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October in Kailua-Kona is unmistakably Ironman season. Our hometown transforms as over 2,000 athletes from around the world arrive to challenge themselves in one of the most intense endurance races on Earth. Watching these athletes pour everything into their swim, bike, and run against Kona’s dramatic backdrop is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Course: Kona’s […]
Aloha! The Ironman World Championship kicks off tomorrow! Having lived in Kona for 24 years, I never get tired of this event—it’s incredible every single time. Sure, traffic jams come with it, but the energy and excitement are worth it, don’t you think? It’s “WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP” My second daughter will be volunteering for the first […]
As we approach the 2024 presidential election, it’s natural for uncertainty to affect market behaviors, especially in real estate. Historical patterns show that elections can cause buyers and sellers to hesitate, but the real estate market often recovers once leadership and policy directions are clarified. Market Hesitancy During Election Years Many buyers and sellers take […]
Seattle-based Alaska Airlines completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024, following scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Hawaiian will continue to operate under its iconic branding and uniforms, reflecting the local culture. Although it’s still early, this strategic move could lead to smoother travel experiences both between the islands and across […]
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) introduced the Clear Cooperation Policy to foster transparency in real estate transactions in 2019. The policy requires agents to submit listings to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) within one business day of any public marketing. While the policy aims to ensure open access to property listings, many in the […]
Understanding the Hawaii Condo Insurance Crisis In recent months, condo projects in Hawaii have faced skyrocketing insurance premiums, with some seeing increases of up to 400%. These hikes can lead to special assessments and significant increases in monthly maintenance fees for condo owners, as master insurance typically makes up about 30% of the budget. The […]
The Hawaiian islands are known for their unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and the spirit of Aloha. This spirit has a new symbol recently recognized officially: the Shaka gesture. This simple hand signal, made by extending the thumb and pinky finger while curling the other three fingers, has long been a quintessential part of […]
On March 15, 2024, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reached a settlement agreement with plaintiffs that could potentially end ongoing litigation regarding broker commissions. The $418M antitrust settlement took effect on August 17, 2024, and the final approval hearing is scheduled for November 26, 2024. It’s important to note that consumers will continue to […]
Recently, Governor Josh Green signed SB2919 into law, a significant move that impacts how vacation rentals are regulated across the state. What is SB2919? SB2919 is a new law that gives individual counties in Hawaii the authority to regulate vacation rentals. This means each county can now create and enforce its own rules and regulations […]
Bon Dance (Odori) is a traditional dance that honors ancestors and is cherished as a regional summer festival across Japan. Its origins lie in Buddhism, but today, it continues as an important cultural event that transcends religious boundaries and brings communities together. Bon Dance is typically held at temples, but this year’s Bon Dance Season […]
