Hawaii Kai Real Estate

Honolulu, HI - Tips for Selling in 2011

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 11:54:56 -0700

Our real estate market will still be a challenge for sellers this year. Hawaii has a large inventory of bank-owned and distressed properties, which will pressure valuations for sellers who just want to sell, rather than have to sell. Oahu is so diverse, that many areas are not affected as much as others, such as Ewa Beach, so local advice and a market analysis by a Realtor experienced in your Oahu community is invaluable.

If you hope to sell this year, you'll need to position your property to be competitive and position yourself to be flexible and negotiable. Besides the normal recommendations of cleaning, decluttering, and staging your home, here are a couple of ideas from Taniya Nayak of "Designed to Sell" as reported by RISMedia.com.

"Q: What do people need to do to sell a home in this market?
A: For starters, you need to figure out what you're overlooking, what I call forgotten fixer-uppers-things you don't notice anymore. Use a digital camera to take photos, upload them on your computer and look at fresh images. You might be pleasantly surprised. You might be horrified. New hardware on cabinets and new faucet fixtures can make a big difference. They're short budget items but have a big impact. And I could talk for hours about paint. There are a million paint colors out there for homeowners to choose from.

"Q: Do you buy the idea that everything has to be painted neutral to sell?
A: Neutrals are good, but neutral doesn't always mean beige. I try to show people how to accessorize in a way that adds life to your space.

"Q: What's your favorite spot in your home?
A: I love every single spot, but my favorite is the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. It's so serene and peaceful. I kept the colors muted to highlight the colors outside, the changing seasons."

Take an unbiased tour of your home and try to see it through a buyer's eyes. As Ms. Nayak said, use a camera which will pick out details you miss. Then invite a Realtor to your home, and discuss marketing ideas. The peak selling season will soon be here, so call or email me today to talk about what you can do to sell your Honolulu home this year.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Notes from Hawaii Kai on the Tsunami caused by the recent earthquake in Japan

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 21:05:08 -0800

Many of us in the Islands have friends or relatives in the devasted areas of Japan, and our sincere good thoughts are with them and their families. Here's a little insight into the effect on Hawaii.

After tsunami warnings, and evacuations where necessary in low-lying areas throughout the islands, we were thankfully spared any major damage. Waves tore boats from their moorings and wrecked piers, but the damage was far less than scientists feared. Water swept over the beach in Waikiki and surged over the break wall, but stopped short of the hotels. In Keehi Small Boat Harbor, about 200 boats were damaged or broke free. At Haleiwa Harbor, piers were destroyed but no boats were damaged. Governor Neil Abercrombie said, "All of us had that feeling that Hawaii was just the most blessed place on the face of the Earth today."

A Hawaii disaster official's initial damage estimate for state property was at least $3 million. Damage to private properties is still being assessed. The tsunami hit Hawaii island's Kona Coast the hardest. County civil defense officials counted 18 homes and apartments that were destroyed or suffered major damage. 20 enterprises, from restaurants to resorts, also suffered major damage from flooding.

I live uphill from Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai, and was asleep when the first sirens started about 3 AM. All the schools and Ala Moana and Ward Centers were closed. I didn't notice any damage in Hawaii Kai.

Here are some photos of tsunami movement. I've always been curious how these big waves move across so much ocean, and the images tell the story.

This image provided by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center shows a 'tsunami forecast model' created by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach, Hawaii predicting the wave height of the tsunami generated by the Japanese earthquake on March 11. Hawaii's islands are located at the edge of the yellow pattern. (photo from CSMonitor.com)

(photo from News.Sky.com)

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

the Greening of Oahu

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:38:21 -0800

I now offer a new report on the efforts Hawaii is making toward energy independence. Request a free copy on my web site. Along with this, I've rededicated myself to helping others keep our island paradise clean and green, so will be highlighting green issues as well.

The February issue of Honolulu Magazine includes a special section on the New Hawaii Home, a very exciting project under construction in Kaimuki. This is the combined effort of more than 70 professionals in all the building, supply, and design trades, to create a home which - if managed wisely and well - will run off the electric grid and provide a model to the state and country of sustainable living. Visit the blog of BIAHawaii (Building Industry Assn of Hawaii) for more information, or read my report on the Greening of Oahu.

