HERE ON THE BIG ISLAND – Crazy Tobacco February 4, 2010
Posted by Kelly in : HERE ON THE BIG ISLAND , add a commentHERE ON THE BIG ISLAND
By Kelly Moran
Crazy Tobacco
Folks here call it pakalolo – “paka” being the Hawaiian rendering of “tobacco,” and “lolo” meaning crazy. And “crazy tobacco” is front-page news here because what it is . . . is marijuana.
It should not surprise anyone that a lot of pakalolo is grown and consumed in our tropical climate. Hawaii was also among the earliest states to allow the medical use of marijuana; and is the only state, so far, to have enacted such a law through the legislative process, instead of by referendum.
A discreet backyard greenhouse with four pakalolo plants.
But the Legislature did not create a legal framework for cultivation or distribution; and counties alone can not change state or federal law. Still, in the 2008 election, 35,682 Hawaii County voters approved a ballot initiative that directed Big Island police to make the enforcement of state and federal marijuana laws their lowest priority; and it set the threshold for regarding possession as a serious infraction at 24 plants and/or 24 dry ounces of pot.
The outcome certainly surprised the initiative’s 25,937 opponents, and may have amazed even its proponents.
Where did all those supporters come from? There were no exit-polls, but only a handful could have had medical marijuana certificates. (Approximately 1,500 Big Island residents are registered patients.) Surely some of the rest were recreational users, but no one is claiming that there are more than 30,000 pot-smokers living here. Most of the voters in that majority, therefore, were everyday folks who are fundamentally generous in spirit, and concerned enough about solving local problems to feel that law-enforcement resources would be better expended on more serious crimes, such as those against people and property, and on combating more pernicious drugs, chiefly methamphetamine, which is locally called “ice.”
Here on the Big Island, regardless of party affiliations, there is widespread sympathy for countercultural and/or Libertarian ideals, especially about conservation, self-sufficiency, and privacy. The voters who approved this resolution clearly regarded pot as harmless or, at worst, a benign indulgence; and certainly not as a “gateway” drug to addiction or as a threat to “family values.” It was a state Representative from the Big Island (Faye Hanohano) who in 2009 introduced a bill to decriminalize marijuana possession. Not surprisingly, it was voted down. But some such bill – or at least, one that enables cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana – will surely be introduced every year from now on, and will inevitably pass.
In the late 1930s, just after marijuana was made illegal, a couple of scary movies were released, that painted pot-smokers as brainless dope-fiends, and the drug itself as capable of turning strait-laced teenagers into crazed killers. Such movies have, ever since, been justifiably ridiculed. So, while it may not be symbolic of anything, this weekend and next, at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo, UH-Hilo drama students are staging the recent pop-musical version of the most famous of those cautionary movies. They are putting on “Reefer Madness.”
JUST LISTED! Immaculate Large Custom Home on 3 Acres with Bonus Room/Bath & Bonus Utility/Farm Building February 1, 2010
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Immaculate large custom home with cathedral ceilings on quiet Koloa Maoli (Road 9) in Hawaiian Acres. The interior features easy-care laminate flooring, gorgeous African Mahoghany cabinetry in the kitchen, tiled bathrooms and high ceilings throughout.
This spacious custom 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home has extra bonus space too!
A separate farm and utility building has double extra-height Martin garage rolling doors — ideal for a home gym, boat or farm vehicle storage, vehicle repair area, art studio, or a large home office.
Separate farm and utility building
And … adjacent to the home’s enclosed 2 car garage is a bonus room with a half bath. A sliding glass door provides access to the outside.
Situated on 3 acres that have been ripped and rolled (prepared for planting with a bulldozer which creates drainage). There are a variety of fruit and ornamental trees including Lychee, Tangerine, Dwarf Banana, Avocado, Mango, Navel Orange, Lemon, Lime and Ulu (breadfruit). Eight different varieties of Plumeria flowering trees adorn the driveway. Fragrant Gardenia, Pikake & Tiare plants grow around the house. A border of Podocarpus trees have been planted to provide privacy.
The entrance is fenced and gated, with paved road access on Road Nine from the Kurtistown Highway. Located only one mile from the Highway, with close access to Hilo, Hawaii’s second largest city. Great site for a peaceful, rural lifestyle and to grow your own food.
