The Hana Ranch’s 4500 acres is comprised of 92 separate parcels, providing numerous opportunities for conservation easements and extraordinary home sites.

Even with cattle rearing being an intensely competitive industry, Hana Ranch, with its considerable stock of cattle, has been economically successful since its founding. A founding member of Maui Cattle Company, Hana Ranch is noted for its all-natural grass fed beef derived from a cattle operation that includes a cow herd of approximately 1200 head of cattle, producing 1000 calves per year.

The Ranch home is a 2,236 square foot two bedroom and two bathroom plantation style home and outbuilding. The home’s modest design allows it to rest inconspicuously in the scenery, detracting in no way from the spectacular beauty that surrounds it on all sides and all angles. While effectively restrained in design, the home does not lack in the comforts, and comes equipped for a quick start up with all the necessary appliances and features already in place, including a refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher, cupboards stocked with kitchen ware, drapes, furniture, linens, smoke/heat detector, TV cable, washing machine, dryer, blinds, book shelves, and, yes, ceiling fans. Other property features include two recently upgraded private water systems, all County utilities, and extensive upgrades to the Ranch infrastructure, such as a Ranch office, barn, arena, and two corrals.

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Jun
07

Oceanfront Makena Beach Home: 6900 Makena Road

6900 Makena Road, the only estate property on Maui’s beautiful Makena Beach, is not only the place of your dreams, it is quite possibly the place of everyone’s dreams. With over 600 feet of ocean frontage, this extremely rare offering is bordered by beaches both north and south, with natural majesty in every direction. The north gate opens to a very private beach, perfect for sunbathing. The south gate leads to a cove with a channel leading out to the ocean. Over half a mile of soft sand beach is available for exercising in the morning, relaxing in the afternoon, and walking with loved ones in the evening. The main house also comes equipped with an aboveground pool, perfect for exercise laps or floating about on an inflatable chair, and a hot tub, for the ultimate relaxation, romance and simple star gazing. A beautiful wide lawn invites thoughts of play as well as musings of inspiration. With the open sky above you, the boundless ocean before you, and the soft lawn beneath you, you will find yourself in a uniquely admirable place where the true gifts of life come together in the world.

Makena Beach Real Estate: 6900 Makena Road

Maui’s most private and secure oceanfront home is simple in its design, letting the natural world around it inspire the delights and inspirations. Masterful wood- and stonework blend the home into its natural surroundings, opening it to the majesty of the land, ocean and sky. Floor to ceiling windows in the main room look out onto the ocean and the offshore islands. The master bedroom sliding glass doors are available to open up one entire side of the room to the spectacular view. What a sight to wake to! What a sight to fall asleep to! Lush vegetation and Kiawe trees border and highlight the property’s 1.38 acres of land. Making meals in the spacious open kitchen will be a treat as the ocean breeze mingles with the smells of cooking food. Even cleaning up after the meal will be less of a chore with the ocean view from the kitchen windows! For getting in touch with the outside world, 2 T1 high speed internet and multiple phone lines are already in place. There is a wonderfully cozy guest cottage a short walk from the main house where your guests can stay while enjoying your hospitality.

If impressing yourself is more important than impressing your friends, and your spirit’s peace and tranquility win over your mind’s hustle and bustle, there is a place where the heavens touch the earth that is as rare as the people who deserve to live there. That place is 6900 Makena Road in Maui and it is on the market and available now.

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Apr
12

Google Street View

Lately I’ve been in the habit of checking out the Mama’s Fish House Web Cam. This morning I logged in to see a handful of surfers surfing Ho’okipa at sunrise. The clarity was fantastic. What’s neat is you can control where the camera points right from the comfort of your own home. Chances are you’ll have to wait in line, because the Mama’s Fish House camera is popular.