Here are some conservation tips included in the recent issue of the magazine, which can apply to any area in the country, but specifically to Hawaii living.

1. Save Energy
Open windows and use our trade winds
Replace old light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)
Use cold water whenever possible for your clothes wash
Line dry your clothes
Get a solar hot water heater
Upgrade to EnergyStar appliances
Set your refrigerator temperature to 37-40 degrees and your freezer at zero - Refrigerators use the most electricity after air conditioning and water heating

2. Retrofits that will pay for themselves
Use EnergyStar fans and not the AC
Replace your 10-year or older refrigerator
Install a solar hot water heater (this should be a given in Hawaii)
Switch to CFLs (see above)
Take shorter showers

3. Conserve water
Repair leaky faucets
Use low-flow water fixtures
Water your plants in the morning
Use a flow-restriction nozzle on the hose
Consider a water catchment system
Landscape with local low-maintenance, low-water plants
Buy products with the Water Sense label of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

4. Clean Green
Purchase cleaning products that are Green Seal Certified
Change your air filters regularly (just like your car)

Resources:
Hawaiian Electric Co - www.heco.com
Energy rebates - www.hawaiienergy.com
Federal tax credits - www.dsireusa.org
Green your home - www.greenhomeguide.org
Compost - www.waikikiworm.com
Appliances - www.energystar.gov
Water sense - www.epa.gov/watersense
Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative - www.hawaiicleanenergyinitiative.org

Many thanks to Honolulu Magazine for their excellent information. Let's all work together to make and keep Hawaii Green.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Hawaii Kai Home Search

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:53:22 -0800

I'm pleased to report that I have upgraded the MLS search feature I offer visitors to my web sites. You can now save searches, create searches using many filters, and receive updates by email.

Try out the page on www.BarbarasHawaii.com or the MLS search page on www.MovetoHawaiiKai.com and let me know if it fits your needs. I'd appreciate feedback so I can make the features exactly what you, the visitor to my web site, wants. Aloha,

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Hawaii 2010 Census Data

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:14:29 -0800

According to data released by the 2010 census, Hawaii's population grew about 12.3% to 1,360,301 people in the last decade. The largest jumps were in Maui (20.9%) and Hawaii (24.5%) counties.

In Honolulu County, on Oahu, the Ewa Gentry area saw the largest percentage growth, 359.4%, out of all areas in the state. In 2000 there were 4,939 residents, but by 2010, there were 22,690. Pearl City had 54% growth, to 47,698 people.

Urban Honolulu is the most populous area, with 337,256 people. Oahu tallied 953,207 residents.

It is hard to predict whether any Oahu districts will require changes in voting representation. Despite the large growth on Hawaii (Big Island) and Maui, they are unlikely to see more seats in the state Legislature.

Asians make up the largest ethnic population throughout the state, 38.6% with about 525,100 people. There are roughly 135,400 native Hawaiians in the state, and 336,600 whites. As of 2010, there are 2.6% fewer blacks in Hawaii, down to approximately 21,400.

Hawaii has always been an ethnic melting pot, and reinforces our Aloha spirit. There are very few who don't feel welcome as soon as they arrive. If you are considering relocation, ask for my free relocation package, on my web site, which has just been updated with news on the "greening of Oahu."

(resources for census numbers from StarAdvertiser.com)

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Hawaii State of the State Message

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:43:48 -0800

Our new Governor, Neil Abercrombie, delivered his first Hawaii State of the State address January 24. As reported by the StarAdvertiser.com, he warned "The state is at risk of an economic collapse, called for spending cuts on public workers, welfare and health care for the poor, and new taxes on pensions, alcohol, soda and time shares to balance the budget."

"I will take full responsibility for our current situation, but with that responsibility comes an obligation to tell the truth. The truth is that our canoe, which is our beloved Hawaii, could capsize. We are in that unnerving moment when we could all huli, when we could turn over. All of us are at risk, and all of us have to face this," he said. His new administration will have to rely on emergency monies to get through the fiscal year ending in June. He also projects a two-year budget deficit in excess of $700 million.