For Current List Price, Virtual Tour, Additional Photos, Downloadable Flyer & More see:
www.kellymoran.com/231157.asp
JUST LISTED! Tropical Estate on 51 Acres of Producing Farmland with Breathtaking Ocean and Mauna Kea Views January 28, 2010
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31-200 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaaloa, HI
On a hill overlooking 51 acres of producing farmland and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views you’ll find a tropical-style residential estate — the ultimate Hamakua home. This over 5000 sq. ft. residence was created to take advantage of unparalleled panoramic Pacific Ocean & Mauna Kea mountain views. Upstairs, massive Douglas fir posts suspend soaring cathedral ceilings, crowned with a custom skylight.
The spacious interior features 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, with many unique custom details. In the gourmet kitchen the counters are granite, and custom tilework is found on the floors and in the bathrooms. Furniture-quality vanities and one-of-a-kind teak built-ins give evidence of quality of craftsmanship that went into building this unique piece of paradise.
Wrap-around lanais provide additional outdoor living areas that are ideal for relaxing and enjoying the million dollar views. If you’ve dreamed of getting away from it all, this home offers privacy, serenity, and freedom to generate your own electricity for your home. There are no telephone or power lines to obstruct your views! A complete alternative power solar system provides energy for the home.
Cellular telephone reception is excellent. Multiple options for internet access.
In addition to the generously sized home there is a separate farm/utility building.
And … the current owner leases the farmland to sweet potato farmers, making the acreage profitable!
For Current List Price, Virtual Tour, Additional Photos, Downloadable Flyer & More see:
www.kellymoran.com/230979.asp
JUST LISTED! Elegant Kamaaina Home with Ohana Guest House Overlooking Richardson Beach January 27, 2010
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JUST LISTED – 2296 Kalanianaole Street in Hilo, Hawaii
Elegant Kamaaina home with Ohana guest house overlooking Richardson Beach. Ideal location in sunny Keaukaha, only minutes to downtown Hilo. Walk out your front door and swim, surf and snorkel. The Old Hawaii lifestyle is calling you back home.
From the ocean, stroll down the driveway and approach the gracious lava rock front porch with built-in Koa wood seat. Leaded stain glass windows flank the entry. Slide open the glass doors. Pause a moment and enjoy the sights, sounds adn smells of the blue Pacific Ocean.
This historic home, built in the 1937, is in immaculate shape — from the new roof to the gleaming hardwood floors. Sun pours through skylights over vaulted beam ceilings creating a magical ambiance. Hardwood floors soothe your bare feet. The lava rock fireplace in the great room will warm your heart.
Enjoy views of one of Hilo’s favorite beach areas from the living room, the spacious dining area, and the family room.
The kitchen has new appliances, stacking front-loading washer & dryer, spacious counters, and an island with extra storage. Old World charm and craftsmanship are evident throughout the interior and grounds. Elegant corner bedrooms offer views of the ocean or the manicured yards. Let the sounds of the ocean lull you to sleep.
Attached to the west end of the main home is the “Ohana” guest house. A separate entrance, bathroom and kitchen create an independent wing for your visiting friends and relatives. Koa hardwood cabinets, a full kitchen with ocean views and skylights create a warm nest that will be hard to leave. The windows offer serene ocean and garden views. The upstairs bedroom has tropical woven wall covering and a huge skylight.
This historic gem is now available. A home for connoisseurs who appreciate artisan details and exceptional quality combined with an outstanding location.
Homes like this are rarely available. The lifestyle that comes with it is priceless. Welcome to paradise!
For Current List Price, Virtual Tour, Additional Photos, Downloadable Flyer & More see:
www.kellymoran.com/231444.asp
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January 2010 Newsletter – Hawaii/Big Island/Real Estate Updates January 26, 2010
Posted by Kelly in : Newsletter, Upcoming Events , add a commentThe January 2010 Newsletter is published.
View the January 2010 Newsletter here.
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Just Listed! 564 Spectacular Acres 6 Miles North of Hilo January 20, 2010
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- 564 Acres in Paukaa with Huge Streams and Waterfalls
Hilo Paradise! 564 spectacular acres with streams and huge waterfalls, just 6 miles north of Hilo. Fantastic Mauna Kea Mountain and Hilo Bay views. Honolii Stream with breathtaking waterfalls borders the north side of the property, and another stream borders the south end of the parcel.
Large parcels like this are rare to find so close to Hilo! Currently, cattle graze the rolling pastureland, and approximately 100 acres are leased to sweet potato farmers.
The large size of this parcel offers a variety of potential uses or just enjoy the privacy for your own residential estate. The diversified agriculture potential is unlimited.