Google Street View
One thing you don’t have to wait in line for is Google Street View. This is one of my favorite online tools. Google has done the world a great service by mapping its streets. Not every street is mapped—regardless having the ability to type a few characters and click the mouse a couple of times and whamo, a house that we’re considering listing appears. That’s pretty cool!

And not only has Google mapped the United States in Street View, Google has also begun mapping some really neat international places.

So let’s say you were interested in a Kihei Condo, specifically Kamaole Sands. You simply type “Kamaole Sands, Kihei, HI” into Google Street View and with a few clicks of the mouse you can see the exterior of the complex, landscaping, and the beautiful beach across the street.

Isn’t that fantastic? I think it is.

Sometimes I tend to take for granted the wonderful technologies that are available to me on a moment’s notice and for free. It’s hard to believe that 15 years ago, we lived a very different world, at least technologically speaking.

Google Street View is a wonderful tool for “previewing” real estate without leaving the comfort of your home or office. Google doesn’t have every parcel of Maui real estate mapped, but they certainly have some. Give it a try. I think you’ll be equally amazed.

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Apr
11

Maui Real Estate Sales: March 2011 Numbers

We’d like to draw your attention to the Realtor Association of Maui (RAM) official March 2011 statistics.

March was an interesting month. The tsunami which hit Japan and lightly effected Hawaii may have had something to do with prospective buyers pulling back. The unrest in the Middle East, which in turn has caused gas prices to steadily increase has led to increased airfares. This may account for less visitors to Maui, and thus potentially less buyers.

Despite these events, March’s residential sales increased to 88 homes sold, 124 condo units sold, and 11 parcels of land sold.

These are just a few of the notable details. Be sure to check out the rest for yourself.

If we can help you with anything Maui Real Estate related, please give us a call at (808)572-0866.

Have a wonderful week!

Aloha,

Josh Tremblay

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Apr
05

Keawakapu Beach Homes: 3040 and 3076 South Kihei Road

In order to find your dream home, you need to start by looking in the perfect location. Maui’s Keawakapu Beach is a tropical paradise, exhibiting all the great features and characteristics that make Maui so idyllic. With its soft, fine sand and its gentle slope toward the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, Keawakapu Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Hawaiian sunshine. It’s also an excellent swimming beach and, with a reef and sea turtles nearby, Keawakapu Beach is great for snorkelling and enjoying Maui’s underwater wonders.

Maui Real Estate - Keawakapu Beach Homes

As one of Maui’s best beaches, one might expect Keawakapu Beach to be overrun with both locals and tourists. However, despite its popularity, Keawakapu Beach’s half-mile stretch of sand provides plenty of room for everyone and overcrowding is not a problem. In fact, it’s easy to enjoy Maui’s relaxing and laid-back atmosphere as you soak up the sun and the incredible natural beauty at Keawakapu Beach. While this gem of a beach is a great place to visit, it’s an even better place to live. Lined with high-end yet unobtrusive homes, Keawakapu Beach features some truly impressive properties.

One Keawakapu Beach property that is currently listed on Maui’s real estate market is located at 3076 South Kihei Road. Listed at $16,500,000, this luxurious single-family home will not fail to impress with its beautiful tropical landscaping, large covered lanais and absolutely breathtaking views of the beach and ocean. The interior of this home is no less impressive, featuring five bedrooms and five bathrooms in 6352 square feet of living space. Built in 2003, this beachfront home has won multiple design awards and features airy rooms with sophisticated finishing touches.

Also currently available is a property located at 3040 South Kihei Road. This ocean front home is listed at $19,000,000 and features six bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms in 7110 square feet of elegant living space. This private and secure two-story single-family home is a showcase of fine architectural details and gorgeous materials such as marble and gleaming hardwoods. Elegantly casual, this stunning Keawakapu Beach home is both luxurious and welcoming and is a masterpiece of fine Hawaiian living.