Here are highlights of the fiscal measures Abercrombie proposed, as printed by the StarAdvertiser.com:

"» Increase taxes on alcohol and explore taxing soda and similar beverages.
» Repeal the state tax deduction for state taxes.
» Treat pension income the same as other income for state tax purposes.
» End reimbursements in federal Medicare Part B for retired public workers.
» Bring impact fees on time-share properties into alignment with the hotel room tax.
» Cut back on services in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and benefits in Medicaid.
» Reduce public-worker labor costs by 5 percent"

The Governor said two of his key campaign proposals, a new Department of Early Childhood and an independent Hawaii Energy Authority, would have to wait. He will try to create a leadership position in his administration for early childhood, and welcomed proposals for a restructure of the Public Utilities Commission.

He called for all stakeholders to work together: "The challenge before us, then, is not to balance the budget. Our challenge is to ensure that our values and priorities are reflected in the decisions we make and the actions we take. And boy, do I mean what I'm going to say now: The time for debate - debate which merely goes through the motions, or rhetoric for the sake of a safe-harbor political agenda - has expired. Everyone must be prepared to contribute."

Real the entire synopsis on the StarAdvertiser article, and watch their video. Hawaii is not in the minority as a state with fiscal challenges, but that won't make Abercrombie's and the legislature's jobs any easier to balance the needs and priorities of all Hawaiians.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Renting in Paradise - Oahu's Most & Least Expensive Neighborhoods

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:14:01 -0800

A recent blog post on Honolulu Magazine by Jenny Quill reported on Oahu's most expensive and affordable neighborhoods for renters. If you are thinking of moving to Oahu and renting while you learn the different communities, this is a good resource. Quill took numbers from the 2nd half of 2010, which vary by number of bedrooms (and, of course, location). The further from town, the less expensive, generally (one exception would be our North Shore).

Here are her conclusions:

"Two-Bedroom Apartments

Least-Expensive Areas:
Waianae Coast                   $898
Ewa                                         $900
Waipahu                                  $950
Wahiawa                                  $1,025
Kalihi-Palama                           $1,095

Most-Expensive Areas:
Diamond Head                        $3,150
Kahala                                   $2,225
Hawaii Kai-Portlock                  $2,150
St. Louis Heights                     $2,000
Downtown Honolulu                  $1,900

Three-Bedroom Houses

Least-Expensive Areas:
Waianae Coast                          $1,500
Wahiawa                                   $1,600
Nuuanu-Alewa-Kam. Hgts.           $1,600
McCully-Moiliili                           $1,750
Ewa                                          $1,800

Most-Expensive Areas:
Kahala                                      $3,650
Waialae-Kahala to Wailupe         $3,425
Kailua                                       $2,950
St. Louis Heights     $2,648
Manoa-Punahou-University          $2,450"

Thank you Jenny, for this excellent information.

If you think you might rent on Oahu for awhile, remember our market is changing, and prices will only go up. For what you pay in rent, I bet we could find you a single family home or condo to buy, so you could get in while rates are low and there is plenty of inventory. Let's talk about it - call or email me, and request a free copy of my Relocation Package.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Honolulu Rail Moves Forward

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:00:17 -0800

As reported recently by the StarAdvertiser.com, the Honolulu elevated rail project has ben given the federal OK to break ground, as federal officials approved the EIS for Honolulu's mass transit system. This is a real milestone for Honolulu, which has tried for decades to implement rail transit as an alternative to car-based transportation into and out of Honolulu.

"The city expects to break ground on Honolulu's rail system in March, moving ahead with construction of the $5.5 billion transit project after receiving final environmental approval from the Federal Transit Administration." The 20-mile project has met all the requirements of the environmental review process, which has been the main hurdle to beginning work.

The paper article said, "The record of decision[issued by the FTA] states that the project, which would connect East Kapolei with Ala Moana Center, would save residents more than 20 million hours of travel time every year by 2030. The project also would be a boon for the local construction industry, which saw a 6% drop in jobs last year, city officials said.