Hundreds of acres of agricultural land right outside Hilo
Just a few minutes from downtown Hilo. The property has its own airstrip, a remnant of the bygone days of the sugar plantations.
Come see this unique property and enjoy the pleasant East Hawaii lifestyle.
For Current List Price, Virtual Tour, Additional Photos, Downloadable Flyer & More see:
www.kellymoran.com/230009.asp
Just Listed! 1 Acre Overlooking Stream with Waterfalls in Hilo! January 20, 2010
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1751 Akolea Place, Hilo, Hawaii
Build your dream home overlooking a stream with waterfalls, in Akolea Plantation above Hilo. The stream and swimming hole are only steps away from the building site. The stream runs through the middle of the property!
Enter through an Asian-inspired gate flanked by rare red ceiling wax palm trees into a botanical garden setting complete with a private stream & waterfalls.
This is an established upscale residential area near Hilo Medical Center and the University of Hawaii Astronomy Centers. County water, electric, TV cable and telephone service available to the property. Beautifully landscaped, fenced and ready for you! The garden gazebo, tool sheds, water meter, cesspool and temporary power are already installed.
A large custom house has been designed to compliment the surroundings and take full advantage of the stream and waterfalls. The seller will consider including the plans with the purchase of the property.
For Current List Price, Virtual Tour, Additional Photos, Downloadable Flyer & More see:
www.kellymoran.com/230324.asp
Just Listed! 3BR Unique Custom Home with Studio/Apt January 7, 2010
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1178 Kumuwaina Place, Hilo, HI 96720
Just Listed!
This unique custom home with separate studio is located at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet and safe neighborhood near the Astronomy Centers, UH-Hilo and Hilo Medical Center. Extensive gardens border a large greenbelt creating a sense of privacy and seclusion.
Created with an open design, this home has great airflow ventilation and four skylights. A fireplace with propane starter helps set the mood for cozy evenings. All walls are insulated to reduce noise and temperature variations. Central air is in all bedrooms, office or media room and family rooms. Solar hot water, and propane stove and clothes dryer, round out the home’s utility features.
There is a sound proof Media Room and a complete custom audio video system with multi-room controls. This room would also make an ideal office. A complete alarm system and front door camera provide security and peace of mind.
Outdoors, an expansive flagstone lanai and luxurious landscaping create spaces to sit and enjoy the moment. An outdoor covered living room overlooks a large green space that is maintained but will not be developed. Enjoy the Balinese Gazebo with a Coleman Spa hot-tub and take in the surrounding ocean and mountain views. There is also an outside propane hookup for a grill.
A separate bedroom/apartment/studio with a full bath adjoins the outside gazebo and also overlooks the greenbelt in the back yard. Private and separate, ideal for guests or teenagers.
A custom home with a two car garage and lots of storage helps you keep things in order. Upgraded windows for easy cleaning all while indoors. The single-level design is handicap accessible. A private feeling in a desirably convenient location.
For Current List Price, Virtual Tour, Additional Photos, Downloadable Flyer & More see:
www.kellymoran.com/230222.asp
December Market Conditions: Hilo, Hawaii December 22, 2009
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Market Conditions for: Hilo in Hawaii (Big Island)
Reported by Kelly H Moran, CCIM, CIPS, REALTOR
Updated December 22, 2009
Here are the MLS statistics on the greater Hilo area (tax map key 3-2 to 3-2-6 that are fee simple) from September 19, 2009 to December 19, 2009:
* There are 157 homes listed for sale, with a list price range from $125,000 to $1,250,000
* The median list price of homes is $349,000
* There are 25 homes in escrow, with a list price range from $50,000 to $458,000
* There have been 44 homes sold, with a sold price range from $159,000 to $915,000
* The median sold price was $296,250
* The median days on market to sell was 60 days. Selling price to Listing price percentage was a median of 97.1%
ZIP Codes: 96720, 96721
Location Characteristics: Hilo is the second largest city in Hawaii and is located on the windward (eastern) side of the Big Island. Nearly all of the important educational and financial institutions are located in Hilo. The University of Hawaii at Hilo was ranked one of the top twenty small universities in the nation and has a very diverse, international student body. Visitors and residents find Hilo to be a “local” town with warm and friendly people. While tourism is very important to the east Hawaii economy, it does not dominate, as in Kona. Cruise ships regularly dock at the Hilo Harbor and Hilo Bayfront frequently has canoe paddling regattas with statewide participation. The world renown “Merrie Monarch Hula Festival” is held in Hilo every Arpil and draws contestants from all over the world. Hilo is a very diverse community that is low key and very modest.