While both of these Keawakapu Beach homes offer excellent privacy, all of the amenities of Wailea are located just a short distance away. Of course, the best local amenity is the beach itself. By choosing a luxurious tropical lifestyle and by living in a beautiful home on Keawakapu Beach you can enjoy all the very best that Maui has to offer.

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Apr
01

Maalaea Yacht Marina #212

Maalaea Bay
There are many opportunities to be found in this Maui Real Estate market. Ma’alaea Yacht Marina #212 is one such opportunity.

Take a look at 212’s history during the past 12 years:

-In 1999, this Ma’alaea condo sold for $60k.
-Fast forward to 2005, the same condo sold for $277.5k.
-Now todayMa’alaea Yacht Marina #212 is priced for a reasonable $74k

As you’ll also see, the condo has been significantly upgraded. Today it is owned by Fannie Mae. Originally listed 220 days ago for $189,900, it is now priced at $74,500. I don’t imagine Ma’alaea Yacht Marina will be available much longer. It is a deal at $74,500.
This is a leasehold condo—as opposed to fee simple. If managed correctly, it should cash flow.

This is just one example of the many deals available in today’s Maui Real Estate market.

Please give us a call at (808)572-0866 so we can help you connect with the right opportunity.

Have a wonderful week,

Josh Tremblay R(S)

Photo credit: Intiaz Rahim

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Mar
30

Check Out the Views from this 2 Bedroom Kihei Condo

Kihei Akahi
Earlier this week we listed Kihei Akahi D-315, a rare 2 bedroom, 2 bath corner unit with stunning ocean views. Here’s the listing.

Here are just a few of its many features:

*Location: Directly Across from Kamaole Beaches and in the heart of South Kihei
*Amenities: Less than a 3 minute drive to Wailea
*Rental: Great vacation rental with awesome rental history
*Guests: Guests who stay at Kihei Akah tend to return year after year.
*Unique: 2 bedroom, 2 bath condos at Kihei Akahi don’t come available too often
*Price: Priced at $450k, this is a screaming deal

To schedule a showing for Kihei Akahi D-315 or any other Maui Real Estate, please give us a call at (808)572-0866.

Mahalo Nui Loa. Have a great week!

The Smith Team

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Mar
29

Lowest Priced 3 bedroom condo in South Kihei

Kihei Shores E-301
Last week we listed Kihei Shores E-301—currently the lowest priced 3 bedroom condo in South Kihei. Priced at $179k, this condo presents an awesome opportunity to purchase in South Maui for less than $200k. Located directly across from Kamaole Beach III, Kihei Shores is just minutes from Wailea and Makena.

There have already been nearly a half dozen showings. By the looks of it, this condo won’t be around long.

Kihei Shores E-301 represents one of many great opportunities to purchase Maui Real Estate today. To setup a showing to see this condo or any other property on Maui, call The Smith Team at (808)572-0866.

Have a terrific week!

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Mar
28

Majestic Haiku Home—1011 Upper Ulumalu Road

1011 Upper Ulumalu
Last week, we listed a beautiful home at 1011 Upper Ulumalu Road in Haiku. This peaceful and private 3 bedroom / 3 bath plantation style home is located on 4.4 acres in Haiku. It is a single level home upgraded with travertine tile, bamboo floors, built-in book shelves, solar water, and granite counter tops. All bedrooms have sliders that lead out to a covered lanai where you can enjoy your ocean views. There is a separate large 2,652 sq. ft. workshop with an office and bath, that can hold 3 or more cars. As you walk the grounds, you’ll see beautiful Hawaiian flowers like Pua Keni Keni, ginger, mock orange, and fruit trees.

1011 Upper Ulumalu 2
1011 Upper Ulumalu is a short 10 minute drive to Paia and less than 20 minutes to Kahului. Offering fantastic ocean views and lots of open green space, this property presents an awesome opportunity to live and play in Haiku, Maui.

To setup a time to see this amazing home or any other Maui Real Estate call The Smith Team at (808)572-0866.

Have a great week!

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