"'What this project essentially means is one thing: jobs,' said acting mayor and city Managing Director Douglas Chin. 'Once it starts, this project will create thousands of jobs. It will fuel the city and state's economy.' One remaining hurdle is a pending application for a Special Management Area permit, which the City Council will decide on next week. Other permits are required but need only administrative approval from the city Department of Planning and Permitting."

Honolulu must also have a full-funding grant with the FTA by early 2012. This means about $1.5 billion in federal funding, or about 90%. Some advocates worry the Republican-controlled House may block these funds. Read more at the StarAdvertiser.com.

Whether or not you support the rail plan, I think everyone on the island agrees something needs to be done with the car traffic between Honolulu and the 2nd city, Kapolei. Stay tuned for more developments.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Honolulu Forecast to be One of 10 Best US Housing Markets in 2011

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:45:52 -0800

According to Clear capital's U.S. Home Values report released Jan 7, US home prices are forecast to decline 3.7% this year. However, Honolulu is one of the 10 markets scheduled to rise, in fact #3!

10 Markets on The Rise In 2011:

1. Washington, DC: 6.5% price increase
2. Houston, TX: 3.6% price increase
3. Honolulu, HI: 3.4% price increase
4. Memphis, TN: 3.2% price increase
5. Columbus, OH: 2.1% price increase
6. Dallas, TX: 1.4% price increase
7. New York, NY: 1.3% price increase
8. Birmingham, AL: 0.9% price increase
9. Pittsburgh, PA: 0.8% price increase
10. New Orleans, LA: 0.5% price increase

Isn't it time you seriously considered an investment in Honolulu real estate?

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Buying a Home in Hawaii Kai is a Good Long-Term Investment

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:46:41 -0800

Historical data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) (adjusted for inflation by Businessweek.com) show that in 18 of the 25 largest metro areas in the U.S., the value of homes purchased in 1990 had increased by 2010, often by double digits.   For the millions who bought during the boom and now want or need to sell, those numbers don't offer relief. But many more have owned their homes long enough to realize a gain on their asset, just not as much as if they had sold a few years ago.

Homeowners who buy for the long term have historically seen the value of their investment increase over the years. In inflation-adjusted terms, the median U.S. home sale price in the third quarter remains approximately 9.5% higher than in 1990, despite falling 26% from peak levels, according to calculations based on NAR data.

Hawaii Kai has the advantage of enjoying a supply:demand benefit not found in many parts of the country. Not only is housing limited on Oahu, or the Islands in general, because they are islands, but Hawaii Kai is a unique community and cannot be expanded. Plus there is very little undeveloped land left in our part of Oahu.

A post on Finance.Yahoo.com, quoting Lawrence Yun,  NAR's chief economist, explains it this way, "Based on data since 1968, nominal U.S. home prices have risen 5.5% annually and outpaced inflation by about 1-2%. The main reasons housing grew faster than inflation are that more people wanted to buy in places with a finite supply of developable land, which drove up prices, and owners increased the value of their properties through home improvements.

"Home prices followed this pattern through most the 1990s but started shooting up in the early 2000s. Between 2000 and 2006, nominal prices rose 89%, according to data from Moody's Economy.com and Fiserv, a financial service company in Brookfield, Wis.

"Economists from NAR, Fiserv, and Moody's Analytics expect home prices to continue to grow slightly more than inflation in the long term."

NAR estimates that in 2010, 4.8 million homes will be sold in the U.S.-less than the 5.2 million sold in 2000, which is regarded as a "normal" year, says Yun, when the market had not yet overheated.   As the market normalizes, Yun expects sales volume to rise 6% year-on-year in 2011, assuming GDP grows 1.9%, 1.5 million jobs are created (bringing the unemployment rate to about 9.5%), and mortgage rates stay near 5%. Markets with high foreclosure rates, such as Nevada, Arizona, and Florida, will remain volatile.

David Stiff, chief economist at Fiserv, says despite hopes that we can avoid another housing bubble, there likely will be upswings again in the future. "In general, people are optimistic" and get caught up when times are good, he says. "When you see the next cyclical upswing in housing, try not to get carried away."