View Market Conditions of other areas served by Kelly H. Moran
About Kelly H. Moran:
My Client-First Philosophy:
There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent real estate professional – integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network, all of which are hallmarks of how I work.
That said, in my experience as a Hilo real estate professional, I’ve also found that providing the very best service is essentially about putting my clients first. This means keeping myself accessible, being a good listener as well as a good communicator, and responding quickly to your needs.
This “client first” philosophy has always been my approach and it requires me to continually improve my skills and ways of doing business. In addition, I’ve found that the latest technologies are enabling me to do everything I’ve always done, only much more quickly and efficiently. They’ve also helped me to extend the range of services I provide to my clients.
So when you decide that you’d like to buy or sell a home in the Hilo areas, please contact me.
A Little About Kelly:
- Kelly created Hilo Brokers, Ltd. in 1992.
- He has lived in Hawaii for 30 years and sold real estate here for over 20 years.
- Kelly is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) with degrees in Tropical Agriculture and Political Science.
- Currently Kelly is teaching Real Estate Finance at UH-Hilo.
- His areas of expertise in real estate include: commercial real estate sales, agricultural properties, real estate investments & development, as well as residential and vacant land sales.
Kelly was one of the first REALTORS to incorporate the Internet as a real estate sales tool. He saw the potential of reaching people world wide, and is currently developing an international division within Hilo Brokers, Ltd.
He is a dedicated tennis enthusiast and community volunteer who shares his time between the towns of Hilo and Kamuela, where his young sons attend school.
December Market Conditions: Big Island, Hawaii December 22, 2009
Posted by Kelly in : Market Conditions , add a comment
Market Conditions for: Hawaii (Big Island)
Reported by Kelly H. Moran, CCIM, CIPS, REALTOR
As of December 22, 2009
September 19, 2009 to December 19, 2009
* There are 60 homes listed for sale, with a list price range from $175,000 to $7,750,000
* The median list price of homes is $627,500
* There are 9 homes in escrow, with a list price range from $50,000 to $675,000
* There have been 9 homes sold, with a sold price range from $140,050 to $529,000
* The median sold price was $296,000
* The median days on market to sell was 60 days
* Selling price to Listing price percentage was a median of 94.6%
ZIP Codes: 96710, 96728, 96724, 96773, 96780, 96781, 96783
Approximate Location Boundaries: From Paukaa (North of Hilo) to Laupahoehoe
Location Characteristics: This geographic area stretches from Paukaa (which is just north of Hilo), to the town of Laupahoehoe. There are a wide range of property choices within this area, including beautiful sites with streams, waterfalls and ocean views. This is where much of the island’s farming takes place. The predominant soil type is a deep silty clay loam of volcanic ash origin, and is ideal for diversified farming activities. This vibrant greenbelt has lots of open rural space with a relatively low population base. It is one of the preferred areas with ideal lifestyle living conditions.
View Market Conditions of other areas served by Kelly H. Moran
About Kelly H. Moran:
My Client-First Philosophy:
There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent real estate professional – integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network, all of which are hallmarks of how I work.
That said, in my experience as a Hilo real estate professional, I’ve also found that providing the very best service is essentially about putting my clients first. This means keeping myself accessible, being a good listener as well as a good communicator, and responding quickly to your needs.
This “client first” philosophy has always been my approach and it requires me to continually improve my skills and ways of doing business. In addition, I’ve found that the latest technologies are enabling me to do everything I’ve always done, only much more quickly and efficiently. They’ve also helped me to extend the range of services I provide to my clients.
So when you decide that you’d like to buy or sell a home in the Hilo areas, please contact me.
A Little About Kelly:
- Kelly created Hilo Brokers, Ltd. in 1992.
- He has lived in Hawaii for 30 years and sold real estate here for over 20 years.
- Kelly is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) with degrees in Tropical Agriculture and Political Science.
- Currently Kelly is teaching Real Estate Finance at UH-Hilo.
- His areas of expertise in real estate include: commercial real estate sales, agricultural properties, real estate investments & development, as well as residential and vacant land sales.
Kelly was one of the first REALTORS to incorporate the Internet as a real estate sales tool. He saw the potential of reaching people world wide, and is currently developing an international division within Hilo Brokers, Ltd.
He is a dedicated tennis enthusiast and community volunteer who shares his time between the towns of Hilo and Kamuela, where his young sons attend school.