For details on specific metro area prices, Portland, OR, Baltimore, MD, Denver, CO, Seattle, WA, New York-New Jersey, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Washington, DC, Boston, San Francisco, and Houston read the full article on Finance.Yahoo.com. In every one of these metro areas, housing prices now far exceed those of 1990.

If you would like a detailed analysis of any neighborhood in Hawaii Kai, or community on Oahu, for price trends, just call or email. Our Honolulu Board of Realtors compiles excellent monthly statistics which go back for many years. You will see what a good long-term investment homeownership is in Hawaii Kai.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

2010 Census Results for Hawaii

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:01:11 -0800

Census Bureau data just released shows the population of Hawaii increased 12.3% in the last 10 years to almost 1.4 million residents. Hawaii is now the 40th most populous state, moving up past Maine and New Hampshire. The average national growth rate per state was 9.7%.

Hawaii will still have two representatives in the US House, one for every 683,431 people.

The population grew 1.2% annually the last 10 years, more than the 0.9% of the previous ten years, 1990-2000. The state gained 148,764 residents over the 2000 census. Hawaii is now larger than Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Montana, Delaware, South Dakota, Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, Washington, DC, and Wyoming.

In ranking of population density, Hawaii is 15th, the same as in 2000, with 211.8 people per square mile.

Growth in the population correlates somewhat to growth in the economy, which grew annually 2.3% per year in the past decade, but 4.1% between 2001-2006.

Details on demographics will be released in March, 2011.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Oahu Real Estate Market Report for November and Year-to-Date

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:20:59 -0800

Single Family
Sales

In November, 245 homes sold on Oahu. This compares to 163 in 2008, and 258 in 2009.

Year-to-date, 2,742 homes have closed island-wide. This compares to 2,540 in 2008 and 2,418 in 2009.

Median Sales Price

In November, median price sold was $585,000. This compares to $600,000 in 2008, and $590,000 in 2009.

Year-to-date, median price for sales has been $595,000. This compares to $621,000 in 2008 and $580,000 in 2009.

Days on Market (a good indicator of demand)

In November, average Days on Market was 42. This compares to 57 in 2008 and 44 in 2009.

Year-to-date, average Days on Market has been 34. This compares to 51 in 2008 and 52 in 2009.

Inventory (also a good indicator of demand)

At the end of November, 1,456 homes were listed by our Honolulu Board of Realtors (6.1 months). This compares to 1,574 last year (7.3 months), and 2,371 in 2008 (10.4 months).

Condos
Sales

In November, 303 units sold on Oahu, versus 195 in 2008 and 402 in 2009.

Year-to-date, 3,583 condos have closed, versus 3,826 in 2008 and 3,216 in 2009.

Median Sales Price

In November, median price sold has been $315,000, versus $320,000 in 2008 and $310,500 in 2009.

Year-to-date, median price has been $306,000, versus $325,000 in 2008 and $305,000 in 2009.

Days on Market

In November, average Days on Market was 45, versus 63 in 2008 and 31 in 2009.

Year-to-date, average Days on Market has been 33, versus 43 in 2008 and 50 in 2009.

Inventory

At the end of November, 2,021 condos were listed by our Honolulu Board of Realtors (6.4 months), versus 2,112 last year (7.3 months) and 2,966 in 2008 (8.4 months).

With the exception of inventory and days on market, the numbers don't indicate so much trends as positive responses to market forces, such as the 1st Time Buyer Tax Credit, and low interest rates. If increased demand and decreased supply continue, however, home prices should rise, barring any unforseen dramatic economic reversals in the state or nation.

Contact me if you'd like the complete Honolulu Board of Realtors statistical report, which includes all the areas on Oahu.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

New Hawaii Governor Calls for Unity

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:41:38 -0800

Neil Abercrombie has become Hawaii's 7th governor, and has pledged to restore confidence in state government. Born in Buffalo, NY, the 72-year old has lived in Hawaii 51 years. He has spent 4 decades as a legislator in the state House and Senate, City Council, and US House of Representatives.

Abercrombie, a Democrat, called for a new sense of civic courage and a public conscience consistent with the message of Aloha. He said island people understand the importance of lokahi, of working together. "Our first job is to accelerate the economic recovery, restoration of good jobs -- create good jobs, capitalize on new opportunities. Work smarter. Work in partnership to optimize our results. Our driving message will be, 'Make it happen.' And make it happen by working together. Our actions will speak for themselves."

Shortly after the inauguration, at his first news conference, Abercrombie announced he was releasing $67 million from the state's hurricane relief fund to cover the cost of ending teacher furloughs on classroom instruction days, and $23.7 million from the state's rainy day fund for social-service programs. The monies had been approved by the Legislature last session.

Brian Schatz, 38, a former Democratic Party of Hawaii chairman and Makiki state lawmaker, took the oath as lieutenant governor. He challenged people to resist the partisan extremes that have defined politics on the mainland and to move beyond the divisions of the November elections.

According to the StarAdvertiser.com, "The ceremony had a comfortable, unpolished feel that matched Abercrombie's unconventional style. He flashed shakas to the crowd, spoke for an uncharacteristically brief 9 1/2 minutes, and appeared to improvise instead of sticking only to prepared remarks."

Schatz echoed what we are all feeling when he said, "Everybody who cares about Hawaii -- Republicans, Democrats, independents, people who voted for us and maybe especially people who didn't -- needs to hear this: The election is over, and the time to solve problems is now."

(photo courtesy of Hawaii247.com)

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Aging in Hawaii, or Graying in Paradise

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 12:24:31 -0800

The StarAdvertiser.com has published an excellent series on the "Graying of the Hawaii." If you have elder loved ones here or are thinking of retiring in the Islands, you will appreciate their in-depth reporting. Links to each article are listed below, with highlights.

1. Graying of Hawaii: (Michael Tsai) For baby boomers, the spectrum of changes they have shaped and witnessed will be widely eclipsed by the ones still to come.

"The largest-ever generation of Americans begins an adventure of unimaginable proportion and consequence: old age. The change is perhaps the biggest yet for a generation used to major cultural, technological and political shifts. The generation that defined youth culture in America faces an uncertain future as it reaches a very different sort of seniority than its predecessors. From now until the last of the baby boomers reaches age 65 in 2030, the U.S. senior population is expected to increase from 12 percent to 19 percent of the total U.S. population, thereby increasing the burden on a smaller population of working-age Gen-Xers and Millennials (those born between 1981 and 2006) to bear the cost of caring for aging boomers who may no longer be contributing to the tax base.

"The shift in Hawaii could be even more onerous as the local senior population balloons from 15% of all state residents this year to 23% in 2030, according to the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. The breadth of concern overlaps nearly every aspect of civic and personal life. [For instance,] How will Hawaii's public spaces have to adjust to meet the changing needs -- longer traffic lights, larger street signs, wider sidewalks -- of its older folks? And where will the money come from? How will Hawaii families absorb the financial and personal responsibilities of caring for the longest-living seniors in the nation?

"In comparison with boomers on the mainland, local boomers are likely to live longer, have more formal education, have fewer children, have higher incidences of divorce and remarriage, and have a higher median family income."

2. Boomers to Remain Politcally Powerful : (Michael Tsai) Next year, when boomers start turning 65, younger taxpayers and lawmakers will confront the fallout of an historic shift in population demographics.

"The community [Hawaii] will certainly 'need' skilled baby boomer workers to continue working, at least for a decade or so, to minimize the expected experience gap in key industries and to soften the blow to Hawaii's tax base. To be sure, the government will find a way to 'feed' the thousands of boomers who rely heavily on entitlement programs to make ends meet in Hawaii. But it is no sure thing that other needs or wants of the senior population -- universal long-term care, assisted-living facilities, upgrades to infrastructure -- can or will be satisfied. 'This is likely an issue -- the conflict between young and old for diminishing resources,' said Jim Dator, a University of Hawaii professor of political science and director of the Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies.

"According to AARP, people age 50 and older already constitute the largest voting population in Hawaii and across the country. AARP claims a membership of nearly 150,000 members in Hawaii, and a July poll indicated that 98 percent of respondents intended to vote this year (95 percent said they voted in 2008). In that survey, respondents identified the economy (27 percent), health care (24 percent) and retirement (13 percent) as their top priorities. Education ranked fourth at 11.5 percent.

"AARP Hawaii director Barbara Kim Stanton said boomers are already a uniquely potent political force in Hawaii. They take a pragmatic, community-minded approach to political issues. Those with ample financial resources will be able to determine their own destiny, while those who do not (the majority, according to U.S. Census data) will face difficult choices in how and where they will be able to live."

3. Taking care of Seniors is not easy, but help is available: Susan Essoyan

4. All in the Family - Culture and cost place Senior Care on offspring's shoulders: Susan Essoyan

5. Uncertain Path Leads to Golden Years - Hawaii faces challenges in living up to promises made for workers' retirements: Alan Yonan, Jr.

6. Older Workers' Qualities can be a Win-Win Situation: Alan Yonan, Jr.

7. State did not Plan Ahead for Workers' Retirement: Kristen Consillio

8. Aging Population Amplifies Health Care Shortages: Kristen Consillio

9. Services Move to Technology, Team Care: Kristen Consillio

"Hawaii's health care industry is preparing for a major overhaul with advances in technology, as well as an older population with more chronic conditions associated with aging. Redesigning the health care delivery system is a national movement based on a concept known as 'patient centered medical home,' which refers to a team-based model led by a personal physician who coordinates the care to improve results and reduce costs.

"The University of Hawaii has a pilot project under way at the Hawaii Island Family Health Center on the Big Island, training pharmacists, nurses and doctors to care for patients in this coordinated team approach. 'It's going to be real different,' said Tina Shelton, spokeswoman for the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. 'Multidisciplinary training is at the forefront of health care now.' In recent years, it has become mandatory that UH medical school students be trained in geriatric problems so health professionals across the board will be able to identify age-related illnesses."

Hawaii is not unusual in facing the challenges of an aging population, although a large percentage of those will be expecting state retirement benefits. The next years will require innovation, cooperation, and understanding by all demographic segments to face and deal humanely with the Graying of the nation and of Hawaii. My thanks to the StarAdvertiser for an excellent presentation of this issue.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/

Honolulu, HI Demographics

Barbara Abe (East Oahu Realty) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:26:30 -0800

Recently I finished work on a new web site for folks looking for information on Honolulu real estate, http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/ (I hope you take a look). While researching photos and trying to condense the information into a "brief introduction" on the major city of Oahu, I was impressed, as always, with the diversity found on our island. There are so many choices in housing, recreation, scenery, education - really all facets of our lifestyle - and our population reflects these complementary options which make up Hawaii.

As reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, here are some interesting facts on Honolulu County.

Population estimate, 2009 - 907,574
Under 5 years, 2009 - 6.9%
Under 18 years, 2009 - 22.2%
65 years and over, 2009 - 14.9%
Female, 2009 - 49.4%
White, 2009 - 26.6%
Black, 2009 - 4.2%
Asian, 2009 - 43.9%
Hispanic or Latino, 2009 - 8.1%
White, not Hispanic, 2009 - 21.4%
Pacific Islander, 2009 - 8.5% (includes Native Hawaiian)
Persons reporting 2 or more races, 2009 - 16.2%
Foreign-born persons, 2000 - 19.2%
Language other than English spoken at home, 2000 - 28.9%
High school graduates, % of persons 25+, 2000 - 84.8%

Housing units, 2009 - 337,991
Homeownership rate, 2000 - 54.6%
Housing in multi-unit structures, 2000 - 45.0%

Private nonfarm businesses, 2007 - 22,279
Private nonfarm employment, 2007 - 358,309
Private nonfarm employment, % change 2000-2007 - 13.4%
Asian-owned firms, 2002 - 55.3%
Pacific Islander owned firms, 2002 - 7.9%
Women-owned firms, 2002 - 29.9%

Honolulu County land area - 599.77 square miles
Persons per square mile, 2000 - 1,460.3

Obviously most of this data is years old, but does show the ethnic diversity of our county, and indeed, of the state. You are welcome here - that is Aloha. Come as you are.

Our real estate prices are slowing starting to rise. If you have wanted to buy a home in Hawaii, call or email me now to get started.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://barbaraabe.gmragent.com/
http://barbarashawaii.blogspot.com/